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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, we check out the biggest video games of 2024 based on the highest average monthly search volume.
The year 2024 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for gamers! With powerhouse studios cranking out sequels, innovative indies taking center stage, and next-gen consoles pushing the boundaries of graphical fidelity, there’s something for everyone on the horizon. But with so many titles vying for our attention, it can be hard to know which games deserve a coveted spot in our ever-growing libraries.
To help you navigate the exciting, yet potentially overwhelming, world of upcoming releases, we’ve delved into the data. Based on the highest average monthly search volume, we’re here to unveil the most anticipated video games of 2024. From long-awaited sequels to fresh new IPs, get ready to embark on a journey through the hottest titles grabbing the attention of gamers worldwide!
To helpus out, experts at Gameyard sent over their analysis of Google search data of 81 of the biggest gaming titles coming in 2024. Over 242 terms were assessed and totalled, revealing a ranking of the top five biggest video games of 2024, based on the highest average monthly search volume.
The Biggest Video Games Of 2024
1. Tekken 8
Release date: 26th January 2024
Tekken 8 explodes onto the scene as the latest entry in the long-running king of fighting game franchises, Tekken. Developed by Bandai Namco and built using Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 promises to push the boundaries of fighting games with stunning visuals and a revamped combat system.
Story of Family Feud: Tekken 8 continues the epic saga of the Mishima bloodline and their world-shattering grudge matches. This latest chapter focuses on the ever-escalating conflict between Jin Kazama and his father, Kazuya Mishima.
Aggression Takes Center Stage: The developers have emphasized a more “aggressive” gameplay style for Tekken 8. Expect a focus on offensive tactics and a faster pace compared to previous entries.
The “Heat” System Heats Up Battles: A brand-new mechanic called the “Heat” system allows characters to access special moves and enhanced abilities when their health falls below a certain threshold. This adds a layer of strategic depth and potentially explosive comebacks to matches.
Iconic Characters Return: Fan favorites like Jin, Kazuya, and King are confirmed to return, alongside a roster of 31 other unique fighters, each with their own distinct fighting style.
Next-Gen Visuals: Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 boasts stunning visuals. Expect highly detailed character models, dynamic environments, and bone-crushing attacks rendered in glorious detail.
2. Skull and Bones
Release date: 16th February 2024
Ahoy, mateys! Calling all pirates and treasure seekers! If the thrill of the high seas and the allure of buried riches call to your adventurous spirit, then set your sights on Skull and Bones, Ubisoft’s action-adventure game that invites you to carve your own path in the golden age of piracy!
Uncharted Waters Await: Skull and Bones takes you on a thrilling journey to the East Africa and Southeast Asia of the late 17th century. This vibrant and dangerous world is teeming with opportunities for plunder and peril. You’ll navigate the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean, facing unpredictable weather patterns, deadly storms, and rival pirates all vying for dominance.
From Rags to Riches: You begin your journey as a lowly outcast, yearning to escape your past and carve your own legend. Through daring raids, cunning trade deals, and strategic alliances, you’ll build your reputation and rise through the ranks of infamy. Gather a crew of loyal cutthroats, upgrade your ship into a formidable vessel, and amass a fortune that would make even the most seasoned buccaneer jealous.
Freedom on the High Seas: Skull and Bones offers a captivating blend of open-world exploration and thrilling naval combat. Chart your own course, seeking hidden coves, uncovering lost treasures, and completing perilous contracts. Whether you prefer to play the stealthy privateer or the swashbuckling pirate lord, the open seas are your playground.
Prepare for Battle: When the hunt for treasure leads to conflict, Skull and Bones unleashes a visceral combat system. Man the cannons, take the helm, and outmaneuver your opponents in epic ship-to-ship battles. Strategize your attacks, exploit enemy weaknesses, and emerge victorious to claim the spoils.
A Shared World: While you can sail the seas solo, Skull and Bones offers a cooperative multiplayer experience. Team up with two friends and take on daring challenges together. Share the loot, coordinate your attacks, and conquer the high seas as a fearsome pirate crew.
3. Nightingale
Release date: 22nd February 2024
Nightingale, the debut title from Inflexion Games, is a captivating blend of genres that promises to transport players to a unique and perilous realm. Developed by former BioWare veterans, Nightingale carves its own path by merging Victorian-inspired gaslight fantasy with the heart-pounding intensity of a survival game.
A World of Arcane Enchantment and Monstrous Peril:
Set in a fictional Victorian era where magic has permeated society for centuries, Nightingale takes place after a catastrophic event severs the network of portals that once linked humanity to fantastical realms known as the Fae. Players find themselves stranded in one such realm, a world teeming with both wonder and danger. Enchanting flora and fauna coexist with ferocious creatures known as the Bound, creating a breathtaking yet unforgiving environment.
Survival with a Splash of Sorcery: Nightingale isn’t just about admiring the scenery. As a lone “Realmwalker,” you’ll need to utilize your resourcefulness and cunning to survive. Gather materials, craft tools and weapons, and build shelters to protect yourself from the elements and the ever-present threat of the Bound. The game offers light RPG elements, allowing you to develop your skillset and potentially unlock arcane abilities to aid your survival.
Unraveling the Mystery: Nightingale isn’t solely focused on base building and monster hunting. The narrative weaves a thread of intrigue, with players tasked with uncovering the secrets behind the portal collapse and potentially finding a way back home. Explore the ruins of forgotten settlements, uncover hidden lore, and piece together the events that led to this fractured world.
A World to Share (or Conquer) Alone: Nightingale offers two distinct experiences. For those seeking a solitary adventure, you can tackle the challenges and explore the world at your own pace. However, the game also supports co-operative gameplay, allowing you to team up with friends and build your own haven together, sharing resources and facing the dangers of the Fae realms as a unit.
Built with Unreal Engine 5: Nightingale utilizes the power of Unreal Engine 5 to bring its fantastical world to life. Lush environments, detailed character models, and dynamic weather systems all contribute to an immersive experience. The early access release has garnered praise for its stunning visuals, hinting at even greater potential as development progresses.
4. Star Wars Outlaws
Release date: 30th August 2024
Calling all nerf herders, smugglers, and scoundrels! Buckle up and prepare for hyperspace jump, because Star Wars Outlaws, the highly anticipated open-world action-adventure from Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, is hurtling towards release on August 30th, 2024!
A Galaxy of Opportunity Awaits: Star Wars Outlaws throws you headfirst into the gritty underbelly of the Star Wars universe, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Here, the iron fist of the Empire still holds its grip, but a spark of rebellion flickers in the hearts of those yearning for freedom. You take on the role of Kay Vess, a daring young smuggler on the rise, navigating a world rife with opportunity and peril.
Live the Outlaw Life: Unlike the squeaky-clean heroes of the Rebellion, Kay Vess operates on the fringes of galactic society. Your objective? To carve your own path in the galaxy, one daring heist and lucrative deal at a time. Complete high-risk missions for shady crime syndicates, steal valuable goods from under the Empire’s nose, and build your reputation as one of the galaxy’s most wanted outlaws. But be warned, the rewards are high, but so are the risks. Double-crosses, bounty hunters, and Imperial patrols all lie in wait, ready to put an end to your dreams of stardom (or infamy, depending on your perspective).
A Universe to Explore: Star Wars Outlaws breaks new ground by offering the first-ever open-world experience within the Star Wars universe. Explore iconic locations like Tatooine and Nar Shaddaa alongside brand new, never-before-seen planets teeming with life, each with its own unique challenges and secrets to uncover. Speed across sprawling landscapes on your trusty speeder bike, navigate bustling city streets, or blast off into the perilous depths of space in your customizable starship, The Trailblazer.
More Than Just Pew-Pew: Star Wars Outlaws offers a diverse gameplay experience. Engage in thrilling third-person shooter combat, utilizing a variety of blasters and gadgets to outwit and overpower your enemies. Feeling stealthy? Opt for a more tactical approach, navigating environments unseen and taking down foes silently. The choice is yours, and your playstyle will determine your success (or spectacular failure) as a galactic outlaw.
A Story of Grit and Redemption: While your primary focus might be lining your pockets with ill-gotten credits, Star Wars Outlaws isn’t just about chasing riches. As Kay Vess, you’ll forge unlikely alliances, encounter unforgettable characters, and uncover a deeper narrative that throws your loyalties into question. Will you remain a rogue on the fringes, or will you find a cause worth fighting for in this galaxy teetering on the brink of rebellion?
5. Ark 2
Release date: Unspecified date in 2024
Get ready to saddle up, dino-tamers and action aficionados! ARK 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular open-world survival game ARK: Survival Evolved, stomps onto the scene in late 2024, promising a thrilling evolution of the dino-filled adventure we know and love. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits:
A New Era Dawns: ARK 2 takes a significant leap forward in the lore, leaving behind the island ARK and thrusting players onto a new, primeval planet teeming with both prehistoric and evolved creatures. Gone are the remnants of crashed arks; instead, humanity finds itself thrust into a fight for survival against a dominant force known as the “ARK.” The reason for humanity’s arrival and the nature of the ARK remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing’s for sure – survival won’t be easy.
A Legendary Partnership: ARK 2 boasts a star-studded cast, with Vin Diesel lending his voice and likeness to a new iconic character, Santiago. A seasoned survivor and protector, Santiago guides his daughter Meeka (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho of Moana fame) through this harsh new world. Players can choose to embody either Santiago or create their own custom character, forging their own path in this unforgiving environment.
Third-Person Action Meets Survival: Unlike its predecessor’s first-person perspective, ARK 2 takes a bold step towards third-person action. This shift allows for a more dynamic and immersive combat experience. Expect a focus on target-locking, dodging, blocking, and executing combos to take down ferocious predators and rival human threats. Crafting remains a core element, but with a focus on primitive weaponry and tools, adding a more primal feel to the survival struggle.
Building a Future, One Tamed Dino at a Time: Taming dinosaurs remains a cornerstone of the ARK experience, but with a twist. ARK 2 introduces a new system called “Primal Companionship,” which allows for a deeper bond between players and their dino companions. This system emphasizes forming a strong connection with your dinos, not just using them as tools. Expect a more emotional connection and a focus on working together to survive the harsh realities of this new world.
A World of Beauty and Brutality: Built with Unreal Engine 5, ARK 2 promises stunning visuals. Lush environments teem with life, while the prehistoric denizens are rendered in breathtaking detail. But don’t be fooled by the beauty – this world is unforgiving. Dynamic weather systems, treacherous terrain, and ferocious predators will constantly test your skills and your will to survive.
Early Access and Beyond: Similar to its predecessor, ARK 2 will launch in Early Access, allowing players to experience the core gameplay loop and provide feedback to the developers as the game continues to evolve. With its new focus on action, a compelling narrative, and a stunning new world to explore, ARK 2 promises to be a worthy successor to the original, offering a fresh take on the dinosaur-filled survival experience.
The UK’s most searched-for video games releasing in 2024
| Ranking | Game | Average monthly search volume |
| 1 | Tekken 8 | 28,975 |
| 2 | Skull and Bones | 22,123 |
| 3 | Nightingale | 20,220 |
| 4 | Star Wars Outlaws | 19,555 |
| 5 | Ark 2 | 17,690 |
As search volumes show the most talked about games releasing in 2024, it will be interesting to see if these titles will live up to the hype and how search trends change throughout the year as embargoes drop and upcoming releases gather momentum.
With GTA 6 set to dominate the gaming landscape in 2025, the field is wide open for a title to steal the attention and adoration of gamers in 2024. As reviews, reactions and sale figures roll in throughout the year, keep an eye out for how many of these games find themselves on ‘best of the year’ lists or even secure a coveted ‘Game of the Year’ nomination.
-A spokesperson from Gameyard
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