This week unofficially marks the beginning of E3 season in 2021, despite being an entirely digital show, as a ton of gameplay reveals were unveiled this week. Game Rant has compiled some of the biggest gaming news stories from this past week together into a concise post for fans and enthusiasts to stay up to date on the most important events in the industry per week. Highlighting the most relevant stories, this list is not inherently and totally objective, and will not contain every news story this week. Rather, this is intended for gaming fans who want a quick rundown on the largest/most impactful stories that occurred in the last week in games.
In this week’s recap ofgaming news, some of the heavy-hitting upcoming games saw significant gameplay reveals; including the likes ofHorizon Forbidden West,Far Cry 6, as well as the long-awaitedDying Light 2.Sonic the Hedgehogcelebrated the franchise’s 30th anniversary with a ton of game reveals, including the next mainline entry. Similarly,Dragon Questhad its 35th anniversary, teasing several new exciting projects including the next mainline entry in the JRPG series as well. All that and more in this week’s roundup of video game news.
Gameplay Reveal for Horizon Forbidden West
Building off the momentum fromRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart’s State of Play, and upcoming release, another big PlayStation-exclusive is jumping into the spotlight. Guerrilla Games' sequelHorizon Forbidden Westfinally received its first gameplay reveal after being unveiled at the PS5 reveal event last summer. Players finally got an in-depth gameplay reveal of theBreath of the Wild-esque open-world adventure coming to PS5players later this year, though with no official release date yet.
Fans got a preview into some early exploration, combat, and short but sweet narrative moments in the ruins of San Francisco. Among some new features like overhauled melee and human combat, underwater exploration, as well as gliding and zip-lining between certain spots,Horizon Forbidden Westshowed off a ton of new thingson offer in the sequel.
Ubisoft’s Reveal of the World of Yara In Far Cry 6
On the Ubisoft side,Far Cry 6had a similarly much-anticipated gameplay reveal this week. Fans finally got a glimpse at what the Yaran Revolution will be alike, alongside morein-depth moments with protagonist Dani Rojas, as well as the much-hyped villain Anton Castillo. Players will be able to employ multiple guerilla-style tactics through makeshift weapons, mingling with society and soldiers undercover, or under disguise to spring a trap on Castillo’s army.
The game also showed off a few potential animal buddies, like a seemingly ferocious pet alligator and the much-loved and very cute Chorizo, the dog. Among other new features, the game received an official release date of Jun 25, 2025.
Dying Light 2’s Return As “Stay Human”
Speaking of much-anticipated,the delayedDying Light 2resurfaced this week, sporting new gameplay and a revised subtitle of “Stay Human.” Players got a new glimpse into some of the trials and tribulations of the City, and dealing with the infected during the day and at night. The setting looks just as massive, with the new trailer once again showing off the various ways narrative decisions can affect the larger world around them.
Some hints of what the night brings were teased as well, including some new and potentially far more dangerous zombie types. Lastly,Dying Light 2: Stay Humanreceived an official release dateof June 20, 2025, after numerous delays prior.
Game Reveals From Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th Anniversary Stream
After a silent year of content that was postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Sega had several big announcements forthe entireSonic the Hedgehogfranchise’s 30th anniversary. First and foremost, Sega and Sonic Team confirmed a brand newSonic the Hedgehogproject is in development, with a vague release window of 2022. According to a resurfaced leak, the new title is supposedly called “Sonic Rangers,” however this remains unconfirmed officially.
Additionally, a slew of game announcements came throughout the conference:Sonic Colorsisreceiving an updated remaster inSonic Colors: Ultimate,Sonic Originscollects all of the 2D classicSonicgames into one cohesive re-release, as well as new updates toSonic Forces: Speed Battlethroughout the year.
All Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary Reveals
Similar toSonic, theDragon Questfranchise also had a slew of announcements to make for the JRPG franchise’s 35th anniversary. First and foremost, the continuation of the series comes withDragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate, coming at some point in the future. The game appears to take on a darker tone compared to previous entries, and according to series creator Yuji Horii, will also make significant changes to the series' turn-based battle system.
Beyond the next entry, another surprising announcement wasthe “HD-2D” remake ofDragon Quest 3, the graphical design method utilized inOctopath Traveler.Dragon Quest 10is receiving another re-release with an online and offline version in Japan only.Dragon Quest Treasures, aDragon Quest 11prequel following Erik, is a “treasure hunting” RPG with non-traditional elements coming soon. Lastly, a free-to-play,Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi, with a graffiti-themed world infused with the franchise.
Xbox-Bethesda Joint Showcase Confirmed By Microsoft
After a rumor spread expressing the same, Microsoft has confirmed there will bean Xbox-Bethesda joint showcase for E3 this year. Happening on June 13, during the same week as E3 2021, the two companies that usually host separate conferences during E3 will join together this year. Ever since the Microsoft-Bethesda/ZeniMax acquisition was confirmed earlier this year, future Bethesda games and events will be under the Microsoft banner.
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