Best upcoming game releases in India for 2025-26: India’s gaming market is on a historic rise, and the next two years promise to be packed with both global AAA titles and locally made games inspired by Indian culture. From sports sims like Cricket 26 to mythology-driven RPGs like Unleash the Avatar, and from mobile esports hits like BGMI to indie passion projects under Sony’s India Hero Project, the lineup is stronger and more diverse than ever.
Here’s a detailed look at the confirmed and rumoured titles that are generating buzz for 2025–26, across consoles, PC, and mobile.
Global AAA and Sports Titles
Cricket 26
- Developer/Publisher: Big Ant Studios / Nacon
- Release Date: Nov 20 2025
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC (India Edition)
- Why It Matters in India: Cricket remains India’s #1 sports genre. Cricket 26 brings new features like an expanded Ashes Mode and a Management Career Mode (ECB). The India Edition will feature regional commentary and local teams. Pre-orders opened in late 2025.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Developer: Treyarch/Activision
- Release Date: Nov 14 2025
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
- Details: The next entry in the iconic FPS franchise launches worldwide on Nov 14, with open beta access for pre-orders in October 2025 (Activision Support).
Grand Theft Auto VI
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Tentative Release: May 26 2026
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Why Indians Care: Rockstar India has reportedly contributed to development, sparking local hype. GTA6 is expected to be one of the biggest launches of the decade (Gamespot).
Other notable sports and remakes: EA Sports FC 26 and Deus Ex: Remastered (Feb 2026).
Indian Studios and Mythology-Inspired Games
Indian developers are stepping up with games rooted in myth, folklore, and homegrown storytelling.
- Unleash the Avatar (Aeos Games, PC, 2026): A Dark Souls–inspired RPG set in a demon-infested India. A gameplay preview dropped in October 2025 (Outlook India).
- The Age of Bhaarat (Tara Gaming, PC, 2026): An action RPG co-created with author Amish Tripathi. Players fight Rakshasas in an ancient Indian setting (Steam page).
- Mumbai Gullies (GameEon, PC, TBA): An open-world RPG inspired by GTA, set in 1990s Mumbai with Bollywood-style crime drama.
- ILAVATH: Battle Arenas (5th Ocean Studios, PC, TBA): A MOBA-like title based on cosmic wars from Indian epics.
- SURI: The Seventh Note (Tathvamasi Studios, PC, TBA): A rhythm-based 2D Metroidvania infused with temple art and Indian folklore.
- Kurukshetra: Ascension (Studio Sirah, PC, Early Access): A collectable card battler based on the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Indie and Platform-Exclusive Highlights
Sony’s India Hero Project is pushing Indian indie creativity to global consoles.
- Bloody Boots (Weloadin, PS5, TBA): A third-person action-adventure set in a dystopian “Crank Town.” Announced Feb 2025 (Gematsu).
- Lokko (Appy Monkeys, PS5/PC/iOS, TBA): A creative 3D platformer allowing AI-assisted level and character building.
- Fishbowl (imissmyfriends.studio, PC, TBA): A narrative-driven indie about adulthood, family, and connection, showcased at Indie Game Utsav 2025.
Other upcoming indie projects include Meteora: Race Against Space Time and Mukti, further proof of India’s vibrant indie scene.
Mobile & Esports Titles
Mobile remains India’s biggest gaming platform, with esports events pulling millions of viewers.
- FAU-G: Domination (Dot9/Nazara, May 2025, Android/iOS soon): An India-first multiplayer FPS featuring maps set in Indian cities (Moneycontrol).
- Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI, Krafton): Continues to dominate with new tournaments. The BGMI International Cup (Oct–Nov 2025) offered a ₹1 crore prize pool (Esports Advocate).
- Valorant Mobile (Riot Games, 2025–26 expected): Anticipated release in India following closed betas in Asia.
- Garena Free Fire MAX & Mobile Legends: Ongoing updates, esports circuits, and seasonal events keep these titles in the spotlight.
Games to Watch in India (Quick Picks)
- Unleash the Avatar – Soulslike action RPG with Indian myth themes.
- The Age of Bhaarat – Epic RPG rooted in folklore, co-created with Amish Tripathi.
- Mumbai Gullies – A GTA-inspired journey through 1990s Mumbai.
- Cricket 26 – The flagship cricket simulator with an India Edition.
- FAU-G: Domination – India’s high-profile mobile FPS release.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Global blockbuster with strong India following.
- BGMI Esports Circuit – Major tournaments through 2025–26.
- Bloody Boots & Lokko – Sony-backed India Hero Project indie titles.
Final Thoughts
The years 2025 and 2026 will be defining for Indian gamers. With global blockbusters like GTA VI and COD BO7, sports titles like Cricket 26, and a wave of Indian myth-inspired RPGs and indie experiments, players have more to look forward to than ever.
At the same time, the rise of esports and mobile-first shooters shows how central gaming has become in India’s digital culture. Whether you’re a cricket fan, a hardcore FPS competitor, or curious about myth-driven RPGs, the next two years promise something for every type of gamer.