Winter is a perfect time to enjoy video games. The longer nights and colder weather mean people spend less time outdoors as part of their leisure activities. As we spend more time in the warmth of our own homes, indoor pastimes start to take over.
Every year, there are new gaming releases hitting the shelves, while players will also return to their old favourites. Here is a list of the games that are likely to be among the most popular in the winter of 2024.
Hogwarts Legacy
Few titles in the history of gaming could have been more highly anticipated. Lovers of the Harry Potter series can finally indulge their playing passion with Hogwarts Legacy, which promises a fully immersive gaming experience.
Consumers have been made to wait: The game was originally set for release in 2021, but a series of delays ensued. As a result, the clamour for Hogwarts Legacy has increased.
Players begin by designing their bespoke character, who subsequently starts life as a fifth year student at Hogwarts. They become fully immersed in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, which should help provide a welcome escape from those long winter nights.
Casino Games
Online casino titles are also a big part of many gamers’ portfolios. They are quick and easy to play, with instant results each time. It’s also possible to play the majority of these games as a free trial option with no money at stake.
Those that are looking to play casino games in the winter will have no shortage of choice. There are slots, together with classic card and table options such as roulette, poker, blackjack and baccarat.
Most casino operators will also provide bingo, lottery, and a host of titles that are based on popular game shows. In terms of choice and diversity, the schedule of games offered by online casinos will be tough to beat.
EA Sports PGA Tour
Sports games account for a big percentage of the overall video gaming sector. Each year, the most popular releases earn a makeover, and there are many new titles hitting the shelves.
EA Sports are prime movers in this respect, but their collaboration with the PGA Tour is the first for eight years. The Rory McIlroy PGA Tour from 2015 has received a huge upgrade for this year, and it’s set to become one of the most popular video games this winter.
Available on both Playstation and Xbox, EA Sports PGA Tour has great graphics and will cover the most iconic golf courses on the circuit. While there is a choice of other sports games, the ability to transport yourself to a sunny day on the PGA Tour could be a real tonic in winter.
Company of Heroes 3
The first Company of Heroes game was released in 2006. It’s a popular series from the developers at Relic Entertainment, but this is the first update in over a decade.
While a new edition wasn’t exactly overdue, it helps to introduce new features, and CoH 3 has hit the mark. Loyal players can look forward to new gameplay mechanics, including a tactical pause, while improved campaign maps will also help to enhance the experience.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
There will always be room for old favourites in the world of video gaming, and 2023 sees the latest release in the Super Mario franchise. Wonder has been described as a mad ride, and there are many crazy elements to look out for.
In this new release, Mario has the ability to transform into an elephant, while the Wonder Flower has a starring role. Somehow, this game transports us back to the hippy era of the 1960s while maintaining Mario’s contemporary elements.
Marvel Spider-Man 2
From one superhero to another, we continue the roundup with an iconic Marvel character. A new release for 2023 sees Spider-Man as an exclusive game for the PS5, and it’s sure to be a winner over the coming winter.
Pre-orders began in June, while the official release date is set for October. Spider-Man 2 will offer players the chance to feature as both Peter Parker and his heroic alter ego. Beyond that, little is known about the mechanics of the gameplay, but the legendary status of this comic book hero is set to make this one of the best-selling titles of the year.
The end of each calendar year will always bring a host of new gaming titles. Players may sometimes have to wait until the festive season before gaining access to some of the new releases.
That will leave plenty of time to enjoy those games into the New Year and beyond. A host of titles are waiting to keep us entertained, but this is a great selection which will hopefully give you some ideas.