Keeping track of all the latest video games coming out is an increasingly complex task, what with multiple PC storefronts, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, mobile, and more to keep track of, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. Every month I’ll be running down the games you need to be keeping an eye on, from the big triple-A headliners, to the intriguing indies you might overlook.
As is usually the case, the release calendar thins out in December, but there are still a few last worthwhile 2023 games to come. December sees the release of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader and the full premium release of Disney Dreamlight Valley. On the indie front, players can look forward to SteamWorld Build, A Highland Song, and more.
Note: While I may have played demos or got early access to some of the games recommended in this article, in most cases I’m simply choosing games that look promising, and can’t vouch for the end product. Do wait for reviews before buying!
That said, here are the games you should be looking out for in December…
The Headliners
Disney Dreamlight Valley (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 & Switch, Dec. 5)
Disney Dreamlight Valley has been out in early access for a while, and has been fairly well received by the Mickey fans out there. The game was originally supposed to be released in free-to-play form eventually, but instead is receiving a full traditional launch alongside the new A Rift in Time expansion. If you’re a Disney fanatic there’s a good chance you’ve already been playing this one, but just in case you haven’t, this seems like a good time to jump aboard. You can pre-order Disney Dreamlight Valley here.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (PC, Xbox Series X/S & PS5, Dec. 7)
Ubisoft takes another crack at James Cameron’s blue aliens with Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This time around, The Division developer Massive Entertainment takes the reigns delivering a large open-world game that pushes their Snowdrop Engine to the max. My early hands-on impressions were a bit mixed, but Frontiers of Pandora certainly captures the unique feel of the movies. You can pre-order Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora here.
Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader (PC, Xbox Series X/S & PS5, Dec. 7)
There are many, many, many Warhammer video games out there, and yet, we’ve never really got a Baldur’s Gate-style CRPG set in any of Games Workshop’s universes. That changes with the release of Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader from Owlcat Games, creators of the Pathfinder franchise. As the name implies, the game puts you in charge of a scruffy band of traders looking to make a buck in the grimdark Warhammer universe. You can pre-order Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader here.
Promising Indies
SteamWorld Build (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 & Switch, Dec. 1)
The well-liked SteamWorld series returns with yet another new twist on the formula. SteamWorld Build features the mining and crafting that have always been series staples, but this time around they’re combined with city building and management gameplay. The SteamWorld series hasn’t missed yet, and I don’t think this game will be an exception. Here’s the Steam page for SteamWorld Build.
A Highland Song (PC & Switch, Dec. 5)
At first, A Highland Song seems to be a fairly straightforward entry in the “chill, artistic hiking sim” sub-genre, but there’s a bit more to it than that. In addition to walking the Scottish Highlands, the game also includes rhythm-based platforming segments, survival elements, and a number of interesting stories to uncover. Overall, this one looks like a bonnie good time. Here’s the Steam page for A Highland Song.
Trinity Fusion (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Dec. 15)
Trinity Fusion is a slick 2D roguelite with a visual style and action very reminiscent of the regent Metroid Dread. The game is partially procedurally generated, but works in plenty of handcrafted sections and challenges as well. This one has been in early access and the response has been good, so there’s no reason to refuse this Fusion. Here’s the Steam page for Trinity Fusion.
Full List of Games Worth Watching in December:
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince (Switch, Dec. 1)
- SteamWorld Build (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 & Switch, Dec. 1)
- A Highland Song (PC & Switch, Dec. 5)
- Born of Bread (PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 & Switch, Dec. 5)
- Disney Dreamlight Valley (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 & Switch, Dec. 5)
- While the Iron’s Hot (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Dec. 5)
- Arizona Sunshine 2 (PS VR2, Meta Quest & SteamVR, Dec. 7)
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (PC, Xbox Series X/S & PS5, Dec. 7)
- Hollow Cocoon (PC, Dec. 7)
- Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader (PC, Xbox Series X/S & PS5, Dec. 7)
- Stargate: Timekeepers (PC, Dec. 12)
- Hell Well (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Dec. 13)
- Cookie Cutter (PC, Dec. 14)
- Custom Mech Wars (PC & PS5, Dec. 14)
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising (PC, PS4 & PS5, Dec. 14)
- House Flipper 2 (PC, Dec. 14)
- Asgard’s Wrath 2 (Meta Quest, Dec. 15)
- Trinity Fusion (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Dec. 15)
And those are the games you should be keeping an eye on this coming month. What games are you planning to pick up in December? Did I miss anything you’re looking forward to?
