Between touchscreens, reimagined grip layouts, and patent filings that hint at how Sony might be thinking about the future, the question now isn’t just “Will this happen?” but “Should it?”

Every year sees hyped releases — some earn their buzz, others don’t. But 2026 is shaping up differently: a mix of long-awaited sequels, reboots with real promise, and fresh takes on classic franchises.

The bigger takeaway isn’t just that Dispatch got censored — it’s that players, developers, and platform holders still don’t have a shared language about choice versus control in gaming experiences.

Environmental design is strong. Locations feel grounded in Middle-earth’s darker corners, not its heroic landmarks. The tone is grimy, narrow, and oppressive—exactly where Gollum belongs.