Gaming's Bold Leap Into Tomorrow
In video games, the future has never looked so unpredictable or so exhilarating. Across decades of releases, developers have imagined what lies ahead. Many games even go beyond showing us high-tech gadgets and interstellar maps to challenge how we think about the unknown. And even though players may not think much of it, one may just find a unique glimpse into tomorrow. In this handpicked selection, we go for the 20 boldest visions of what could be.
Cyberpunk 2077 — Official E3 2018 Trailer by Cyberpunk 2077
1. Cyberpunk 2077
The high-tech dystopia of Night City, where mega-corporations control society and cybernetic enhancements are common, is where the game is set. Players assume the role of a mercenary who’s cybernetically enhanced, and smart weapons in the game can target enemies around corners using predictive tech.
Cyberpunk 2077 — Official E3 2018 Trailer by Cyberpunk 2077
2. Mass Effect 2
In Mass Effect 2, space travel through “mass relays” connects galaxies and drives the overarching narrative of alien conflict and synthetic threats. The game takes you to the 22nd century, and players’ moral decisions have permanent consequences, even affecting entire species.
Mass Effect 2 Legendary Edition Full Walkthrough Gameplay - No Commentary (PS4 Longplay) by Lacry
3. Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved introduced advanced alien tech like plasma weapons, AI partners, and the mysterious Forerunner Halo ringworlds. It’s AI, Cortana, became a cultural icon and even inspired Microsoft’s virtual assistant, and the game takes place in the 26th century.
HALO Gameplay Walkthrough Campaign FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PC ULTRA] - No Commentary by MKIceAndFire
4. Detroit: Become Human
The story of Detroit: Become Human explores themes of artificial consciousness and societal integration of synthetic life. Androids, in 2038, have become integral to society but struggle with sentience and inequality. This game’s branching narrative allows over a thousand variations of the story to unfold.
DETROIT BECOME HUMAN Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - INTRO (PS4 Pro) by theRadBrad
5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Through its narrative and environments, Deus Ex: Human Revolution touches corporate surveillance states and transhumanism. In the game, you can hack everything from security cameras to people's emails. Players can choose to be stealthy, diplomatic, or lethal — all supported by different augmentations.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution Gameplay (PC HD) by deluxe.mp4
6. Titanfall 2
With advanced mobility systems like wall-running and double jumps, this game redefined FPS movement mechanics. BT-7274, your Titan companion, develops a genuine emotional bond with the player. Despite modest sales at launch, it became a cult classic praised for its inventive level design.
TITANFALL 2 Single Player Gameplay by Punish
7. Starfield
Starfield is set in the year 2330, where humans can colonize the Settled Systems across a wide galaxy. It allows travel to over 1,000 unique planets, and you can design and fly your own spacecraft, down to its weapons and crew quarters.
STARFIELD Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - INTRO (FULL GAME) by theRadBrad
8. System Shock (Remake)
Combining sci-fi horror with cyberpunk aesthetics, this game set the standard for immersive sims. SHODAN, the game’s antagonist, is one of gaming’s most iconic AI villains. This evil AI takes control of all systems and lifeforms aboard Citadel Station.
SYSTEM SHOCK REMAKE | Full Game Walkthrough | No Commentary by The Game Archivist
9. Prey (2017)
Futuristic science, alien genetics, and weaponized neuromods come together here. You can turn into a coffee cup to sneak past enemies using the “Mimic Matter” ability, and entire areas can be depressurized, creating zero-gravity combat situations. Its narrative includes a twist about memory and identity.
Prey 2017｜Full Game Playthrough｜4K by DraKulis
10. Horizon Zero Dawn
Protagonist Aloy uses ancient tech to uncover the truth about a self-replicating AI that nearly wiped out humanity. This game, set 1,000 years after modern civilization collapses, features robotic dinosaurs and creatures designed with unique behavior ecosystems.
HORIZON ZERO DAWN Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - Aloy (PS4 Pro) by theRadBrad
11. Control
Inspired by the SCP Foundation, Control features rubber ducks that teleport and clocks that multiply uncontrollably. Players wield a morphing weapon and psychic powers in a constantly shifting brutalist skyscraper. The building, called The Oldest House, rearranges itself and hides extradimensional secrets.
12. The Outer Worlds
Created by Obsidian, known for Fallout: New Vegas, it includes similar deep dialogue systems. The game takes place in a colonized star system where corporate-run planets function under hyper-capitalist rule. It satirizes futuristic politics and unchecked capitalism with humor and dark irony.
The Outer Worlds 2 - Official Gameplay Trailer by Obsidian Entertainment
13. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is set after the fall of humanity’s Golden Age, and features collapsed cities and orbital stations. Guardians wield powerful Light-based abilities to defend Earth from alien empires and ancient threats. In raids, six-player teams solve complex puzzles and defeat godlike bosses.
Destiny 2 (2023) - Gameplay (PC UHD) [4K60FPS] by Throneful
14. Returnal
On the alien planet Atropos, astronaut Selene is trapped in a looping sci-fi nightmare after crash landing. This game combines third-person shooting with a roguelike structure and forces players to restart after every death while gaining fragments of memory. Each run reveals hallucinations and mysterious alien glyphs.
Returnal (PS5) 4K 60FPS HDR + Ray tracing Gameplay by FA GAMEZ
15. No Man’s Sky
Originally launched to controversy, No Man’s Sky transformed into one of the most celebrated redemption arcs in gaming. It emphasizes futuristic space travel, planetary colonization, alien civilizations, and resource mining on a galactic scale. Players can explore over 18 quintillion planets by ship.
No Man's Sky - Longplay Full Game Walkthrough [No Commentary] 4k by Loopy Longplays
16. Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 takes place on multiple alien worlds where advanced weaponry and interstellar corporations dominate. Guns can fire bullets that bounce or grow legs and chase enemies. Ít’s villainous Calypso Twins run a livestream cult, parodying influencer culture in a future dystopia.
BORDERLANDS 3 Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - PROLOGUE (FULL GAME) by theRadBrad
17. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Magic, machine, and time-altering concepts come together here in a narrative about mortality and cycles of violence. The story unites characters from previous games in unexpected, multiversal ways, and Protagonists can “Interlink” into giant combined mecha forms with unique powers.
XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 3 Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Prologue (Full Game) No Commentary by Shirrako
18. Warframe
Warframe has evolved dramatically, adding open-world zones and space combat. It features one of the most fluid parkour systems in gaming and allows wall-running and bullet jumps. Players control biomechanical warriors called Warframes, and each offers unique futuristic powers and movement.
Warframe - Official Cinematic Opening Trailer by GameSpot Trailers
19. Elite Dangerous
Simulating the Milky Way galaxy at a 1:1 scale, Elite Dangerous provides a highly realistic future of space exploration and trade. In the game, you can encounter alien Thargoids or smuggle contraband across space stations. Also, it features advanced ships and galactic economies.
Elite Dangerous Gameplay (PC UHD) [4K60FPS] by Throneful
20. Everspace 2
Here’s a fast-paced space shooter set in a futuristic star system filled with pirates and ancient relics. Developed by a small indie team, it rivals AAA titles in design ambition and polish. You can switch between dozens of weapons and modules mid-battle.
