The landscape of PC gaming is in a perpetual state of evolution, with market analysis indicating a projected global PC gaming market valuation of approximately $36.9 billion in 2020. This substantial growth is largely fueled by a steady stream of innovative and captivating new titles, making the task of identifying truly exceptional releases a significant undertaking for players. The accompanying video delves into some of the most highly anticipated and well-received additions to the PC gaming library from September and October 2020. However, the depth and breadth of these new PC games 2020 extend far beyond a simple list, encompassing a diverse array of genres, groundbreaking mechanics, and evolving industry trends that warrant a closer examination.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of New PC Games 2020
The year 2020 was a notable period for PC gaming, not only due to technological advancements in hardware, such as the anticipation surrounding new RTX GPUs, but also because of the sheer volume and quality of game releases. The pursuit of the best PC games 2020 often leads enthusiasts through a labyrinth of new IPs, ambitious sequels, and meticulously crafted remakes. This period, in particular, showcased several distinct trends that shaped player experiences and developer strategies.
One prominent aspect of this era was the noticeable trend towards high-fidelity remakes and remasters. This approach is exemplified by titles such as Mafia Definitive Edition and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2. These projects are not merely graphical upgrades; they often involve significant rebuilding from the ground up, incorporating modern gameplay mechanics, expanded narratives, and enhanced audio experiences. The appeal of revisiting cherished classics with contemporary polish is clearly understood by the gaming community, as evidenced by the positive reception of these titles. Conversely, the market also saw the rise of ambitious new entries in long-standing franchises, like Serious Sam 4 and Baldur’s Gate 3, which aimed to innovate while staying true to their foundational elements.
Key Innovations and Genre Diversity Among Top PC Games 2020
The top PC games 2020 released during this two-month window presented a rich tapestry of genres and gameplay styles, each pushing boundaries in its own right.
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Rogue-like Evolution: Spelunky 2 and Hades
The rogue-like genre experienced a resurgence, with Spelunky 2 building upon its predecessor’s highly praised, challenge-based, and procedurally generated gameplay. Its expanded world, increased complexity in levels, and introduction of new features like mounts and base camps were well-received. Similarly, Hades, from Supergiant Games, reimagined Greek mythology within a fast-paced hack-and-slash framework. This title masterfully blended progressive storytelling with repeated runs, allowing players to consistently grow stronger and unravel a compelling narrative, a feat often considered challenging for the genre. The distinct cartoonized art style and integrated character renders during dialogue significantly contributed to its unique identity. -
The Enduring Appeal of FPS: Serious Sam 4
The first-person shooter genre was represented by Serious Sam 4, which was a highly anticipated sequel. Developed by Croteam, this installment maintained the franchise’s signature chaotic action, allowing players to engage thousands of alien invaders with a crazy arsenal of weapons. The inclusion of four-player co-op further enhanced the experience, providing a truly epic scale of combat against Mentor’s hordes. -
Open-World RPGs and Cross-Platform Integration: Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact made a significant impact as a free-to-play, cross-platform action RPG. Its expansive open-world map, Teyvat, is interactable through swimming, gliding, and climbing, offering diverse points of interest. The game’s elemental combat system, diverse roster of 24 playable characters, and support for up to four-player multiplayer across Windows, PS4, Android, and iOS devices showcased a forward-thinking approach to accessibility and community building. Its success, particularly for a Chinese studio (miHoYo), underscored the growing global influence of Eastern game development and the viability of the gacha monetization model when implemented alongside a high-quality core game. -
Immersive Simulations and VR: Star Wars Squadrons and Phasmophobia
Star Wars Squadrons offered a focused space combat simulation, placing players directly into intense 5v5 dogfights. Its full virtual reality (VR) support was a game-changer, allowing for an unparalleled level of immersion in the cockpit of iconic starfighters like X-Wings and TIE Fighters. Similarly, Phasmophobia, a psychological horror title, leveraged VR to amplify its chilling atmosphere. This four-player online co-op experience tasked players with gathering evidence of paranormal activity using high-tech ghost-hunting equipment such as EMF readers, spirit boxes, and night vision cameras. The game’s immersive sound design, coupled with its VR compatibility, transformed a simple concept into a profoundly terrifying and engaging cooperative experience, showcasing the power of VR beyond mere visual spectacle. -
The Revival of Classics: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 and Mafia Definitive Edition
For many gamers, particularly those who grew up in the 90s, the return of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 was a nostalgic highlight. This remake meticulously recreated the classic levels and tricks with enhanced graphics and a modern soundtrack, albeit with the caveat of being an Epic Games Store exclusive on PC. Concurrently, Mafia Definitive Edition saw the original critically acclaimed open-world title remade from the ground up, allowing a new generation of players to experience the rise of Tommy Angelo through 1930s pre-war America with an expanded story and superior visuals. These remakes demonstrate a strong understanding of fan sentiment and a commitment to preserving gaming history with contemporary polish. -
Annual Sports Titles and Their Evolution: FIFA 21
FIFA 21, as an annual installment in one of the world’s largest sports franchises, introduced new features that aimed to refresh the experience. With over 700 teams across 90+ stadiums and 30 leagues, the game continued its dominance in the football simulation space. Notable additions included the Volta Football mode, focusing on street football, and enhancements to popular modes like Ultimate Team and Career Mode. While often perceived as incremental, these yearly updates are crucial for maintaining player engagement and driving the substantial revenue generated by such titles, often through extensive microtransactions within modes like Ultimate Team. -
Deep RPGs and D&D Legacy: Baldur’s Gate 3
Perhaps one of the most anticipated PC game releases 2020 was Baldur’s Gate 3, from Larian Studios, known for Divinity: Original Sin 2. This title marked a return to the Forgotten Realms, meticulously adapting the D&D 5th Edition rule set into a modern action RPG. Players were given extensive character creation options, choosing from a large pool of Dungeons and Dragons races and classes. The game’s focus on choice-driven narrative, tactical turn-based combat, and the option for solo or up to four-player co-op made it a significant release for fans of deep, narrative-rich role-playing games. The intriguing premise of a protagonist slowly transforming into a monster, with powers increasing at a significant personal cost, added layers of moral complexity to the gameplay.
The Impact of Platform Exclusivity and Community
The discussion of new PC games 2020 cannot be complete without addressing the growing fragmentation of storefronts. Titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 being exclusive to the Epic Games Launcher highlighted the ongoing “store wars” between digital distribution platforms. While this strategy aims to drive competition, it often necessitates that PC gamers manage multiple launchers, which can be a point of contention for some. Despite these challenges, the gaming community remains a powerful force, with titles like Phasmophobia becoming viral successes through word-of-mouth and streamer engagement, fostering vibrant online co-op communities.
The varied offerings from September and October 2020 underscore a dynamic period for PC gaming. Developers continue to innovate across established genres while simultaneously breathing new life into beloved franchises. The integration of advanced technologies like VR, the evolution of free-to-play models, and the consistent demand for engaging multiplayer experiences indicate a robust and forward-moving industry. The exploration of these best new PC games 2020 demonstrates the rich diversity available to players, ensuring that the next big adventure is always just around the corner.
