The Definitive List of All Games Released in 2015

Alright, so 2015 was a pretty big year for video games. Lots of new stuff came out, and some of the old favorites got new installments too. It feels like just yesterday we were all playing these games, and now we’re looking back at what made 2015 special. From big-name titles to smaller indie darlings, there was a lot to get excited about. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see what games really stood out.

Key Takeaways

• The year 2015 saw a significant increase in video game sales globally, reaching $61 billion, with computer and mobile games leading the market.
• Several major new game franchises were introduced in 2015, alongside new installments in many established series like Fallout, The Witcher, and Metal Gear Solid.
• Hardware saw some new additions, including the New Nintendo 3DS, Razer Forge TV, Nvidia Shield TV, and the Steam Controller.
• The gaming industry continued to grow, with a notable increase in jobs and overall contribution to the gross national product in countries like the United States.
• From major action-adventure titles to indie puzzle games, the variety of games released in 2015 catered to a wide range of player preferences across multiple platforms.

Major Releases and Industry Trends of 2015

Overview of the Year’s Gaming Landscape

2015 was a pretty big year for video games. We saw a lot of new titles come out, and the industry itself kept growing. It felt like there was something for everyone, whether you were into big blockbuster games or smaller, indie projects. The overall market saw a nice bump in sales, showing that more people were getting into gaming or spending more on it.

Significant Sales Figures and Market Growth

The numbers from 2015 really tell a story of a healthy and expanding market. Globally, video game sales hit around $61 billion, which was an increase from the year before. A big chunk of that came from computer games and subscription services, but mobile games also saw a good jump in revenue. Even in specific regions like the US and UK, the market showed growth, with software sales doing particularly well. It’s clear that people were buying and playing a lot of games.

Key Hardware Innovations Introduced

While new games were the main event, 2015 also brought some interesting hardware updates. Nintendo released the New Nintendo 3DS, giving fans a more powerful version of their popular handheld. We also saw the arrival of devices like the Razer Forge TV and Nvidia Shield TV, aiming to bring PC gaming to the living room. Plus, Valve made moves with the Steam Controller, Steam Link, and Steam Machines, trying to push their PC gaming platform further into the mainstream. Even virtual reality took a step forward with the Samsung Gear VR.

The gaming industry in 2015 was marked by a strong performance across various platforms and a notable increase in overall market value, indicating sustained consumer interest and investment in interactive entertainment.

Notable New Franchises and Series Expansions

Introduction of Groundbreaking New Titles

2015 was a year that really shook things up, introducing a bunch of new game worlds that players quickly fell in love with. We saw the debut of titles that would go on to become major players in the industry. Think about games like Bloodborne, which brought a fresh, gothic take on the action RPG genre with its challenging combat and intricate world design. Then there was Splatoon, Nintendo’s colorful take on the shooter genre, which proved that shooters didn’t always have to be about gritty realism. It was all about ink, style, and team-based fun.

Other notable newcomers included:

• Life Is Strange: This narrative-driven adventure game captured attention with its emotional story and time-manipulation mechanics.
• Rocket League: A surprisingly addictive game that combined soccer with rocket-powered cars, becoming a massive hit.
• Undertale: An indie darling that offered a unique RPG experience with its memorable characters and a story that reacted to player choices.
• Until Dawn: This cinematic survival horror game put players in control of a group of teenagers, making them face terrifying choices.

These new IPs didn’t just appear out of nowhere; they represented a willingness from developers and publishers to take risks and explore fresh ideas, which is always exciting for gamers.

Continued Evolution of Established Series

It wasn’t just about new beginnings, though. Many long-running series also saw significant new installments in 2015, showing that familiar franchises could still innovate and surprise players. The Fallout series, for example, made a huge splash with Fallout 4, bringing its post-apocalyptic open world to even greater heights with enhanced crafting and exploration. Similarly, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was a massive critical and commercial success, praised for its vast open world, compelling story, and deep character development.

Here’s a look at some of the series that got new entries:

• Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain: This entry offered incredible freedom in its open-world stealth gameplay.
• Mortal Kombat X: It brought a new level of brutality and character customization to the classic fighting series.
• Halo 5: Guardians: Introduced new gameplay mechanics and a more expansive story for the iconic sci-fi shooter.
• Batman: Arkham Knight: Provided a dramatic conclusion to the Arkham series with its open-world Gotham City and the introduction of the Batmobile.

Notable Series with New Installments

Beyond the biggest names, 2015 was packed with sequels and new chapters for a wide variety of franchises. Whether you were into strategy, racing, or role-playing, there was likely something new for you. The Assassin’s Creed series continued its historical journey with Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, taking players to Victorian London. Racing fans got their fix with Forza Motorsport 6 and Need for Speed, both offering distinct driving experiences.

Some other series that saw new releases included:

• Star Wars: Battlefront: A highly anticipated return that focused on large-scale multiplayer battles.
• Guitar Hero Live and Rock Band 4: These music rhythm games made a comeback, updating the genre for a new generation.
• Just Cause 3: Continued the series’ tradition of over-the-top action and explosive destruction.
• Resident Evil: While not a main numbered entry, the series saw releases like Resident Evil: Revelations 2, keeping fans engaged with its survival horror roots.

January’s Gaming Releases

The year 2015 kicked off with a solid lineup of games across various platforms, setting a strong tone for the months ahead. From major remasters to intriguing new adventures, January offered something for nearly every type of gamer.

Early Year Highlights on PlayStation Platforms

PlayStation owners had a good start to the year. The PlayStation 3 and Vita saw the release of Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition on January 6th, bringing a classic first-person shooter experience to modern consoles. The Vita also received Woah Dave!, a charming platformer, on the same day. Mid-month, the Vita continued to be a hub for RPG fans with the release of Atelier Ayesha Plus: The Alchemist of Dusk and Brandish: The Dark Revenant, the latter also appearing on PSP. Racing fans got a dose of the Vita with Joe Danger 2: The Movie. The PlayStation 4 wasn’t left out, with Ironclad Tactics and Splice arriving on January 20th, alongside the highly anticipated Resident Evil HD Remaster and the Saints Row IV: Re-Elected and Saints Row: Gat out of Hell releases. The PS4 also saw Fat Princess Adventures and Final Fantasy VII (a PSone Classic port) arrive on December 5th and 7th respectively, though these technically landed just before the new year, they were significant for early 2015 players.

PC and Cross-Platform Releases in January

PC gamers had a robust selection, with many titles also making their way to other platforms. January 7th saw the release of Warhammer Quest on Windows, Mac, and Linux, offering a digital take on the classic adventure board game. The PC also received Tengami, an adventure puzzle game, on January 15th. A significant release for PC, PlayStation 3, 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One was Resident Evil HD Remaster on January 20th, a much-needed update to a survival horror classic. The Saints Row franchise also saw new life with Saints Row: Gat out of Hell and Saints Row IV: Re-Elected hitting PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One on the same day. The PC platform also got HuniePop, a unique tile-matching and dating sim, on January 19th, and Grey Goo, a real-time strategy game, on January 23rd. The month concluded with several cross-platform titles, including the survival horror/action-adventure Dying Light on January 27th for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and the graphic adventure Grim Fandango: Remastered for PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, and PSVita. The month also saw Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered arrive on PC, Mac, Linux, and iOS on January 29th, alongside Gunman Clive 2 on 3DS and Heroes of Might and Magic III: HD Edition on PC, iOS, and Android. Finally, the year’s first major episodic release, Life Is Strange: Episode 1 – Chrysalis, launched on January 30th for PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Mobile and Niche Platform Offerings

Mobile gamers saw a few interesting titles in January. WWE Immortals, a fighting game, launched on iOS and Android on January 15th. The mobile space also received The Witcher: Battle Arena, a multiplayer online battle arena game, on January 22nd. The Ouya, a niche console, received Miracle Fly, a puzzle-platformer with action-adventure elements, on January 8th. The Nintendo 3DS also got some attention with Citizens of Earth on January 20th, which was also available on PC, PS4, and PSVita, and Gunman Clive 2 on January 29th. The PlayStation Vita continued to be a strong platform for niche releases, with Woah Dave!, Atelier Ayesha Plus, Brandish: The Dark Revenant, and Joe Danger 2: The Movie all launching in the first half of the month. The month wrapped up with Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation and Nihilumbra arriving on the Vita on January 27th.

January 2015 demonstrated a clear trend of remasters and re-releases alongside new episodic content, providing a mix of nostalgia and fresh experiences for players.

February’s Diverse Game Offerings

February 2015 kept things interesting with a mix of genres hitting various platforms. We saw some big names and some smaller, but no less important, titles make their debut. It was a month that really showed how much variety was available to players, whether they were on consoles, PC, or even their phones.

Survival Horror and Action-Adventure Debuts

This month brought some notable entries into the survival horror and action-adventure spaces. Dying Light arrived on Windows, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One, offering a first-person perspective with a focus on parkour and zombie survival. It was a pretty intense experience, blending combat with a strong emphasis on getting around the environment quickly. Then there was Evolve, a unique take on the multiplayer shooter genre, also launching for Windows, PS4, and Xbox One. This game pitted a team of four hunters against a single, powerful monster that grew stronger as the match went on. It really made you think about teamwork and strategy.

Strategy and Role-Playing Games

For those who prefer a more strategic or story-driven experience, February had some good options too. Pillars of Eternity came out for PC, Mac, and Linux, bringing back that classic isometric RPG feel that many fans missed. It was a deep game with a lot of lore and character building. On the PlayStation Vita, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation offered a Japanese role-playing experience, while Criminal Girls: Invitation Only also landed on the Vita, presenting a different kind of RPG with a unique theme.

Platformer and Fighting Game Releases

Platforming fans had a few things to look forward to. Apotheon released for Windows, Mac, Linux, and PS4, presenting a striking hand-drawn art style and a Metroidvania-like structure. It was a challenging game that rewarded exploration. On the fighting game front, Dead or Alive 5 Last Round made its way to PC, continuing the series’ tradition of fast-paced combat. The PlayStation 4 also saw the release of Ultra Street Fighter IV, bringing a beloved fighting game to the new console generation.

March’s Notable Game Releases

March 2015 brought a solid mix of action, strategy, and some really interesting indie titles. It felt like a month where established series got some new life breathed into them, and some fresh ideas started to take hold.

Major Action and Role-Playing Titles

This month saw some big names drop. Assassin’s Creed Rogue finally made its way to PC, letting more players explore its take on the pirate-themed era of the franchise. Then there was DmC: Definitive Edition on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, giving Dante’s stylish reboot a second chance on current-gen consoles. For RPG fans, Dragon Ball XenoVerse offered a new way to interact with the Dragon Ball universe, letting players create their own characters and jump into iconic battles.

Racing and Simulation Games

If you were looking for speed, Forza Horizon 2 Presents Fast & Furious hit Xbox 360 and Xbox One, tying into the movie franchise. On the PC side, Cities: Skylines launched, quickly becoming a favorite for city-building simulation fans who wanted a more in-depth experience than what was previously available.

Indie Gems and Niche Genres

March also had some standout indie releases. Ori and the Blind Forest arrived on Xbox One and PC, wowing players with its beautiful art style and tight platforming gameplay. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number continued its streak of intense, top-down action on PC and PlayStation platforms. And for those who like a good challenge, Axiom Verge launched on PS4, offering a deep Metroidvania experience that felt both familiar and new.

It’s always exciting when a month has a good balance of big-budget games and smaller, more experimental titles. March 2015 really delivered on that front, giving players a lot of variety to choose from.

April’s Gaming Landscape

April 2015 brought a solid mix of titles across various platforms, continuing the year’s momentum. We saw some interesting genre entries and expansions on existing popular games. It was a month that offered something for many different types of players, from action fans to those who prefer a good puzzle.

Key Releases Across Multiple Platforms

Several games made their debut or received significant updates, appearing on more than one system. This cross-platform availability meant that more players could get their hands on the latest experiences. For instance, titles like Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin arrived on PC, offering a refined version of the challenging action RPG. Meanwhile, the Xbox One saw the release of Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, a remake that brought a classic cinematic platformer to a new generation of consoles. It’s always good when games can reach a wider audience, and April certainly had its share of those.

New Entries in Popular Genres

This month also saw new additions to established genres. The puzzle genre got a boost with the release of Box Boy! on the Nintendo 3DS, a charming and clever title that tested players’ spatial reasoning. For those who enjoy a good strategy game, War for the Overworld launched on PC, Mac, and Linux, putting players in the role of a dungeon manager. It’s these kinds of games that really show the breadth of what the gaming industry was producing.

The trend of remasters and enhanced editions continued, giving older games a new lease on life with updated graphics and features. This approach often appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Adventure and Puzzle Game Highlights

Adventure and puzzle games had a strong showing. DuckTales Remastered made its way to mobile platforms, letting players relive the classic platforming adventure on the go. On the PlayStation 4, Axiom Verge launched, a highly anticipated Metroidvania-style game that quickly garnered praise for its retro aesthetic and deep gameplay. These titles provided engaging experiences that focused on exploration and problem-solving, proving that narrative and clever mechanics are still very much in demand. It’s worth noting how many of these games were available on services like Steam, which has become a major hub for PC gaming, much like the Bullring Shopping Centre is for retail in Birmingham [436a].

Here’s a quick look at some notable releases:

• Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PC): An enhanced version of the acclaimed action RPG.
• Box Boy! (3DS): A minimalist puzzle-platformer with a unique mechanic.
• Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty (Xbox One): A visually updated remake of a beloved platformer.
• Axiom Verge (PS4): A critically praised Metroidvania title with a retro feel.
• War for the Overworld (PC, Mac, Linux): A real-time strategy game focused on dungeon management.

May’s Significant Game Releases

May brought a solid lineup of games across various platforms, catering to different tastes. We saw some highly anticipated action-adventure titles, new entries in strategy and role-playing genres, and additions to the platformer and sports categories.

Highly Anticipated Action-Adventure Titles

This month saw the release of several games that had players eager for more. God of War III Remastered arrived on PlayStation 4, offering a visually updated version of the classic hack-and-slash adventure. The Prototype Biohazard Bundle also made its debut on PS4 and Xbox One, combining two action-adventure titles for fans of the series. Additionally, The Fall launched on PS4, providing an action-adventure platformer experience.

Role-Playing and Strategy Game Releases

For those who enjoy deep narratives and strategic gameplay, May had some notable releases. Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess came to PlayStation platforms, blending action and strategy elements. Hatoful Boyfriend found its way to PS4 and PS Vita, offering a unique dating sim experience. PC gamers also saw Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords become available on Mac and Linux, continuing the saga for role-playing fans.

Platformer and Sports Game Additions

May also included some fun platforming and sports titles. Rory McIlroy PGA Tour hit PS4 and Xbox One, bringing golf simulation to players. The vibrant world of Splatoon launched on Wii U, introducing a fresh take on the third-person shooter genre with a focus on ink-based combat and territory control. It was a good month for variety, with something for most players.

June’s Gaming Releases

Major Releases on Console and PC

June 2015 wrapped up the first half of the year with a bang, bringing a mix of highly anticipated sequels and new adventures to players across major platforms. The month saw the launch of Batman: Arkham Knight on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, concluding Rocksteady’s acclaimed series with a dark and atmospheric journey through Gotham. PC gamers also got their hands on several key titles, including the PC version of Magicka 2, offering more chaotic magical mayhem. For those looking for family-friendly fun, Lego Jurassic World arrived, letting players relive iconic moments from the film franchise. The fighting game community saw the release of Ultra Street Fighter IV on PS4, bringing the definitive version of the popular fighter to the console.

Indie and Niche Genre Highlights

Beyond the big-name releases, June also provided a solid lineup for those seeking out unique experiences or diving into specific genres. The survival genre got a boost with Don’t Starve: Giant Edition making its way to the Wii U. PC players had a variety of options, from the top-down shooter Hatred to the turn-based strategy of Massive Chalice. Mobile gamers weren’t left out either, with titles like Lara Croft: Relic Run, an action-adventure endless runner, and Hitman: Sniper, a focused shooting gallery experience, hitting app stores. The adventure genre was represented by games like Her Story, a unique FMV mystery, and The Talos Principle on Android, a thought-provoking puzzle game.

Continued Support for Existing Titles

While new games often steal the spotlight, June also saw continued support and expansion for existing franchises. Payday 2: Crimewave Edition launched for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, bringing the cooperative heist experience to a new generation of consoles. The episodic adventure series Tales From The Borderlands continued its story with the release of Episode 3, keeping fans engaged with its witty writing and character-driven narrative. Additionally, Fallout Shelter, the popular mobile management sim, surprised many by releasing on iOS, offering a new way to engage with the beloved post-apocalyptic world. This ongoing support demonstrates the industry’s commitment to providing fresh content for established games throughout the year.

Looking Back at 2015’s Gaming Landscape

As we wrap up our look at the games that came out in 2015, it’s clear it was a busy year for gamers. We saw big series continue with new installments, like Fallout 4 and Metal Gear Solid V, and exciting new ideas emerge with titles such as Bloodborne and Undertale. The industry itself saw growth, with sales figures showing a healthy increase from the previous year. From major console releases to smaller indie hits, 2015 offered a wide variety of experiences across many platforms. It’s a good reminder of how much the gaming world changes and grows each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were some of the biggest games that came out in 2015?

2015 was a huge year for gaming! Some of the most talked-about games included “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain,” “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Bloodborne,” and “Fallout 4.” Many sports games like “Madden NFL 16” and “NBA 2K16” also made a big splash.

Did any new game series start in 2015?

Yes, absolutely! 2015 introduced some exciting new game worlds and characters. Games like “Bloodborne,” “Rocket League,” “Splatoon,” and “Undertale” were all brand new and quickly became popular.

Were there any new gaming hardware released in 2015?

The gaming hardware scene saw some interesting additions. The “New Nintendo 3DS” came out, offering an updated version of Nintendo’s popular handheld. Other devices like the “Razer Forge TV,” “Nvidia Shield TV,” and the “Steam Controller” and “Steam Link” also became available.

How did the video game industry do in terms of money in 2015?

The video game industry had a really strong year financially. Worldwide, sales reached about $61 billion, which was an increase from the year before. A big chunk of that came from computer games and mobile games.

Were there any notable game developers or figures who passed away in 2015?

Sadly, 2015 saw the loss of some important people in the gaming world. Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo, passed away, which was a big loss for the company and fans. Voice actor Christopher Lee, who worked on game tie-ins, also passed away.

What kind of games were popular in the early months of 2015?

The year kicked off with a mix of genres. In January, we saw releases like “Resident Evil HD Remaster” for survival horror fans and “Saints Row: Gat out of Hell” for action lovers. PC gamers also got titles like “Dying Light” and “Grim Fandango Remastered.”