Science fiction is one of the most popular genres in video games alongside fantasy and whatever 'dark and gritty' setting happens to be in vogue at any given moment.
The sci-fi genre comprises a number of subgenres, including cyberpunk and space opera, and spans over a multitude of game types, such as first-person shooters, real-time strategy, RPGs, adventures, and beyond.
Sci-fi in video games is largely inspired by the works of both classic sci-fi authors like Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein, and newer writers including Alastair Reynolds, Dan Simmons and John Scalzi, and of course films like Star Wars and Aliens. Despite being relatively new to the scene, sci-fi in video games now manages to hold its own alongside other mediums thanks to well-written, and inspired releases like Mass Effect and Deus Ex.
Sci-fi games represent a fair chunk of video games right now, and its influence in the mainstream as well as indie are undeniable. From AAA releases like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare to smaller, more niche entries like Transistor, sci-fi is definitely here to stay.
In this video, we take a look at seven of our most anticipated sci-fi releases in 2015/early 2016 (thanks to Quantum Break's recent release date slippage). Feel free to tell us what you think about our choices for most-anticipated sci-fi releases of the year. If you think we missed any titles, tell us in the comments below. And yes, we know we left out Fallout 4—it just hasn't been announced yet.