Recent updates from Screen Rant featured on Steam outline several major franchise expansions heading to players. Among the highlights, the Lord of the Rings franchise officially returns in September 2026, bringing new releases for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's world.
Alongside Tolkien's universe, Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere has received multiple surprise releases. The universe, best known for The Stormlight Archive and the Mistborn saga, continues its multi-media expansion spanning novels and other projects throughout 2026.
Players tracking open-world exploration titles will also find fresh comparisons, with recent coverage highlighting five games offering even more vast exploration mechanics than Crimson Desert. These updates point to a busy period for franchise enthusiasts across multiple fantasy properties.