Summary
In today’s world of nonstop coverage, leaks, and online retailers accidentally dropping preorder links, surprises have become increasingly rare. What’s even more challenging is keeping a video game’s multi-year development under wraps from eager gamers. Now imagine not only keeping a game secret but also releasing it the same day it’s announced. It’s a bold move.
Usually, games spend months,if not years, building hype with trailers, press releases, magazine features, and anything else that can create buzz.Cyberpunk 2077was released eight years after it was announced! But not these games. This list celebrates the best surprise-launch titles that skipped the wait and were immediately available the second players became aware of their existence.
One of the first to do it,Entwinedwas announced and dropped at the same time during (arguably the last truly great)E3 in 2014at the PlayStation Press Conference. Competing with the likes ofBloodborne,No Man’s Sky,The Last of Us,andUncharted 4, Entwinedstill managed to shock attendees with the news that this rhythm game was available on the PlayStation Store as soon as the presentation concluded.
However, once the dust settled and the hype wore off, players had mixed feelings about the game. It wasn’t all bad, as many critics praised it for its artistic direction, relaxing atmosphere, and unique dual-stick gameplay.
In 2023, Microsoft released its answer to Nintendo Direct and Sony’s State of Play in the form of the Xbox Developer Direct. These livestream events aim to better connect with fans showcasing upcoming first-party content and special third-party titles.
In 2025, alongside the announcement ofNinja Gaiden 4, Xbox shadow-droppedNinja Gaiden 2 Black.This surprise remaster of the2008 Xbox 360 classicwas a great moment for fans of the long-dormant series. It was also a clever marketing tactic, as it effectively satiates players while they wait for the launch of the newer, more tantalizing fourth installment in theNinja Gaidenseries.
While there were always rumblings of aFalloutgame for iOS behind the scenes, it didn’t become a reality untilFallout Shelterwas announced and released during Bethesda’s E3 2015.
The game became an instant smash hit,generating $5.1 million for Bethesda in its first two weeks— an impressive feat for a free-to-play construction and management simulator that initially received lackluster reviews. The game was even shadow-droppedagainin 2018 on the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch platforms during E3 2018.
During the 2019 Nintendo Direct, Switch fans received a quadruple dose of Kirby withSuper Kirby Clash. Thisfree-to-startspin-off game was announced and released on the same day, which is why it’s on this list.
There’s a lot to unpack with this game. It’s actually a sequel toTeam Kirby Clash Deluxe, which itself is an expanded version of a minigame fromKirby: Planet RobobotcalledTeam Kirby Clash—not to even get into the fact that it uses the same engine asKirby Star Allies.Nonetheless, the game received somewhat favorable reviews and satisfied the hunger of Kirby fans around the world.
EA wanted a piece of that sweet shadow-drop pie and made it happen withUnravel Two, the delightful sequel to 2016’sUnravel. Developed by Swedish company Coldwood Interactive, thepuzzle-platformerand family-friendly co-op (now that’s a lot of hyphens) surprised fans with a simultaneous announcement and release at E3 2018.
The game improved upon everything its predecessor set out to do. Charming art direction? Check. Inventive puzzle design? You bet! Improved platforming? Stop asking questions and go play the game already!
It’s a bold choice to release an unannounced game on April Fool’s Day, and it’s an even bolder choice to release a parody game calledThe Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. But that’s exactly what Sega’s social media team did.
This incredibly endearing visual novel is a point-and-click adventure clearly inspired by theAce Attorneyseries and Victorian murder mystery parties. What’s even funnier is that a game that started as a loving prank became one of themost highly praisedSonic the Hedgehoggames. Bravo to Sega’s marketing department!
At first, fans were baffled by this decision, but they soon warmed to the game’s unique charms. Even the man behind the original, Alexey Pajitnov, sang its praise, saying, “I love the game. That’s one of thebest games of Tetrisof the last year. I really like what was done.”
Tango Gameworks, the developer ofHi-Fi Rush, intended to surprise fans at the 2023 Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct with a surprise launch of the game. However, pesky leakers took the wind out of their sails by posting the title and logo online the day before.
But for those not terminally online, the game still came as a welcome surprise. Therhythm-based action gamewas brimming with personality and confidence, dazzling players and critics alike. Not to mention, it filled the gap left byJet Set Radio.
Apex Legendsis no doubt one of the most famous surprise drops of all time. The game was announced and released on the same day during the peak of battle royale mania. It became an instant hit for developer Respawn Entertainment, reaching millions of players in the first few days.
Respawn’s director of brand marketing, Arturo Castro, drew inspiration from an unexpected source — Beyoncé. As a brand-new IP, they wanted to create buzz, and what better way to do so than by copying Queen B, who shadow-dropped her self-titled album without warning in the middle of the night to great success.
AfterMetroidfans received the much-needed release ofMetroid Dread, they were treated to the absolute gift that isMetroid Prime Remastered. Although it was an open secret in the industry, no one knew when or in what form the game would be released. Then came the 2023 Nintendo Direct. While some fans were disappointed they didn’t get a port of theMetroid Prime Trilogy, those concerns were quickly put to rest when the game was immediately available on the eShop following its announcement.
Metroid Prime Remasteredis undoubtedly one of the most celebrated remasters of recent years. Just look at its review scores — unsurprising, given that the original game is still considered a masterpiece to this day.
