Ahead of any formal announcements, here are five original spin-off concepts that would expand familiar game universes by putting supporting characters and overlooked settings in the spotlight.
Sully’s solo adventure — Uncharted
Victor “Sully” Sullivan, Nathan Drake’s mentor and longtime companion, could headline a spin-off that explores his early years as a treasure hunter. Rather than repeating Nathan’s globe-trotting template, a Sully-centered title could emphasize cunning, negotiation and planning—showing how he survives heists and pulls off cons with charm rather than relying on nonstop gunplay.
Game design could tilt toward stealth and puzzle-solving, with missions that range from bustling modern cities to ancient ruins. Narrative opportunities include flashbacks to Sully’s formative exploits and encounters that reveal the origins of his relationships and reputation within the Uncharted world.
Sheikah: Guardian of Hyrule — The Legend of Zelda
A spin-off focused on the Sheikah—whether following a known figure like Impa or a brand-new clan member—could offer a darker, more tactical take on Hyrule. The Sheikah’s loyalty to the royal family and expertise in stealth make them natural protagonists for infiltration-driven gameplay and intricate puzzle design.
Mechanics might combine stealth, timing-based infiltration of enemy fortresses, and complex environmental puzzles, while the story reveals long-hidden Sheikah lore and their connection to Hyrule’s divine forces. A more mature tonal approach could deepen political and cultural tensions in the kingdom, appealing to both long-time fans and new players.
Secrets of the Skies — Bioshock Infinite
Columbia’s floating streets and fraught social order have plenty of untold stories beyond Booker and Elizabeth’s arc. A spin-off could follow a resident drawn into revolutionary movements or an agent tasked with preserving order, offering a ground-level view of the city’s rise and collapse.
Maintaining Bioshock Infinite’s first-person action roots, this project could place heavier emphasis on moral choices that shape both character fate and Columbia’s future. The narrative could dig deeper into the origins of Comstock’s ideology and the city’s racial and social fractures, exposing new layers of Columbia’s fraught history.
A prologue for Yennefer — The Witcher
Yennefer of Vengerberg’s path from obscurity to one of the most powerful sorceresses presents rich material for a story-driven spin-off. A prequel could chart her rise through magical education, court politics and the often brutal power struggles among mages.
The gameplay could center on narrative choices, political maneuvering and magical duels, with emphasis on artifact manipulation, alliances and the moral compromises required to gain influence. Such a title could expand on Yennefer’s ties to the Lodge of Sorceresses and illuminate the personal and ideological conflicts that shaped her before she met Geralt.
Sadie Adler’s journey — Red Dead Redemption II
Sadie Adler’s transformation from grieving widow to hardened gunslinger makes her a compelling lead for a post–Red Dead Redemption II story. A spin-off could follow her years as a bounty hunter, tracking outlaws across a lawless frontier and confronting the moral dilemmas that come with vigilante justice.
Expect a mix of fast-paced shootouts, horseback pursuits, and narrative-driven missions that explore Sadie’s quest for vengeance, survival and identity. An expansive open world with varied side activities and character-driven encounters would let players experience the consequences of life on the edge in a changing West.
