10 Game Franchises Releasing Annually That Should Consider a Hiatus

The phenomenon of annual video game releases has become increasingly common in the modern gaming landscape, and it’s often detrimental to both the franchises and the gaming community. These franchises typically require a hiatus to refresh their offerings and address long-standing issues. An exception is the newly revived EA Sports College Football, yet even this title’s recent release has sparked discussions about whether it might benefit from a sabbatical.

While EA Sports holds a notable position, many other franchises are desperately in need of a break. This list covers various franchises, from yearly sports games to prominent series that face the risk of burnout, despite some having already taken breaks without learning from past mistakes.

10 Call of Duty

Black Ops 7: Please Keep Buying Our Game

Despite efforts to rejuvenate the Call of Duty franchise, persistent issues continue to undermine its success. As acknowledged by former developers, the franchise seems to be running low on fresh ideas. Yet, Activision releases a new title each year, following a predictable pattern. The cycle begins with an enticing reveal, steady promotion, and a successful launch, only to culminate in player fatigue shortly after.

While Activision previously experimented with rotating developers to enhance quality, this approach seems neglected in recent installments. Even with the ongoing success of Warzone, the franchise desperately needs a two-year hiatus to recalibrate. Unfortunately, the push to satisfy shareholders makes this unlikely.

9 Assassin’s Creed

Don’t You Dare, Ubisoft

The Assassin’s Creed series notably benefitted from a well-deserved pause, allowing Ubisoft to regroup and innovate. However, there are fears that Ubisoft may not have grasped this lesson. Following back-to-back releases with Mirage in 2023 and the delayed Shadows in 2024, rumors suggest a desire to increase release frequency. The prospect of an Assassin’s Creed title every six months is concerning.

While recent titles like Odyssey and Valhalla have been critically acclaimed, rapid release cycles risk diminishing the quality we’ve come to appreciate. Should Ubisoft’s strategy include more mobile titles or spin-offs, we might witness franchise fatigue firsthand, undermining the legacy of this beloved series.

8 EA Sports FC

Red Card

Transitioning from the FIFA brand, EA Sports has continued to churn out their soccer games annually under the new EA Sports FC label. However, the quality has seen a noticeable decline, with EA admitting to underperformance in sales with titles like EA Sports FC 25.

With the loss of the FIFA license, this should have been a pivotal moment for EA to take a step back and reassess their approach. Instead, they appear to be focusing on quick releases that cater to high-spending players, jeopardizing the integrity of their games.

7 NBA 2K

Flagrant Two

The NBA 2K series, once a flagship of the sports genre, has faltered due to complacency, likely stemming from a lack of substantial competition. Microtransaction dependence has become prevalent, echoing the struggles observed in WWE 2K25. The franchise seems overly focused on generating revenue from a select group of players willing to invest heavily rather than addressing core gameplay issues.

6 Madden

Personal Foul, Roughing The Gamer

The NFL Madden series has become a contentious topic among fans. While a significant transformation is unlikely, it raises the question of whether a year off could allow developers to deliver a genuinely fresh experience. The recent success of EA Sports College Football demonstrates what can happen when time and care are given to game development.

The current state of Madden reflects chronic structural problems that remain prevalent. If EA were to offer a roster update at a reduced price for one year while focusing on a comprehensive overhaul, it might revitalize the franchise.

5 Pokémon

Many fans might argue that the Pokémon franchise doesn’t follow an annual release cycle. However, an examination reveals a game has launched nearly every year since 2016, with the sole exception of 2024, a year likely used to prepare for the anticipated Switch 2. Historically, seven Pokémon games have debuted since 2008, with a staggering 15 out of the last 18 years featuring new releases.

The critical reception of titles like Scarlet and Violet raises concerns about the franchise’s direction. A break is essential for Pokémon to avoid half-hearted releases and ensure that each offering meets the quality standards fans expect. Concerningly, as new projects emerge, the focus on delivering excellent gameplay seems to have diminished.

4 Sonic

Constantly Losing The Plot

A surprising success came from Sonic X Shadow Generations, but this may have arisen from low expectations rather than renewed quality in the franchise. Good Sonic games have been scarce, primarily hinging on fan-driven endeavors like Sonic Mania.

With the upcoming game focused on kart racing, it’s evident that Sonic’s most celebrated moments might lie in the past. A reflection on the current state suggests that the franchise could greatly benefit from a substantial break to reinvigorate its creative spirit.

3 Star Wars

The Force Isn’t Strong With This One

The recent years haven’t been kind to the Star Wars franchise, especially outside of noteworthy projects like Andor. The Sequel Trilogy was largely seen as disappointing, and the latest game releases have also struggled to meet expectations. Standouts such as Star Wars Outlaws failed commercially, while crucial projects, including the KOTOR remake, languish in development uncertainty.

Even with a resurgence in the online multiplayer popularity of Star Wars Battlefront II, it appears that fan desires remain unaddressed. A hiatus may provide the franchise a chance to rediscover its roots and reconnect with what its audience truly wishes to see.

2 LEGO

Brick By Boring Brick

Even though LEGO games are not strictly annual, their consistent production makes it feel as if they are. At Gamescom, another LEGO Batman game was revealed, which didn’t ignite excitement among gamers. Since the inception of the franchise in 2001 with Harry Potter, a staggering 39 LEGO games have been launched, saturating the market.

The reliance on nostalgia, particularly with familiar properties, means that there’s a variety of untapped potential waiting to be explored. Why not delve into options like Superman or Fantastic Four that coincide with related theatrical releases? It may be wise for LEGO to consider a hiatus to avoid fatigue and innovate in more engaging directions.

1 Just Dance

I Never Want To Dance Again

In an era where gaming trends have shifted dramatically, the Just Dance series persists with annual releases. Many may wonder who still purchases these titles, as they seemingly thrived during the height of motion controls but now face dwindling interest.

The latest installment claims to feature popular hits, yet the novelty wears thin. A shift toward downloadable content for new tracks rather than full-price releases could rejuvenate interest while staying relevant. The model used by Rock Band to provide ongoing DLC while enhancing the overall experience may be an effective strategy for Just Dance moving forward.

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