Video Game Series That Need a Comeback in 2026: Advent Rising and Uncharted
- Game: Advent Rising / Uncharted
- Developer: GlyphX Games / Naughty Dog
- Advent Rising Metacritic: 70
- Uncharted 4 Metascore: 93
The conversation surrounding a potential video game series comeback by Adam Braunstein, published May 2026, highlights the ongoing industry trend of revisiting dormant intellectual properties. As players look for the best dormant video game franchises to revive, titles like Advent Rising and the Uncharted series consistently appear in discussions regarding the state of modern gaming. This report examines the history of these titles and their current status within the industry as of mid-2026.
Why Advent Rising Remains a Point of Interest for Industry Observers
Advent Rising, developed by GlyphX Games and published by Ziggurat Interactive, was released on August 8, 2005, for PC and Xbox. The title was positioned as a significant sci-fi adventure, featuring a narrative centered on the protagonist Gideon and his encounter with extraterrestrial life. Despite holding a Metacritic score of 70, the game is frequently discussed in retrospectives due to its ambitious scope and the unresolved nature of its conclusion.
When analyzing why the Advent Rising franchise stopped, industry analysts often point to the competitive market of the mid-2000s. The game was marketed with high expectations, intended to compete with major platform-exclusive shooters of the era. Its failure to secure a sequel left a narrative cliffhanger that has persisted in gaming discourse for over two decades. In our coverage at In Game News, we have noted that the game's original design goals—combining cinematic storytelling with action mechanics—preceded the widespread adoption of similar structures in later sci-fi RPGs.
Technical Ambitions of the 2005 Release
At the time of its launch, Advent Rising utilized visual fidelity that challenged the hardware constraints of the original Xbox. The developers aimed for a scale that bridged the gap between space opera and character-driven action. While the final product received a mixed critical reception, the mechanics and the world-building elements established a foundation that many players believe could be modernized for current hardware like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
The Status of the Uncharted Franchise in 2026
The Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, represents a different trajectory for dormant franchises. Following the release of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End in 2016, which holds a Metascore of 93, the series effectively concluded the primary narrative arc of Nathan Drake. As of May 2026, the status of the franchise remains a subject of inquiry for fans of the third-person action-adventure genre.
The Uncharted series is defined by its cinematic presentation, high-production value, and integration of platforming with third-person shooting mechanics. Unlike Advent Rising, which left its story incomplete, Uncharted reached a definitive resolution. However, the commercial success and critical acclaim of the series mean that questions regarding its future are common. For more on the evolution of this series, see our Naughty Dog coverage.
Comparing Dormant Franchises and Market Demand
The following table outlines the key differences between these two franchises in terms of their market history and current standing.
| Game Title | Primary Developer | Release Year | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advent Rising | GlyphX Games | 2005 | Dormant / Cliffhanger |
| Uncharted 4 | Naughty Dog | 2016 | Concluded / Dormant |
Evaluating the Potential for Franchise Revivals
The industry in 2026 continues to see a high volume of remasters and spiritual successors. When considering the best dormant video game franchises to revive, publishers often weigh the cost of development against the existing brand recognition. For Advent Rising, the challenge lies in the lack of a modern audience familiar with the original 2005 release. For Uncharted, the challenge is maintaining the narrative integrity established by the previous entries.
Industry experts observe that the desire for a comeback often stems from a specific type of gameplay experience that is no longer represented in the current meta. Advent Rising offered a specific blend of sci-fi action that felt unique to its time, while Uncharted set a standard for narrative-driven action-adventure games on PlayStation hardware. Both represent distinct categories of dormant series that continue to influence how developers approach new projects today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a new Advent Rising game?
As of May 2026, there are no official announcements regarding a new entry in the Advent Rising franchise.
Is a new Uncharted game in development 2026?
Naughty Dog has not confirmed a new Uncharted title in development as of May 2026, following the conclusion of Nathan Drake's story in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End.
What are the best dormant video game franchises to revive?
Franchises like Advent Rising, which ended on a cliffhanger, are frequently cited by players as top candidates for revival due to their unique narrative potential.