‘Q1 2016’s superb line-up shows what can be done during the traditionally quiet time of the year.’

UK games retail is hopeful that the Q4 excitement will continue into next year thanks to a ‘superb’ line-up of titles coming to stores in Q1 2016.

The post-Christmas quarter brings with it blockbuster titles such as Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst (pictured), The Division and Street Fighter V. It may also see the release of Dark Souls III, which is currently due out in ‘early 2016′.

It’s reassuring to know that come January the sales aren’t going to suddenly diminish, like most other years, leaving all of retail wishing that Christmas sales would return,” ShopTo’s head of commercial Alison Fraser told MCV.

It’s positive all round to have such an incredible line-up, be it for customers spreading their budgets so as to purchase more titles, or for publishers not to be competing for space in retail in a busy Christmas period, and also for retail who need not be so reliant on Q4.”

The Hut Group’s games boss Mike Fethers added: It’s a superb line-up that shows what can be done during the traditionally quiet time of the year. But I am fearful some of these titles will slip later to more ‘traditional’ release slots.”

Shop Direct’s junior games buyer Jennifer Johnson is enthusiastic about the diversity these represent.

After attending this year’s E3, I came away really excited about the line-up of titles on the horizon,” she said. I’m a big fan of strong female leads in games, so having Lara Croft this year, and the return of Faith in Mirror’s Edge Catalyst in 2016 was amazing. It feels like The Division has been highly anticipated and – with Siege also incoming – I think it’s going to do wonders in fuelling the appetite for more Tom Clancy.”