Pragmata

Capcom

It’s a great year for original IPs, even just four months into 2026, between megahit Crimson Desert, roguelike Mewgenics, and now, Pragmata. The Capcom game was just released this week, and achieved solid critic scores, ranging from an 86-88 on Metacritic for its various platforms. But on Steam? It’s a different story.

We are past “solid” scores here, as Pragmata currently has a 97% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam from thousands of players. Without even looking, it’s obviously the highest rating for any game this year on that platform. Checking back in 2025, infinite GOTY winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (which literally just won a BAFTA last night) has a 96%, so you can see the caliber we’re talking about here.

What’s Pragmata all about? Here’s the synopsis:

“Pragmata is a unique, sci-fi action-adventure game from Capcom. Follow Hugh, a member of an ill-fated investigation team, and Diana, a young android, as they navigate a lunar facility taken over by rogue AI in search of a way to Earth.”

While it’s true that Pragmata features a somewhat frequently-used father/daughter dynamic, it does so in a unique way that has enraptured fans and already made the game not just a hit among players, but initial sales seem like they’re going to be very solid in the context of a new IP of this scale. Pragmata has broken 60,000 concurrent players on Steam, excellent for a new single-player IP like this (Crimson Desert blasted beyond that, but it’s a higher-profile title). Pragmata is setting new records as I write this now that we’re in the weekend, and it’s not clear what it might peak at by Sunday. Clearly, this is a game where word-of-mouth is spreading quickly.

Here’s what some critics are saying about the game:

• The Gamer (9/10): “It’s got big ambitions, a big heart, and two big and beautiful characters leading the charge on an intergalactic adventure like no other. Cheese and cliché aside, Pragmata is a rare triumph.”
• Gamespot (9/10): “This all led to a thrilling conclusion that tested my skills, stirred my heart, and left me wanting more. Pragmata offers a robust post-game with plenty to do, but I hope that's not the last I see of Hugh and Diana. This combination of sharp combat mechanics, rich strategic depth, and lovely storytelling doesn't come along often. Pragmata shouldn't be missed.”

As for me? I’m drowning in other games between Crimson Desert’s ultra-endgame, checking on Marathon as part of my Bungie beat, and being in the middle of reviewing Diablo 4’s Lord of Hatred expansion for next week. But after all this is done, yes, Pragmata is absolutely next on my list, as clearly it’s not something to be missed. It probably should be on deck for you, as well, if you’re not playing already.

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Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.