Since December 11, users of the Epic Games Store can collect Hogwarts Legacy for free, the first game in the annual “mystery games” promotion. This global hit of 2023, offered free for one week, marks the start of a new series of daily gifts. Starting December 18, a new game will be offered every day until the end of the year.
But even before the arrival of the second title, a rumor ignited the networks. A list supposedly from a Chinese social network is circulating online, claiming to reveal in advance all the mystery games offered between now and December 31. And if it turns out to be correct, some names would cause an earthquake in the gaming community.
A credible or totally improbable leak?
The allegedly “leaked” list lines up the following games, day after day, from December 11 to 31: Jurassic World Evolution 2, Desperadoes 3, Total War: Warhammer, Tropic 5, Loop Hero, Terrariaup to highly anticipated titles like Detroit: Become Human, Mortal Kombat 11…and even Red Dead Redemption 2 to close the year.
It’s hard to imagine Rockstar offering this blockbuster for free. However, some recall that GTA 5 had indeed been distributed in 2020 on the same platform. Another suspicious point: several games listed are not currently available on the Epic Games Store, which could completely invalidate the rumor… or announce their imminent arrival as an exclusive.
Glaring inconsistencies in the calendar
Certain elements of the leak raise questions. December 25, a symbolic day, is associated with Order Keena retro game far from being a heavyweight. Hard to believe, when the Epic Games Store has always reserved a big title for this key date. In addition, no games would be scheduled after December 31, unlike previous editions which extended into January. An oversight of the source, or a clue that the list is false?
In the absence of official confirmation, the publisher remains silent. But the history of past years shows that similar leaks have sometimes proven true, in whole or in part. We will therefore have to wait until December 18 to see if the second free game is good Jurassic World Evolution 2. This will be the litmus test to validate or discredit the entire list.
A teasing strategy perfectly honed by Epic
Whether true or false, this leak in spite of itself contributes to the suspense and excitement around “mystery games”. Every year, the mechanics are the same: create anticipation, fuel speculation and encourage users to log in daily. By offering a surprise game every day, the Epic Games Store strengthens engagement and grows its user base.
The success of Hogwarts Legacy in the opening game, the promise of AAA titles, and the carefully maintained suspicions all contribute to making this operation an unmissable end-of-year event.