After years of silence, skepticism, and more delays than anyone could count, Pragmata has finally resurfaced—and surprisingly, it might be one of the boldest bets Capcom has made in years.
Once dismissed as vaporware after vanishing post-2020 announcement, Pragmata made a loud comeback at Summer Game Fest 2025.
Initially touted as just another sci-fi action title, it turns out to be a mix of puzzles, precise combat, and dual-character teamwork that breathes new life into a genre filled with the usual fare.
What Is Pragmata Gameplay Like?
The combat doesn’t pause while hacking happens, meaning players are juggling, dodging, aiming, and solving puzzles simultaneously.
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+ 3It’s this multitasking dynamic that has players and critics alike calling Pragmata one of the most innovative games at SGF. At first glance, Pragmata doesn’t seem all that different from the usual third-person shooter formula.
You’ve got Hugh, a spacefarer in a high-tech suit, and Diana, a childlike android who’s much more than just a narrative tagalong. The real twist is how they cooperate since Hugh can’t simply blast through enemies—most have shields that bullets won’t get through.
Diana takes the lead by literally riding on Hugh’s back to attack foes mid-battle. Her puzzles also consist of real-time block mazes that challenge players to think on their feet.
Mechanically, Pragmata stands apart from Capcom’s recent work, drawing parallels to games like The Last of Us or God of War with its intense adult-child relationship; however, it focuses more on gameplay and experimental mechanics than just cinematic storytelling.
What Kind of World Is Pragmata Set In?
Outside of gameplay, the environment itself is rich with a haunting atmosphere, as the empty lunar station feels both cold and authentic, similar to Death Stranding or Dead Space, but without focusing heavily on horror.
click to enlarge+ 3Hugh uses jetpacks and advanced gadgets to navigate vertically and reposition in combat, while Diana’s abilities help bypass locked doors and deactivate security measures.
The tiny details help the experience flow naturally, showing that every tool has more use than just combat. The gameplay loop is similar to The World Ends With You because of its dual-control mechanics.
Some players even consider it Capcom’s spiritual follow-up to Dead Rising, and I get why. The action is chaotic but measured: every battle needs a mix of quick thinking, foresight, and pinpoint skill. That’s probably why so many people at SGF said it was the standout of the event.
Can a Niche Sci-Fi Shooter Really Compete with GTA 6?
Looking at it plainly, challenging GTA in the same space sounds risky, but Capcom isn’t after the same hype or size—it’s bringing what GTA lacks: experimentation.
click to enlarge+ 3With Rockstar’s juggernaut GTA 6 delayed to late 2025 or 2026, Pragmata is now set to launch in the same year. Pragmata goes all in on being weird, risky, and unapologetically itself.
In a year crowded with traditional blockbusters, it might actually stand out more because of that. Sure, it’s still too early to know whether the full game will keep this unique gameplay loop engaging across its full runtime.
The demo showcased a limited number of enemy types and scenarios, so repetition is a valid concern. But Capcom’s recent track record (Dragon’s Dogma 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and even RE4 Remake) suggests they know how to iterate and expand on a good core.
Pragmata doesn’t need to be massive or perfect to win people over. It just needs to stick to its strengths and lean into the creative gamble it already started. If anything, the real takeaway is that Pragmata is a reminder that Capcom still knows how to surprise people.
Whether it ends up a cult classic or a breakout hit, it’s already done enough to earn the label of 2026’s potential dark horse. And in a year where every studio is playing safe, that alone might be enough to rival even Rockstar.
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