A Cult Classic Game Is Returning In 2026, And You Should All Play It

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2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for games – there are so many coming out that it feels impossible to play them all, even with a lifetime to try! That’s just how the gaming world is now, with big-budget games offering huge amounts of content and tons of smaller, independent games competing for attention. Even if only GTA 6 comes out as expected, it would likely keep players busy for a very long time.

It’s going to be tough to add new games to the already packed 2026 schedule, but if I could suggest one, it would be the return of a hidden gem: Poker Night at the Inventory. This cult classic has been remastered after years of being unavailable. While it originally gained a dedicated following, it never quite broke into the mainstream. Now’s the perfect chance for everyone to discover its fantastic writing, enjoy some low-pressure poker, and spend time with its memorable characters.

Poker Night At The Inventory Is Returning After 7 Years

For those unfamiliar, Poker Night at the Inventory was a game created by Telltale Games that brought together characters from their various titles, along with guests like the Heavy from Team Fortress 2. The game explored what happens when video game characters relax and hang out instead of fighting or solving puzzles, and it was surprisingly captivating. It felt comfortable, brought back fond memories, and was genuinely funny. Poker Night at the Inventory remains one of the best examples of a game that truly makes you feel like you’re spending time with virtual friends, which is why I enjoyed it so much, even if that sounds a little silly.

It’s been a while since fans could play Poker Night at the Inventory and its sequel (which famously featured GLaDOS from Portal dealing cards). After Telltale Games closed, the game disappeared from stores in 2019, leaving seven years where new players couldn’t experience its uniquely funny and strange character interactions. Luckily, Skunkape Games – the team that remastered Sam and Max in 2020 – is bringing Poker Night at the Inventory back! This time, it’s not just for PC; it’s also coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

It’s hard to put into words how great Poker Night at the Inventory is. While it’s not always ranked among Telltale’s best, I think it’s a truly special and memorable game that everyone should play. If you’re a fan of any of the guest characters, you’ll especially enjoy it.

The game features voice acting from the original actors of each character, except for Tycho, who is voiced for the first time. The characters are brought to life with lots of dialogue and unique personality traits, making them feel realistic. The original creators even reviewed the dialogue to ensure it matched their established personalities. While they’re not as complex as real people, they make engaging companions during poker games, offering interesting conversation. Even if you’re unfamiliar with characters like the Heavy, don’t worry! Poker Night at the Inventory is a funny and entertaining poker game that provides hours of enjoyment.

Poker Night At The Inventory Is Worth Playing In 2026

Poker Night at the Inventory isn’t just a fun tribute to video game characters – it’s a surprisingly good poker game. You can even win items for Team Fortress 2 if you want! The computer opponents were already pretty good at poker, and the remaster promises to make them even better. Because the stakes were low, you could play more freely and take risks without worrying about losing anything. Of course, you still needed to use strategy and skill, read your opponents, and watch for tells to gain an edge.

The game’s surprisingly deep character interactions created a really relaxed and welcoming feel, something you didn’t usually find in single-player poker games. What Poker Night at the Inventory really offers, even if you’re not familiar with the characters, is a fun experience. I didn’t know who Sam and Max or Strong Bad were when I first played, and that didn’t matter at all. It’s a lot like going to a Magic: The Gathering night – you join a group of strangers, play a few games, and maybe even make some new friends. Poker Night at the Inventory almost wants you to be a newcomer and become part of the group.

It’s unusual to turn a naturally social activity into a solitary one, but Telltale Games pulls it off in Poker Night at the Inventory. Surprisingly, the game wouldn’t be nearly as good if you could play with others – the charm comes from interacting with the video game characters themselves.

As someone who experiences social anxiety, I found Poker Night at the Inventory surprisingly enjoyable. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a relaxed poker game, or who’s always wanted to play with others but felt hesitant. While it doesn’t have the same level of polish as games like GTA or Crimson Desert, I think it’s worth adding to your list. The weekly games with the characters are a lot of fun – you can just sit back, relax, play some cards, and enjoy the witty conversations with these well-developed digital friends.

Are you planning to play Poker Night at the Inventory? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-18 19:11