April Fools’ Day has become a hallmark of creative mischief in the gaming industry. Year after year, developers and publishers deliver pranks that intrigue, excite, or outright fool their audiences. The 2026 slate of jokes was no exception, with Square Enix, CD Projekt Red, and Capcom leading the charge with clever announcements that left fans amused—and maybe even a little hopeful for some to become reality. Here’s a look at the top three April Fools’ pranks in gaming this year.

Square Enix Flirts With Hope

Square Enix played with fans' emotions by releasing cryptic new artwork that appeared to tease something significant. While the exact nature of the artwork remains unspecified, fans immediately speculated about a possible new installment in one of their favorite franchises. Despite everyone understanding it was April 1 and thus likely a joke, some fans couldn't help but hope that this might be part of a more serious announcement roadmap.

The prank highlights Square Enix's ability to leverage the deep emotional investment of its community. Online discourse blew up with theories ranging from the obvious to the far-fetched, proving that even a wink from the company can send ripples through the fanbase. Was this a harmless joke, or perhaps a test balloon gauging public interest? Whatever the intent, Square Enix knew exactly how to capture its audience's imagination.

CD Projekt Red’s ‘Project Roach’ DLC

CD Projekt Red moved from emotional manipulation to outright absurdity with the announcement of the "Project Roach DLC." The name implies the focus would be on Geralt's steadfast (and frequently clumsy) horse, Roach, long a favorite of The Witcher fans. With a thumbnail that could almost pass as legitimate promotional material, some fans, at least for a moment, entertained the thought that this DLC could provide a bridge between The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the highly anticipated The Witcher 4.

The studio’s joke landed perfectly because it tapped into real desires among players. A narrative connection between major entries in The Witcher series is something fans would welcome, so CD Projekt Red proved it knows its audience—and its humor. Project Roach, with all its tongue-in-cheek absurdity, subtly reminds gamers that CD Projekt Red still likes to have fun.

Capcom Connects Pragmata to Mega Man

Finally, Capcom took things in an unusual direction by leaning into fan theories surrounding their long-delayed sci-fi title Pragmata. The trailer showed the game's protagonist, Hugh, wearing a high-tech suit strikingly similar to the iconic armor of Mega Man. Social media lit up, with fans half-laughing, half-pleading for Capcom to turn this into an actual in-game skin.

This prank worked on multiple levels. It gave fans another dose of Pragmata content—the game, originally announced years ago, has seen sparse updates—and it catered directly to the nostalgia of Capcom's long-time Mega Man fans. While the prank was meant to be a joke, the overwhelmingly positive response may have given Capcom something to think about. Judging by the reactions, many wouldn’t mind seeing Mega Man-inspired cosmetics in Pragmata, if not a deeper narrative connection.

Why These Pranks Worked

What these pranks did so effectively was blur the line between humor and genuine fan service. Square Enix knew its fan base well enough to craft art that caused a flurry of speculation. CD Projekt Red jokingly fed its fans’ craving for more Witcher content while showcasing its dry wit. Capcom tapped into both contemporary and nostalgic fandoms by teasing a connection between its modern sci-fi storyline and one of its oldest, most beloved franchises.

Each prank also highlighted a different side of the gaming industry—Square Enix tugged at its fans' optimism, CD Projekt Red showcased its ability to surprise, and Capcom married creativity with clever fan engagement. None of these announcements felt mean-spirited or dishonest; instead, they celebrated the playful energy of April Fools’ Day.

What Was Missing This Year?

While these three pranks stood out, April Fools’ Day in gaming felt somewhat quieter than in previous years. Major platforms like Sony and Microsoft were notably absent from the prank race, choosing not to release large-scale jokes or teasers. Similarly, some ongoing franchises that have been staples of April Fools’ humor in the past—such as Overwatch or Fortnite—opted for a more subdued approach.

In some ways, this restraint worked to highlight the creativity and effort behind big-budget pranks like those from Square Enix, CD Projekt Red, and Capcom. However, a broader variety of high-profile jokes might have made the day even more memorable.

The Takeaway

April Fools’ pranks in gaming aren’t merely about laughs—they’re a form of engagement that taps into fan sentiment in unique ways. Whether it’s igniting hope for a beloved franchise, teasing an absurd-yet-fun scenario, or drawing on nostalgia to excite long-time players, these pranks succeed when they resonate with the audience’s desires. The 2026 roundup shows that while fewer companies are leaning into April Fools’ humor, those that do so effectively make a lasting impression.

After all, there’s always some truth in a great prank—fans have already begun clamoring for a real Roach DLC and a Mega Man skin in Pragmata. Will the developers take note? As absurd as it sounds, stranger things have happened in the world of gaming.