By Jon Scarr
Milestone used its time at The Game Awards 2025 to lock in a key detail fans have been waiting on. The studio confirmed that Screamer will launch on March 26, 2026, alongside the reveal of a new story trailer that leans hard into its narrative angle.
For long-time racing fans, Screamer carries some history with it. This marks the return of one of Milestone’s most recognizable names, but the version shown here is clearly aiming for something different than a straight arcade throwback. The trailer focuses less on raw speed and more on tone, characters, and the stakes behind the racing.
Screamer is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Watching the trailer, it feels like Milestone wants this to be as much about story as it is about competition.
A Story-Driven Take on Illegal Street Racing
According to Milestone, Screamer centers on an underground street racing tournament where five rival teams clash with no restrictions. Each team is made up of a leader and two supporting members, all with their own motivations and personal history tied to the competition.
Rather than following a single hero, the campaign is designed around playing as the full cast. That structure allows the story to shift perspectives and connect the different character arcs as the tournament unfolds.
The setting leans into a dystopian future with strong anime influences. Cutscenes are produced by Polygon Pictures, with voice work from Troy Baker and Aleks Le in leading roles.
Gameplay Systems Blending Racing and Combat
Beyond the story, Screamer is built around mechanics that mix high-speed racing with direct combat. Milestone confirmed the use of a Twin Stick control system designed to support both driving and fighting actions during races.
Central to that design is the Echo System, which generates Sync and Entropy. These resources are used for offensive and defensive actions, tying gameplay decisions directly to the narrative.
Screamer launches March 26, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and is available for pre-order now.