Unprecedented Anticipation: The Games That Are Having the BIGGEST 2025

The year 2025 has been a monumental one for the gaming industry, marked by a convergence of long-awaited sequels, highly-anticipated new IPs, and a significant new console launch. The buzz from Gamescom 2025 and other major events has solidified this year as one of the most impactful in recent memory. While countless games have graced our screens, a few have risen above the rest, dominating headlines, sparking furious community debates, and setting new standards for what we can expect from AAA and indie developers alike. These are the games that are not just being played—they are defining the conversation and shaping the future of the medium.

The Titans of the Industry: Sequels and Reboots

No conversation about 2025 would be complete without acknowledging the sheer force of major returning franchises. These are the games that carry the weight of decades of legacy, and their releases have been some of the most significant events of the year.

• Borderlands 4: After a somewhat mixed reception to its predecessor, Borderlands 4 has been a stunning return to form. The game’s reveal trailer at Gamescom, with its new playable Siren and a shift in tone towards a more serious, yet still irreverent, narrative, has energized the fanbase. The promise of a fully-realized co-op campaign, coupled with the series’ signature looter-shooter gameplay, has made this a must-play title for both newcomers and veterans. The game’s September 12, 2025 release date is one of the most circled dates on the gaming calendar.
• Ghost of Yōtei: The sequel to the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei, has been a major highlight for PlayStation 5. Building on the stunning open-world design and satisfying combat of the original, this new chapter promises a darker, more personal story. The gameplay reveal showcased breathtaking new environments and a deeper, more tactical approach to stealth. The return of the popular Legends multiplayer mode as free DLC in 2026 also signals a long-term commitment to the game and its community.
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: After years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally made its triumphant return. The game’s reveal, alongside the new Nintendo Switch 2, has made it a central pillar of Nintendo’s 2025 lineup. The new trailer, showcasing fluid first-person combat, jaw-dropping visual fidelity, and a return to the series’ iconic atmosphere, has silenced any doubts about the game’s protracted development. This is a game that is not just a sequel, but a console-defining title that will draw millions of new players into the Metroid universe.
• Elden Ring: Nightreign: FromSoftware has once again proven its mastery with the unexpected release of Elden Ring: Nightreign. This new, large-scale expansion for the game has been a major surprise for fans, offering an entirely new area, a new set of bosses, and new lore to uncover. The expansion has been praised for its innovative approach to combat and its challenging new enemies, cementing Elden Ring‘s legacy as a true masterpiece and ensuring its relevance for years to come.

The Disruptors: New IPs and Revivals

While sequels dominate the hype cycle, 2025 has also been a year for innovative new titles and surprising revivals that have shaken up their respective genres.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: This new turn-based RPG has taken the gaming world by storm. With its stunning art style and a unique blend of turn-based combat with real-time mechanics, Clair Obscur has been a critical darling. The game’s strong showing at Gamescom, where it earned multiple nominations for the gamescom awards, has positioned it as one of the most promising new IPs of the year.
• The Rogue Prince of Persia: This action roguelike, developed by Evil Empire, has made a huge impact with its polished gameplay and fluid, acrobatic combat. Its “shadow drop” on Xbox Game Pass has brought it to a massive audience, and the game’s addictive loop and charming art style have earned it a dedicated following. It’s a perfect example of a smaller, well-crafted game having a huge impact in a year dominated by blockbusters.
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles: The remaster of the legendary strategy RPG has been a major event for a dedicated fanbase. The new trailer, which highlighted the game’s deep Job System and modern quality-of-life improvements, has assured fans that the developers are treating this classic with the reverence it deserves. For a new generation of gamers, this is a chance to experience a true genre-defining masterpiece on modern hardware.

As the year continues to unfold, these games will undoubtedly continue to dominate the gaming landscape. From the cinematic grandeur of Ghost of Yōtei to the nostalgic depth of Final Fantasy Tactics, 2025 is a year that has delivered on its promise, providing a diverse and unforgettable lineup of games that will be talked about for years to come.