2025 is set to be an incredible year for gaming, with a lineup of highly anticipated titles that promises to captivate players worldwide. Blockbuster releases like Grand Theft Auto 6, Monster Hunter Wilds, Death Stranding 2, Civilization 7, Doom: The Dark Ages, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Avowed are already making waves, while the potential arrival of Gears of War: E-Day adds even more excitement. And that’s just the beginning—this is shaping up to be a landmark year for the gaming industry, with surprises likely still in store.
Some of the most exciting games are the ones that catch everyone by surprise. This year’s breakout hit, Balatro, came out of nowhere to captivate players, while horror masterpieces like Mouthwashing and Still Wakes The Deep gained their legendary status through word-of-mouth buzz, much like the chilling stories they draw inspiration from. These games remind us that the element of surprise and organic recommendations often lead to unforgettable gaming experiences.
Don’t miss out on the excitement! Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on these highly anticipated game releases coming your way this year.
The Bazaar
Tempo’s debut game, The Bazaar, has been in early access for a few months, and while it might have flown under the radar for many, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring—especially for fans of auto battlers or followers of Reynad. This innovative game combines the strategic depth of card games with the dynamic gameplay of auto battlers, creating a fresh experience reminiscent of Hearthstone’s Battlegrounds, but with its own unique twists.
If you enjoy roguelikes that reward you with over-the-top, game-breaking builds like The Binding of Isaac or Risk of Rain 2, The Bazaar is sure to captivate you. Currently, you can join the closed open beta by purchasing a Founder’s Bundle, but an open beta is scheduled for January, with the full release anticipated later this year. Don’t miss out on what could be the next big thing in competitive strategy gaming!
NOTE
The Bazaar is, bizarrely, even better with friends.
Sunderfolk
Blizzard co-founder Mike Morhaime, who launched two new game studios in 2020, has been making waves in the gaming world. One of these studios, Secret Door, is working on an innovative project called Sunderfolk. This digital tabletop RPG aims to redefine board game nights by making them more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Sunderfolk offers a cooperative RPG experience similar to Gloomhaven, but with a modern twist—it’s played like a couch co-op game using a device nearly everyone has: their smartphone. Blending the social fun of party games with deep strategy and immersive fantasy storytelling, Sunderfolk captures the essence of tabletop RPGs while making them more approachable. With its unique gameplay and creative design, it promises to be a hit for groups of friends looking for a fresh and exciting gaming experience later this year.
Mewgenics
Mewgenics is a game you might remember hearing about a decade ago before it was shelved and faded from view. Originally announced as Edmund McMillen’s follow-up to Super Meat Boy, the project was sidelined and eventually canceled as McMillen shifted his focus to other titles like The Binding of Isaac, The End is Nigh, and The Legend of Bum-bo. However, in 2018, McMillen reclaimed the rights from Team Meat and quietly resumed development. Now, after years of reimagining, Mewgenics is set to launch in 2025.
Described as a “tactical role-playing roguelike life sim,” Mewgenics has undergone significant evolution since its original concept in 2014. The latest iteration features turn-based roguelike gameplay reminiscent of Into the Breach, complete with legacy mechanics that tie into its unique identity. With McMillen’s creative vision driving the project, this long-awaited title promises to be a standout experience for fans of inventive and offbeat games.
Grit & Valor: 1949
The real-time strategy (RTS) genre, once a cornerstone of gaming, has struggled to evolve over the past decade, becoming a niche favorite among dedicated fans but often deemed too risky for large-scale investment. However, two standout games this year aim to redefine the genre for modern audiences: Battle Aces and Grit & Valor: 1949.
While Battle Aces introduces a beginner-friendly approach to competitive RTS, Grit & Valor: 1949 takes a bold and innovative direction. Inspired by the compact strategy of Into the Breach, this game condenses the grand scale of traditional RTS into intense, minutes-long battles. Blending real-time tactics with roguelike elements, it challenges players’ reflexes and problem-solving skills through tightly designed, high-stakes encounters. Set in an alternate-history dieselpunk world—imagine WW2 with mechs—it delivers a fresh, visually striking experience. With its bite-sized gameplay and engaging premise, Grit & Valor: 1949 seems poised to be a pick-up-and-play gem that’s hard to put down.
Industria 2
Industria, one of 2021’s most underappreciated gems, has lingered in the minds of its fans despite flying under the radar, with fewer than 2,000 reviews on Steam. Against the odds, a sequel is on the horizon—Industria 2, unveiled during the 2023 Future Games Show. This follow-up appears to carry the ambition and potential to elevate the series to new heights.
Set in an alternate-history version of Cold War-era East Berlin, the original Industria delivered a tense, atmospheric first-person adventure that drew comparisons to Half-Life. If Industria 2 can build upon its predecessor as Half-Life 2 did, it could establish itself as a modern classic.
Project C
I always leave a little room for optimism on any upcoming release list, and here’s to hoping that Project C, the latest venture from Sam Barlow, gets a 2025 release date. Known for his groundbreaking work on Her Story, Telling Lies, and Immortality, Barlow is teaming up with Brandon Cronenberg, the visionary director of Infinity Pool, for this intriguing new project. While details about Project C remain under wraps, the collaboration of these two creative powerhouses is enough to spark excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.