“Games are not just entertainment; they are a new form of storytelling.” — Hideo Kojima.
Every day, new story ideas are birthed into the world and when built upon, some of them turn out to be the best games ever made. 2025 is shaping up to be absolutely packed with many of these stories. We’re talking about the kind of year that’ll have you calling in sick to work and forgetting what sunlight looks like.
According to Evelyn Balyton, a top tipster at MightyTips, the list is getting longer, showing how much developers are pushing boundaries like never before. But here’s the thing: even among all these games coming, some could keep gamers waiting in front of stores.
This article will explore the most anticipated games, their release dates, and what to expect. So, dive in.
5 Most Anticipated Games of 2025
From the genres of post-apocalyptic survival games to multiplayer immersive action-adventure gameplay, the list goes on.
However, the criteria used in this selection are focused on the popularity, hype, and performance of existing prequels. With some release dates stretching as far as October, 2025, the wait will be a long one for loyal fans. Hopefully, they don’t disappoint.
Here are the top 5 picks:
1. Grand Theft Auto VI
After what feels like a lifetime of rumors and a dozen trailers later, we’re finally getting GTA VI. This isn’t just another sequel of an open-world crime game — it’s a full-blown cultural event. The setting shows a stunning recreation of Vice City with a Bonnie & Clyde twist that makes the original look like child’s play.
The real question isn’t about the setting though — it’s whether Rockstar can possibly meet the sky-high expectations after GTA V became the second best-selling game ever (only behind Minecraft).
Fun fact: The GTA series has sold over 400 million copies. That’s more than the population of the United States! So, we can put it down when voting for the greatest game of all time.
Anyways, current release rumors point to late 2025, but let’s be real, we’ll believe it when we’re actually holding the controller.
2. Elden Ring: Nightreign
“The freedom to explore is what makes RPGs magical.” — Todd Howard.
Remember when the producers basically said “no sequel”? Yeah, scrap that. The strategy game Nightreign is coming May 30th to ruin friendships and test relationships. This isn’t your typical follow-up though — it’s the multiplayer chaos fans have been begging for, now without the hassle of sketchy mods.
Picture this: all the brutal difficulty that made you throw controllers, but now you can watch your buddies suffer too! They’ve mashed up battle royale, rogue-like elements to customize, and Monster Hunter-style teamwork within the Elden Ring universe. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion — horrifying yet impossible to look away from.
3. South of Midnight
Coming April 2025, this Xbox exclusive is what happens when you mix Faulkner with a monster manual. You play as Hazel, weaving magic and kicking supernatural butt in a world that looks like someone took a Stephen King novel and made it playable.
The latest trailer shows off combat that feels like the best PS2-era action games — all weighty punches and highly satisfying combos. It’s refreshing to see a game embrace its literary roots while still delivering proper gameplay chops.
4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Here’s a wild stat: 72% of gamers in a recent survey said they’re most excited for RPGs in 2025. With titles like this, it’s easy to see why.
After years of “when will we get a Japanese version?”, Ubisoft kept to their word of delivering in 2025. Interestingly, they’re not just giving us one protagonist — we get two for the price of one. There’s Yasuke, the real-life African samurai (history’s coolest badass), and Naoe, another powerful legendary samurai.
According to trailers, the setting is perfect too. Good visual? Check. Parkour across pagodas? Check. Hidden blade vs. katana combat? Double-check. Let’s hope it gets better.
5. Doom: The Dark Ages
May 15th marks the day we travel back to when demons get punished right on your PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5). This version is slightly different, though. The Doom Slayer has traded his usual arsenal for some delightfully medieval weaponry. Shields? Check. Mech suits? Obviously. A freaking mech dragon too, and everywhere smells like Camelot.
This prequel is ditching Eternal’s vertical madness for classic, ground-pounding action. It’s like they took everything that made the original Doom great and said “let’s make it even more ridiculous”, and honestly? We’re here for it.
Other Ways to Have Fun Apart from Playing Games
Even the most amazing games can’t be played 24/7. So, once in a while, gamers can engage in other fun activities to spice things up. Maybe now is a great time while you wait for these game releases.
So, for those days when you want excitement but need a screen break, sports betting can hit the spot. Before you choose a bookmaker to play though, you should take some time to do some findings. If you live in the Philippines, a good way to go will be to scour reliable review sites to find a top betting site in Philippines that would reward knowledge and strategy. You can choose playing options, odds, and stakes on tons of markets from football to basketball.
Just remember — it’s about fun, not getting rich. The global sports betting market is projected to hit $182 billion by 2030, but your wallet shouldn’t try to match that.
Other activities you can partake include:
- Hiking.
- Music festivals are like real-life RPG gatherings, just with more flower crowns.
- Start a gaming podcast or blog (check out r/truegaming on Reddit for inspiration).
- Try game development as a newcomer.
- Board games! They’re like video games but with more yelling at your friends in person.
Final Thoughts
2025’s game lineup is basically a perfect storm of awesomeness.
But as gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto once said, “Video games are meant to be just one thing: fun.”
Whether you’re counting down to GTA VI or exploring new hobbies, the key is keeping things fresh and enjoyable.
Want to geek out more about upcoming games? There are certain online forums always buzzing with the latest news and speculation. Just try not to lose entire afternoons there.
Remember, gaming is amazing, but life’s too short to spend it all in virtual worlds. Unless that virtual world is the new Elder Scrolls game. Then maybe we can make an exception.
