32 Upcoming Video Games Set to Dominate 2025 🎮

Are you ready to discover the next big hits in gaming before everyone else? The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation for 2025’s lineup, and trust us, the hype is real. From epic fantasy sequels and mind-bending indie puzzles to wild co-op adventures and genre-defying new IPs, this year promises a smorgasbord of unforgettable experiences. But which titles will truly capture the hearts of millions and become the next gaming legends?

We’ve sifted through the noise, analyzed trailers, developer insights, and community buzz to bring you 32 upcoming video games with the potential to become wildly popular. Whether you’re a fan of adrenaline-pumping shooters like DOOM: The Dark Ages, narrative-rich RPGs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, or innovative co-op gems like Split Fiction, this guide has something to ignite your passion. Plus, we’ll reveal some hidden indie treasures that could surprise you and shake up the industry.

Ready to find your next obsession? Keep reading to uncover the games that might just define the future of play—and discover expert tips on how to spot the next blockbuster before it hits the shelves!

Key Takeaways

  • 2025 is packed with diverse, ambitious games spanning AAA blockbusters, indie darlings, and innovative multiplayer experiences.
  • Titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Elden Ring: Nightreign promise to redefine their genres with fresh mechanics and settings.
  • Indie games such as Blue Prince and Citizen Sleeper 2 offer unique storytelling and gameplay that could become cult classics.
  • The rise of cross-play and emerging tech like VR and cloud gaming will shape how and where we play these new titles.
  • Use wishlists, demos, and community insights to stay ahead in discovering your next favorite game.

👉 Shop top upcoming game categories on:

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, crafted with expertise by the Games Like™ team.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Welcome, fellow gamers! You’re here because you have an insatiable hunger for what’s next, and trust us, we get it. The digital horizon is shimmering with new worlds to conquer. Before we dive deep, here are the essential bytes of info to get you prepped for the gaming revolution of tomorrow.

Factoid 🎮 The Lowdown 📝
The Big Picture 2025 and beyond are shaping up to be monumental years in gaming, with major sequels, ambitious new IPs, and potential console launches shaking things up.
Genre Diversity From cozy indies to epic AAA Action–Adventure titles, there’s something for every type of player on the horizon.
Tech on the Rise Expect more games to leverage AI for smarter NPCs, cloud streaming for play-anywhere access, and VR for deeper immersion.
Hype is Real, But… While anticipation is part of the fun, remember that delays happen and final products can differ from initial trailers. Manage those expectations!
Cross-Play is King More and more developers are embracing cross-platform play, meaning you can team up with friends regardless of their Console choice. ✅
Indie Power Don’t sleep on the indie scene! Some of the most innovative and emotionally resonant games come from smaller studios.

The Hype Machine: Understanding Gaming’s Anticipation Phenomenon

What transforms a mere game announcement into a full-blown cultural event? It’s a magical, chaotic, and utterly fascinating process we call the “Hype Machine.” Here at Games Like™, we’ve seen it happen time and time again. It starts with a spark—a cryptic tweet from a beloved developer, a leaked concept art, or a stunning reveal trailer at an event like The Game Awards.

This spark is then fanned into a flame by the community. Fans dissect trailers frame-by-frame, developers engage in clever marketing campaigns, and the gaming press speculates wildly. It’s a shared experience that connects millions of us. We’re not just waiting for a product; we’re collectively dreaming about the adventures we’ll have. But will any of these upcoming titles have what it takes to become the most popular video game of all time? That’s the million-dollar question!

Decoding Popularity: What Makes a Video Game a Blockbuster?

So, what’s the secret sauce? What separates a fleeting hit from a legendary blockbuster? It’s a complex recipe with several key ingredients:

  • Rock-Solid Gameplay: The core mechanics have to be fun, responsive, and engaging. Whether it’s the punchy combat of a shooter or the satisfying loop of a simulation game, it needs to feel good to play.
  • A Compelling World: Players want to get lost in a new universe. This requires a combination of stunning art direction, deep lore, and memorable characters.
  • Innovative Ideas: The games that truly stand out bring something new to the table. This could be a unique gameplay mechanic, a groundbreaking narrative structure, or a fresh take on a familiar genre.
  • Flawless Execution: A game can have the best ideas in the world, but if it’s riddled with bugs and performance issues, it’s dead on arrival. Technical polish is non-negotiable. ❌
  • Community & Multiplayer: In today’s connected world, strong multiplayer components and features that encourage community building can give a game incredible longevity. Think of games that support Cooperative play.
  • The “X” Factor: Sometimes, a game just has it. A certain charm, a powerful emotional core, or a sense of style that captures the zeitgeist. It’s impossible to manufacture, but you know it when you see it.

The Next Generation of AAA Powerhouses: Console and PC Titans

These are the big guns, the blockbusters-in-waiting with massive budgets, sprawling worlds, and the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Let’s break down the titans poised to dominate our screens.

1. Unleashing Mayhem: DOOM: The Dark Ages 😈

Get ready to rip and tear, medieval style! The next chapter in the legendary DOOM saga is taking us back in time, and it looks absolutely brutal.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Anticipation 9.5/10
Innovation 8.5/10
Potential for Mayhem 11/10

From what we’ve seen, developer id Software is doubling down on the aggressive, push-forward combat that defines the series while adding a fascinating medieval fantasy twist. As Ranker voters agree, placing it at #4 on their most anticipated list, the hype is palpable. We’re talking a shield that doubles as a chainsaw, a skull-crushing flail, and even a rideable mech dragon! Esquire notes the introduction of “new guns, a shield, and flail-type weapons for close combat,” which has us practically drooling. This isn’t just a reskin; it’s an evolution.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ New Arsenal The blend of futuristic firepower and medieval melee weapons, including that insane shield-saw, promises fresh combat encounters.
✅ Epic Setting A dark fantasy take on the DOOM universe offers a visually stunning and thematically rich new playground for demon-slaying.
✅ Proven Formula Built on the critically acclaimed engine and gameplay loop of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
❌ Narrative Questions Will the prequel setting deliver a story as compelling as the modern saga, or will it feel like a side-step?

👉 Shop DOOM: The Dark Ages on:

2. Epic Fantasy Returns: Elden Ring: Nightreign ⚔️

Just when you thought you’d seen all the Lands Between had to offer, FromSoftware pulls us back in. Nightreign isn’t a traditional sequel but a fascinating new take on the world of Elden Ring.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Hype Level 9/10
Co-op Potential 10/10
Genre-Bending 9/10

The concept is brilliant: take the often-janky but beloved multiplayer aspect of Souls-likes and build a whole game around it. Esquire describes it as making “illegal multiplayer mods an official product,” which is a bold and exciting move. It promises to blend the core, punishing combat with elements of battle royale and rogue-likes, creating a truly unique cooperative and competitive experience. For every player who wished they could seamlessly adventure with friends in the original, this is a dream come true.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Seamless Co-op Finally, a FromSoftware experience designed from the ground up for multiplayer. No more convoluted summoning signs!
✅ High Replayability The reported rogue-like elements suggest that no two runs will be the same, keeping the challenge fresh for hundreds of hours.
❌ Balancing Act The biggest challenge will be balancing the notoriously difficult Souls combat for multiple players without making it too easy or chaotically unfair.
❌ Potential Identity Crisis Will it still feel like a Souls game, or will the battle royale and rogue-like elements dilute the core experience?

👉 Shop ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN on:

3. Stealth and Style: South of Midnight 🌙

Compulsion Games, the minds behind We Happy Few, are back with a gorgeous and atmospheric third-person action-adventure steeped in the folklore of the American South.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Art Direction 10/10
Atmosphere 9.5/10
Originality 9/10

This game just oozes style. The stop-motion-inspired animation is breathtaking, and the setting is unlike anything else in the AAA space. Esquire calls it a “deeply Black, deeply southern Gothic” journey, which points to a rich, culturally significant narrative. You play as Hazel, a “Weaver” who can mend broken bonds and spirits, as she confronts dangerous creatures from folklore. The focus on a “stunning, musically rich journey” and “refreshingly simple” gameplay suggests an experience that prioritizes story and mood over complex systems, and we are absolutely here for it.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Unique Aesthetic The claymation-style visuals and Southern Gothic setting create an unforgettable look and feel.
✅ Rich Narrative The exploration of deep-rooted folklore promises a story with substance and cultural depth.
✅ Creative Gameplay Hazel’s magical weaving abilities offer the potential for unique combat and traversal mechanics.
❌ Pacing Concerns A focus on story and atmosphere could lead to slower gameplay sections that might not appeal to all action fans.

👉 Shop South of Midnight on:

4. A New Saga Unfolds: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ✨

Every once in a while, a new studio emerges with a debut title so ambitious it turns the entire industry’s head. Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is that game.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Ambition 10/10
Art Style 9/10
RPG Depth 9/10

This is a turn-based RPG that feels both classic and modern. Set in a stunning world inspired by La Belle Époque France, you lead an expedition to destroy the Paintress, a mysterious being who erases a portion of the population every year. The combat is described as turn-based with real-time elements, drawing comparisons to classics like Paper Mario and Earthbound, which is music to our ears. With a star-studded voice cast and a jaw-dropping visual style powered by Unreal Engine 5, Esquire is already pegging it as a “Game of the Year contender.”

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Innovative Combat The blend of turn-based strategy and real-time actions could be a perfect evolution of the JRPG formula.
✅ Breathtaking World The unique French-inspired dark fantasy setting is a visual feast.
✅ High Production Value A top-tier voice cast and cutting-edge graphics suggest a level of polish rarely seen in a debut title.
❌ Newcomer Risk As a brand new IP from a new studio, it lacks the guaranteed audience of an established franchise. Can it live up to its own massive ambitions?

👉 Shop Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on:

5. Double Trouble: Split Fiction 👯

From Hazelight Studios, the masters of co-op who brought us It Takes Two and A Way Out, comes another adventure built exclusively for two.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Co-op Design 10/10
Creativity 9.5/10
Fun Factor 9/10

Hazelight simply doesn’t miss when it comes to creating unforgettable cooperative experiences. Split Fiction centers on two writers whose stories—one sci-fi, one fantasy—bleed into the real world, forcing them to work together. The core mechanic involves gameplay constantly shifting between these two genres, requiring constant communication and teamwork. It’s a brilliant premise that promises the kind of genre-mashing, mind-bending level design the studio is famous for. As Esquire says, “Don’t forget to make it to the mind-blowing final level.”

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Unmatched Co-op Hazelight’s games are the gold standard for cooperative design, with mechanics that genuinely require two players to succeed.
✅ Wildly Imaginative The premise of swapping between sci-fi and fantasy settings on the fly is ripe for creative and hilarious gameplay scenarios.
❌ Co-op Only This is its greatest strength and its only real weakness. You must have a partner to play, which can be a barrier for some.

👉 Shop Split Fiction on:

  • PlayStation 5: Amazon | Walmart
  • Hazelight Studios Official Website

6. Yakuza Goes Wild: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii 🏝️

Just when you thought the Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) series couldn’t get any wilder, they hand a former yakuza boss a pirate ship.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Pure Absurdity 10/10
Action-Adventure Fun 8.5/10
Narrative Potential 8/10

This is the kind of delightful madness only developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio can deliver. An amnesiac ex-yakuza becomes a pirate kingpin in Hawaii? Sign us up. The game promises a blend of the series’ trademark brutal melee combat with full-on naval battles and crew management. Esquire calls it “the swashbuckling adventure you never knew you needed,” and we couldn’t agree more. It’s a testament to the series’ confidence that it can pull off such a bizarre-yet-brilliant concept.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Hilarious Premise The concept alone is worth the price of admission. It’s a perfect fit for the series’ blend of serious crime drama and wacky side content.
✅ New Gameplay Systems Naval combat and crew management are exciting new additions that could dramatically freshen up the formula.
❌ Tone Balancing Can the game successfully balance its silly pirate antics with the heartfelt, character-driven stories the series is known for?

👉 Shop Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii on:

Indie Darlings and Narrative Gems: Stories That Stick

Beyond the blockbuster behemoths, a vibrant world of indie games is brewing, ready to deliver some of the most unique and heartfelt experiences. These are the games that will make you think, feel, and see the world a little differently.

7. Cosmic Journeys: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector 🚀

The original Citizen Sleeper was a surprise masterpiece, a poignant, text-heavy RPG about survival and finding community on a lawless space station. The sequel looks to expand on that brilliant foundation in every way.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Narrative Depth 10/10
World-Building 9.5/10
RPG Mechanics 9/10

Developer Jump Over The Age is taking the core dice-rolling mechanics and setting you loose in a stolen spaceship with a ragtag crew. You’ll be taking on contracts, navigating interstellar crises, and making tough choices that have real consequences. Esquire praises its “more complicated and enjoyable dice-rolling mechanics” and calls it a “Dungeons and Dragons-inspired space adventure.” For fans of deep role-playing and character-driven stories, this is a must-watch.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Expanded Scope Moving from a single station to a whole star system opens up endless possibilities for exploration and storytelling.
✅ Refined Mechanics The promise of deeper, more engaging dice-based gameplay will please fans of the original.
❌ Niche Appeal Like its predecessor, this will likely be a text-heavy, slower-paced experience that may not appeal to players seeking fast-paced action.

👉 Shop Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector on:

  • PC: Steam
  • Fellow Traveller Official Website

8. Nostalgia and Mystery: Lost Records – Bloom & Rage 📸

From some of the key minds behind the original Life is Strange comes a new story-driven adventure that looks to capture that same magic of teen angst, mystery, and tough choices.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Storytelling 9/10
Atmosphere 9/10
Character Development 9/10

Lost Records follows a group of high school friends in the 90s who, after a mysterious event, vow to never speak again. Twenty-seven years later, fate forces them to reunite and confront the secret that tore them apart. The comparison to Life is Strange and Yellowjackets is apt, promising a “wonderful ’90s throwback” full of drama and intrigue. The episodic structure, with Bloom focusing on the past and Rage on the present, is a clever way to build suspense and explore the long-term consequences of the characters’ actions.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Proven Talent The development team has a stellar track record of creating emotionally resonant narrative adventures.
✅ Compelling Premise The dual-timeline mystery is a fantastic hook for a character-driven story.
❌ Episodic Pacing As noted by Esquire, the first part has a “meandering start.” The success will depend on how well the pacing holds up across all episodes.

👉 Shop Lost Records – Bloom & Rage on:

9. Artistic Puzzles: Blue Prince 🎨

Here’s a game for the detectives, the note-takers, the players who love to unravel a mystery one clue at a time. Blue Prince is a first-person puzzle adventure with a truly unique hook.

Games Like™ Rating Score (1-10)
Concept 10/10
Intellectual Challenge 9.5/10
Replayability 9/10

Forget unlocking new abilities; in Blue Prince, your progression is based on the knowledge you acquire. You explore a mysterious, procedurally generated manor that changes with each visit, and your goal is to figure out its secrets. Esquire brilliantly calls it a “Metroidbrainia,” where you record clues in a notebook to solve environmental puzzles. This is the kind of game that will have you scribbling notes in real life, your mind racing with possibilities. The quote says it all: “It’s a game that turns everyone who plays it into a deranged lunatic with 70 pages of notes.” We can’t wait to go insane.

Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Aspect Details
✅ Brilliant Concept The “knowledge is the key” progression system is a refreshing and intellectually stimulating take on the genre.
✅ Endless Mystery The procedurally generated house ensures that every player’s journey of discovery will be unique.
❌ High Barrier to Entry This is not a game you can just pick up and play casually. It demands your full attention and brainpower, which could be intimidating for some.

👉 Shop Blue Prince on:

  • PC: Steam
  • Dogubomb Official Website

Beyond the Horizon: Unexpected Contenders and Genre Benders

The future of gaming is vast and full of surprises! To give you the most comprehensive look possible, we’ve compiled a massive list of other highly anticipated titles that are on our radar. We’re talking more than 32 games to get hyped about!

  1. Mario Kart World 🍄: Considered by some early previews as the “best Mario Kart game yet,” this rumored Nintendo Switch 2 launch title boasts 24 drivers, new mechanics like grinding, and an interconnected world.
  2. Grand Theft Auto VI: The big one. Though now slated for 2026, its shadow looms large over the entire industry.
  3. Ghost of Yōtei: The sequel to the stunning Ghost of Tsushima, this PS5 exclusive is ranked #2 by Ranker voters and promises more samurai action.
  4. Fable: A reboot of the beloved RPG series, now in the hands of Playground Games. It’s the #3 most anticipated game on Ranker.
  5. Mafia: The Old Country: A prequel to the acclaimed crime series, developed by Hangar 13.
  6. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: A faithful remake of the classic stealth-action game, coming in August 2025.
  7. Borderlands 4: More loot, more guns, more mayhem. The king of looter-shooters returns on September 23, 2025.
  8. Pokémon Legends: Z-A: A new entry in the ambitious Legends series, set in the Kalos region.
  9. The Outer Worlds 2: The sequel to Obsidian’s witty sci-fi RPG is set for an October 29, 2025 release.
  10. Battlefield 6: The next installment in the large-scale military shooter franchise arrives on October 10, 2025.
  11. Hollow Knight: Silksong: The long, long, long-awaited sequel to the indie masterpiece. Release date is still TBC 2025, but hope springs eternal!
  12. Metroid Prime 4: Another title that’s been in development for what feels like an eternity, but anticipation remains sky-high.
  13. Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra: A narrative-driven adventure starring Captain America and Black Panther during WWII.
  14. Anno 117: Pax Romana: A new city-builder from Ubisoft set in the Roman Empire.
  15. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake: A ground-up remake of the 2003 classic, now expected in 2026.
  16. Hades 2: The early access is already a massive hit, and the full release of this god-tier rogue-like is eagerly awaited.
  17. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7: A new year, a new Call of Duty. The Black Ops saga continues in 2025.
  18. Resident Evil 9: Requiem: The next mainline entry in the legendary survival horror series is rumored for a 2026 release.
  19. Kirby Air Riders: A rumored Switch 2 title that would be a sequel to the GameCube cult classic.
  20. Ninja Gaiden 4: The return of Ryu Hayabusa is slated for October 2025.
  21. Jurassic World Evolution 3: More dino park management fun is coming in October 2025.
  22. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles: A rumored remaster or remake of the beloved strategy RPG.
  23. And Many More Highly Anticipated Titles! 🎉: The list goes on, with titles like Nioh 3, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero also on the horizon!

The Future is Now: Emerging Technologies Shaping Gaming

The games themselves are only half the story. The technology powering them is evolving at a breakneck pace, and it’s going to fundamentally change how we play.

Virtual Reality’s Next Leap 🕶️

VR is no longer a gimmick. With powerful, accessible headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and PlayStation VR2, developers are creating truly immersive experiences that were once the stuff of science fiction. We’re seeing more full-fledged AAA games being developed for VR, moving beyond tech demos into deep, compelling worlds.

Cloud Gaming’s Expanding Reach ☁️

Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW are maturing rapidly. The dream of playing the latest, most graphically intensive games on any device—your phone, your laptop, your smart TV—is becoming a reality. As internet infrastructure improves, cloud gaming has the potential to remove the hardware barrier entirely, making high-end gaming accessible to everyone.

AI in Game Development and Play 🤖

AI is the silent revolution. It’s not just about smarter enemies anymore. Developers are using AI to create more realistic and dynamic non-player characters (NPCs) who have their own routines and remember your actions. Procedural generation powered by AI can create vast, unique worlds to explore, while AI-driven tools are helping developers build these worlds faster than ever before.

Community Power: How Player Engagement Fuels Popularity

A game’s launch is just the beginning. In the modern era, a vibrant and engaged community is the lifeblood that can keep a game popular for years.

  • The Rise of the Creator: Streamers on Twitch and content creators on YouTube are the new tastemakers. A game catching fire with top creators can lead to an explosion in popularity overnight.
  • Living Games: Developers are increasingly treating games as a service, with constant updates, seasonal events, and new content drops. This keeps the community engaged and gives players a reason to keep coming back.
  • Direct Communication: Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and community hubs like Discord allow developers to talk directly to their players, gathering feedback and building a loyal following long before a game is even released.

Platform Wars and Cross-Play Dreams: Where Will You Play?

The age-old question: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or PC? While console exclusives like Ghost of Yōtei still drive hardware sales, the walls between these ecosystems are starting to crumble.

The Push for Cross-Play: Players want to play with their friends, regardless of platform. We’re seeing a massive push for cross-play and cross-progression in most major multiplayer titles. This is a huge win for gamers, making it easier than ever to connect and play together. ✅

The Power of PC: The PC remains the platform of choice for players who want cutting-edge graphics and customization options. It’s also home to a thriving indie scene and services like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

The Nintendo Difference: Nintendo continues to march to the beat of its own drum, focusing on innovation and fun, family-friendly experiences. The rumored Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most anticipated pieces of hardware on the horizon.

We love getting excited for new games, but it’s important to be a savvy consumer. Here’s our advice for navigating the hype.

  • Watch Raw Gameplay: Cinematic trailers are cool, but they don’t always represent the final product. Look for extended, unedited gameplay videos to get a real sense of how a game plays.
  • Beware the Downgrade: It’s not uncommon for the final version of a game to look less impressive graphically than the initial reveal trailers. It happens. Keep your visual expectations in check.
  • Read a Variety of Reviews: Don’t just rely on one source. Read reviews from multiple outlets and watch videos from different creators to get a balanced perspective.
  • Wait for Patches: Almost every major game launches with some bugs. If you’re not in a rush, waiting a few weeks for the first couple of patches to drop can lead to a much smoother experience.

Our Top Picks for Must-Play Titles of Tomorrow

Alright, you want our expert opinion? If we had to put our money on the games that will define the next era, these are our top three picks from the list:

  1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: The sheer ambition and polish on display from a debut studio is staggering. This has all the makings of a modern RPG classic that will be talked about for years.
  2. South of Midnight: In a sea of sequels and familiar settings, its unique art style and deep dive into Southern folklore make it a breath of fresh air. We think its incredible atmosphere will captivate players.
  3. Blue Prince: This is our dark horse pick. It’s a game that respects the player’s intelligence. Its “Metroidbrainia” concept is genuinely innovative and could spawn a whole new subgenre of puzzle games.

Quick Tips for Discovering Your Next Obsession

Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? Here’s how to find the perfect upcoming game for you.

  • Use Wishlists: Platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store have wishlist features. Use them! It’s the best way to track games you’re interested in and get notified of sales.
  • Check Out Demos: Events like the Steam Next Fest offer hundreds of free demos. It’s a fantastic, risk-free way to try out upcoming indie games.
  • Follow Your Favorite Devs: Find a developer whose games you love? Follow them on social media to be the first to know about their next project.
  • Explore “Games Like”: Hey, that’s us! If you love a particular game, use a service like Games Like™ to find similar titles, including upcoming ones that might scratch that same itch. It’s what we do best

Conclusion: The Unfolding Saga of Gaming’s Future

As we’ve journeyed through the sprawling landscape of upcoming video games, one thing is crystal clear: 2025 and beyond are poised to be some of the most exciting years in gaming history. From the adrenaline-pumping mayhem of DOOM: The Dark Ages to the emotionally rich storytelling of Lost Records, and the mind-bending puzzles of Blue Prince, the diversity and creativity on offer are staggering.

Positives Across the Board:

  • Innovation and Ambition: Titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Elden Ring: Nightreign push boundaries with fresh mechanics and genre blends.
  • Strong Narrative Focus: Games such as South of Midnight and Citizen Sleeper 2 promise immersive stories that resonate beyond gameplay.
  • Cooperative and Multiplayer Excellence: Split Fiction and Elden Ring: Nightreign exemplify how multiplayer experiences are evolving to be more seamless and engaging.
  • Indie Creativity: Smaller studios are delivering unique concepts that challenge traditional gameplay norms, like Blue Prince and Citizen Sleeper 2.

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Balancing Innovation with Accessibility: Some titles may lean heavily into niche mechanics or storytelling styles that could limit their appeal.
  • Managing Expectations: The hype machine is powerful but can sometimes lead to disappointment if games don’t deliver on all fronts.
  • Platform Fragmentation: While cross-play is growing, exclusives and hardware differences still pose challenges for universal access.

Ultimately, we confidently recommend keeping a close eye on the highlighted titles, especially Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, South of Midnight, and Blue Prince for those craving something fresh and profound. For fans of high-octane action, DOOM: The Dark Ages and Elden Ring: Nightreign are must-watch. And if you love cooperative adventures, Hazelight’s Split Fiction is shaping up to be a standout.

So, will any of these games become the next most popular video game of all time? While only time will tell, the ingredients are all there: innovation, heart, and community. The future of gaming is bright, and we can’t wait to play it alongside you.

Ready to dive into these upcoming gems? Here’s where you can keep tabs, wishlist, or pre-order your favorites:

Books for deeper dives into gaming culture and design:

  • Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier — Amazon Link
  • The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent — Amazon Link
  • Reality Is Broken by Jane McGonigal — Amazon Link

FAQ

If you’re a fan of the fast-paced battle royale and shooter genres, keep an eye on Elden Ring: Nightreign, which blends Souls-like combat with rogue-like and battle royale elements, offering a fresh twist on multiplayer mayhem. Battlefield 6 (releasing in October 2025) promises the large-scale, tactical warfare fans love, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 continues the legacy of high-octane shooter action. These titles maintain the core shooter mechanics but introduce new gameplay layers and narratives to keep things exciting.

Which new games are expected to attract fans of RPG and open-world genres?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as a deep RPG with turn-based combat and a richly crafted dark fantasy world. Fable (ranked #3 on anticipation lists) is a reboot of the beloved open-world RPG series, promising a fresh take on the classic formula. The Outer Worlds 2 continues Obsidian’s tradition of witty, choice-driven sci-fi RPGs. And of course, Elden Ring: Nightreign offers a cooperative spin on the open-world Souls-like experience.

Are there any upcoming multiplayer games that resemble Among Us or Fall Guys?

While no direct clones are on the immediate horizon, Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios offers a unique cooperative experience designed exclusively for two players, emphasizing teamwork and genre-shifting gameplay. For larger multiplayer chaos, Mario Kart World promises 24-player races with new mechanics, delivering the kind of frantic fun that fans of Fall Guys would appreciate.

What new releases are comparable to classic adventure games like The Legend of Zelda?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s blend of exploration, narrative, and turn-based combat evokes the spirit of classic RPGs and adventure games. Additionally, South of Midnight offers a story-driven, atmospheric experience with a unique art style and world-building that fans of narrative-rich adventure games will find compelling.

Which upcoming games have gameplay mechanics similar to Minecraft or Terraria?

While no direct sandbox survival games are highlighted, Blue Prince’s procedurally generated environments and puzzle-solving mechanics echo the exploratory and creative spirit of Minecraft and Terraria. Its emphasis on knowledge and environmental interaction offers a fresh take on exploration-based gameplay.

What are some anticipated games that fans of competitive esports should watch for?

Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 remain staples in the competitive shooter scene with large player bases and esports ecosystems. Additionally, Mario Kart World’s massive multiplayer races could spawn new competitive communities. Keep an eye on these titles for emerging esports opportunities.

How can I find new video games that match the style of my favorite franchises?

Our team at Games Like™ specializes in helping players discover games that resemble their favorites. Using platforms like Games Like™, you can search by genre, gameplay mechanics, or narrative style to find upcoming titles tailored to your tastes. Following developers and publishers on social media, subscribing to gaming newsletters, and participating in community forums are also great ways to stay informed about new releases aligned with your preferences.

We hope this guide fuels your excitement and helps you find your next unforgettable gaming adventure. Ready your controllers, friends—the future of gaming is knocking! 🎮✨

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a game developer turned editor who leads GamesLike.org with a builder’s eye for systems, balance, and “feel.” He oversees the site’s editorial roadmap and style guide, turning player questions—“What plays like this?”—into clear, cross-platform recommendations. His curation blends hands-on playtesting with design analysis to surface titles that share the same mechanics, themes, and vibes as your favorites. You’ll see that approach across GamesLike.org’s mechanic- and theme-driven lists and platform roundups, as well as family-focused guides that make it easy to choose what to play next.

At GamesLike.org, Jacob pushes for three things: precision (why a game matches), practicality (where to play it), and safety (what families should know). The result is an accessible, no-fluff destination for discovering “games like ___” whether you’re into indie experiments, AAA blockbusters, couch co-op, or kid-friendly adventures.

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