The Hottest Games of 2025: A Year of Revolutionary Releases

The gaming landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, with 2025 shaping up to be a watershed year for players and developers alike. As next-generation hardware meets groundbreaking software innovations, we're witnessing an unprecedented convergence of technology and creative storytelling in some of the hottest games of 2025. From highly anticipated sequels to fresh IPs challenging genre conventions, the coming months promise to redefine interactive entertainment.

In this exclusive analysis, gaming industry veteran John Higgins, CEO of OS Studios, explores the most anticipated titles of 2025 and examines how they reflect broader trends in player preferences and cultural impact. Drawing on his extensive experience in the gaming ecosystem, Higgins offers unique insights into why these upcoming releases matter and what they reveal about the future direction of gaming as both entertainment and cultural force.

Whether you're a casual player or hardcore enthusiast, this comprehensive overview will prepare you for the gaming revolution that 2025 is poised to deliver.

By John Higgins, CEO — OS Studios

The Hottest Games of 2025

Over the past few decades, the gaming industry has evolved into a global juggernaut that combines entertainment, competition, and community in a way seldom seen in other industries. The gaming community wields tremendous buying power and market influence.

Each year, big players in the gaming industry battle it out to release games that will become a part of the cultural zeitgeist. Games like “Animal Crossing,” “Call of Duty,” “Fortnite,” and “Minecraft” are embedded in our culture — so much so that even people who are not gaming enthusiasts are aware of them.

This year is shaping up to be epic in terms of new games that will be hitting the market. Let’s take a look at what die-hard gamers are excited about in 2025!

“Grand Theft Auto VI”

This long-running series from Rockstar Games has been one of the most popular games since the first installment, released in 1997. Set in a fictionalized Florida-like state, “GTA VI” takes potshots at influencer culture and the infamous “Florida Man” persona.

After years of promises from Rockstar Games and a record-breaking trailer that set gamers into an anticipatory frenzy, this long-awaited game will finally be released in 2025. This game release is like the year “Titanic” was at the Oscars — no other game is going to touch it. The game is realistic, sadistic, and despicable — and, like every other title in the series, people will undoubtedly love it.

“FragPunk”

Launching in March 2025 on all platforms, FragPunk is set to “bend the rules” as far as 5v5 tactical shooter games are concerned. The game has introduced Shard Cards, which change the rules for each new round of gameplay. These Shard Cards are free and accessible, ensuring all players can join the melee. FragPunk is going to be a contender for the best tactical hero shooter game, giving Marvel Rivals a run for its money.

“Call of Duty 2025”

Gamers have come to expect a “Call of Duty” (COD) release every year, but the 2025 release still hangs in the balance? One thing is for sure: whenever a new COD title is released, it will be one of the year's biggest games — and it always is!

COD is one of the most popular and successful gaming franchises in history, and the COD 2025 game is reportedly a direct sequel to 2012’s “COD: Black Ops 2.” What makes the 2025 COD release notable is the rumor that the game will be developed for the last generation of consoles. While a release date has yet to be announced, the latest in the COD series has been hinted at to include some new features, such as a new wall-jumping system.

“Doom: The Dark Ages”

Set to be a prequel to the 2016 “Doom” reboot, “Doom: The Dark Ages” is the eighth entry in the decades-old FPS franchise. Promising a heavier combat experience than the previous more fast-paced games in the “Doom” series, this iteration brings new weapons, gameplay options, and even a cybernetic dragon. Though the release date has been set back a few times, players can expect to get their hands on the game by Summer 2025.

“Monster Hunter Wilds”

This highly anticipated role-playing title is a Capcom release that hit shelves at the end of February. Similar to its predecessor, “Monster Hunter: World,” “Monster Hunter Wilds” (“Wilds”) allows players to take on the role of a hunter who travels to forbidden lands to battle monsters and save a group of missing expedition members. Featuring popular open world play and various quests, “Wilds” is bound to be a 2025 fan favorite.

Next-Gen Consoles

Besides games, 2025 will also be a banner year for consoles. Nintendo has announced that the successor to the mega-popular Switch, aptly named “Switch 2,” will be released sometime this year. The original Switch was a massive success, keeping people entertained during the darkest days of the COVID-19 shutdown.

In addition, a handheld version of Microsoft’s Xbox is also in development, but it’s unclear whether this new product will be available on store shelves by the end of 2025. Older consoles like the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X maintain their hold on the market, and games aimed at these consoles continue to enjoy rabid popularity.

Role-playing, action-adventure, and creativity

The games coming down the pike in 2025 combine everything gamers are looking for. Today’s Gen Z gamers gravitate toward role-playing games, first-person shooter titles, action-adventure stories, and games that spark creative thought and life simulation. New titles releasing in 2025 — such as “Avowed” and “Monster Hunter Wilds” — allow gamers to indulge in fantasy role-play, battles, and character creation. The survival genre is also gearing up to gain prominence in 2025, with titles such as “Subnautica 2” and “Dune: Awakening” allowing players to survive in everything from deserts to underwater to dystopian future hellscapes.

The community aspect of gaming culture will continue to thrive in 2025. Multiplayer games have taken on a life of their own, with communities built around games like “Minecraft.” New multiplayer games coming in 2025, like “Thick as Thieves” and “FBC: Firebreak,” are giving people a chance to connect globally through their love of gaming.

At OS Studios, we apply a deep knowledge of Gen Z and gaming culture to strategies that help businesses tap into fan engagement and build incredible fan experiences. With each new game released in 2025, we can see from the frontlines that gaming culture only stands to grow in strength and influence. New games are designed to allow for complete immersion and ultimate captivation.

2025 will be marked by quality, diversity, and innovation, offering gamers ample opportunities to connect with others and hours of fun gameplay. Even though we’re still at the beginning of the year, there’s already much to be excited about!

About the Author

John Higgins is the CEO of OS Studios, a global creative marketing agency specializing in video gaming and esports. Under his leadership, OS Studios has won numerous awards, including Webby, Clio, and the EventEx Awards. The studio has also been nominated for an Emmy. John was honored with the Digiday Leader of the Year Award and has produced two of the top 10 hottest tickets in London, according to TimeOut. He has been a highly sought after source of expertise in marketing, advertising, and global trends in sports, gaming, and entertainment, with features in Business Insider, Digiday, Ad Age, and The Drum. John's career began in theatre with Mayhem Productions, where he threw himself into everything from opera and musicals to cutting edge fusions of cinema and live action plays. His transition to TV allowed him to explore commercials, live broadcasts, creative marketing, and global storytelling… right at the time gaming took off! His understanding of gaming culture and its influence on contemporary youth has propelled OS Studios to industry leadership. Committed to inclusivity, mentorship, and sustainable tourism, John continues to drive innovation and make a positive impact through his work.