The Ringer-Verse 2025 Games of the Year Draft | Button Mash
Dec 23, 2025
In this lively discussion, Matt James, Ringer's deputy art lead known for his gaming insights, joins Steve Ahlman, a senior audio producer with a passion for indie trends, and Joshua Rivera, a thoughtful critic offering cultural context on games. They dive into the impressive volume and quality of 2025's releases, share their 'naughty and nice' industry observations, and passionately draft their favorite games across categories. Highlights include Joshua's critique of Xbox strategy, Matt's hopes for Steam Frame, and a nostalgic pick for Final Fantasy Tactics.
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High Quantity, Strong Top-End Quality
- 2025 released an unprecedented number of games but quality at the top stayed high.
- Focusing on the top 50 or so titles makes most listeners feel like it was a great year.
Indie Games Took The Spotlight
- Indie publishers like Panic helped make 2025 feel personal and idiosyncratic.
- Smaller, distinctive games took the spotlight amid fewer blockbuster certainties.
Prepare For Steam On ARM Devices
- Consider ARM-based devices as a future play for PC libraries.
- Expect Valve's ARM Steam Frame and compatibility tools to expand where you can play your Steam library.