Our Most Anticipated Video Games of 2025 | Button Mash
Jan 8, 2025
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In this discussion, guest Jessica Clemons, a regular contributor known for her unique takes on fandom culture, teams up with Matt James, Deputy Art Lead at The Ringer and a Path of Exile enthusiast, to delve into the gaming horizon of 2025. They reflect on last year's gaming surprises and dissect the hype surrounding anticipated titles like 'GTA VI' and the new Switch. Their predictions cover a range of upcoming games, exploring the unpredictability of releases and the evolving landscape of gaming adaptations, igniting excitement for future innovations.
The hosts analyzed the unpredictability of game releases, contrasting their predictions with last year's actual outcomes to highlight industry surprises.
Excitement surrounds major upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto VI and the Nintendo Switch 2, both promising innovative experiences and a strong game lineup.
There's growing interest in adaptations of video game narratives in films and TV, indicating a shift towards recognizing the storytelling potential of gaming properties.
Deep dives
The Anticipation for 2025's Top Games
The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding the most anticipated games of 2025, including Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) and Switch 2. There is optimism about GTA 6's release, particularly after hints from developers and industry insiders indicate a potential fall 2025 launch. Despite concerns about the game's ability to meet sky-high expectations set by its predecessor, the anticipation remains high, with many eager to see how it integrates with the thriving world of GTA Online. Switch 2 is also generating buzz due to its several leaks and expected robust lineup of new titles, enhancing expectations for Nintendo's next console.
The Twilight of Predictive Gaming
The segment reflects on the unpredictability of the gaming industry's releases and how last year's predictions performed against actual outcomes. While some anticipated games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth lived up to expectations, others like Suicide Squad fell short. Reviewers noted that many of their predictions were not fulfilled due to the secretive nature of game announcements and the prevalence of stealth drops, particularly from indie developers who suddenly capture the audience's attention. This unpredictability casts a shadow over the excitement of looking forward to new titles, as many gamers may find themselves surprised by unannounced games.
Looking Back While Moving Forward
The hosts took time to reflect on the previous year's predictions about anticipated games to assess how accurate they were. They noted that they successfully anticipated the success of several titles, yet they also observed the pitfalls of relying on available information. Nostalgic titles like Astro Bot unexpectedly became favorite picks, despite some omissions from last year’s wish list. This self-reflection emphasizes the difficulty of predicting outcomes in an industry filled with surprises and rapid changes.
The Excitement of New Platforms
The anticipation for the Switch 2 and its potential impact on gaming experiences was a prevalent theme in the discussion. There is ongoing speculation about new hardware specifications, innovative software features, and the possibility of a robust games library at launch. Insights from previous Nintendo strategies indicate a possibility of blockbuster titles accompanying the new console, such as a new 3D Mario game or Mario Kart installment. This builds excitement and the expectation that this new hardware could revive classic franchises and introduce new ones.
Adaptations and the Video Game Universe
Discussions surrounding adaptations of video game properties, particularly TV shows and films, revealed growing interest in how these stories are portrayed outside of gaming. Projects like the Last of Us Season 2 and the upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn film are the subject of considerable anticipation. The ongoing conversation about adapting complex video game narratives for different media indicates a shift towards recognizing the storytelling potential of gaming. This emerging trend shows promise, adopting existing narratives and recontextualizing them in ways that resonate with broader audiences.
The Future of Gaming Predictions
As the conversation concluded, there was a clear sense of optimism for both announced and unannounced games, with an emphasis on the shifting landscape of gaming. The hosts expressed curiosity about the increasing dominance of PC gaming, suggesting a trend toward improved accessibility and diversity in gaming options. Additionally, established franchises were expected to evolve and lead the way for new gaming experiences in 2025, offering a unique blend of innovation and nostalgia. The discussion collectively affirmed a shared anticipation and the need for enthusiasts to keep their eyes peeled for unexpected revelations throughout the year.
Ben, Jessica Clemons, and Matt James press reset on the gaming calendar and place hype-thetical preorders for the most intriguing releases of the coming year. First they look back at last year’s most anticipated titles to examine how predictable good games actually are. Then they discuss this year’s two biggest tentpoles, ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ and Nintendo’s Switch successor, assessing their excitement for each and the odds of ‘GTA VI’ avoiding a delay (8:30). After that, they preview a stacked February (40:00), select their most anticipated games of 2025 in several categories (29:30), and wrap up with big-picture predictions (1:16:20).
