In this week's episode of The Game Informer Show, former editor John Carson joins us to share what we think are the best games of 2025 to date. Heavy hitters like Mario Kart World, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Monster Hunter Wilds all make the list, but there are several smaller or indie titles mentioned that we love, like Peak, Blade Chimera, and Promise Mascot Agency. We hope you enjoy the podcast and find your next favorite video game!

The Game Informer Show is a weekly podcast covering the video game industry. Join us every Thursday for chats about your favorite titles – past and present – alongside Game Informer staff and special guests from around the industry.

Subscribe to Game Informer Magazine: https://www.gameinformer.com/subscribe

Follow our hosts on social media:

Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken)
Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7)
Kyle Hilliard (@KyleHilliard)
John Carson (@JohnCarsonGames)

Jump to a specific discussion using these timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
05:35 - Promise Mascot Agency
08:44 - Blade Chimera
11:15 - The Roottrees Are Dead
17:30 - Peak
24:36 - Mario Kart World
31:50 - Avowed
37:48 - Split Fiction
43:16 - Picnic Penguin
47:40 - Pirate Yakuza
50:19 - Monster Hunter Wilds
55:55 - DOOM: The Dark Ages
01:01:00 - Elden Ring Nightreign
01:09:25 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
01:16:20 - Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
01:23:06 - Shotgun Cop Man
01:27:05 - The Bazaar
01:33:00 - Kyle’s Lightning Round
01:34:28 - The First Bezerker Khazan
01:36:24 - Marcus’ Lightning Round
01:42:19 - Alex’s Lightning Round

Episode 172 – WOLT Wedding