What a year it has been, and it’s just January.
A few weeks into 2025 and feeling relatively rejuvenated after the holiday break, I aim to examine gaming trends and potential narratives that I anticipate will dominate 2025. I recently discussed the key gaming trends and stories from 2024, so view this as a sort of continuation of that discussion.
From the imminent release of what could be one of the greatest games ever, to fresh gaming hardware emerging, there’s much to ponder, be cautious about, and be enthusiastic about simultaneously. We’ll revisit this at the year’s conclusion to see how accurate my predictions were, but for now, let’s explore.
5. The black hole games persist, yet GTA 6 offers potential chances
I have previously addressed the issue of “black hole” games, which are titles that are either evergreen or released yearly (sometimes both). These include major titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, among others, monopolizing a substantial portion of gamers’ time and finances. This year, there’s a major shakeup looming that could bring about changes.
Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to become one of the most significant games of the year upon its release on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 later this fall. If any game has the ability to draw players away and encourage them to invest time elsewhere and continue spending that time in different realms, it’s Grand Theft Auto 6.
However, there are significant conditions attached to this. Will Grand Theft Auto 6 feature any form of online element upon release? If not, how long will it take for it to be integrated? Most crucially, will the game actually be launched this year?
4. Increased chatter about generative AI with minimal outcomes
The discourse surrounding generative artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous at present, and I don’t foresee its disappearance in 2025. With companies actively delving into how to incorporate AI with user-generated content or exploring what generative AI can offer in narrative construction, there’s a lot more on the horizon.
I anticipate several companies will unveil grand proclamations about how they intend to revolutionize gaming and alter game design indefinitely, yet with little substance to substantiate their claims this year.
3. PC gaming handhelds keep evolving but all lag behind the Nintendo Switch 2
Fresh from CES 2025, it’s apparent that numerous thrilling new gaming handhelds are set to debut, particularly with the Windows Central team eager about the Lenovo Legion Go S. Especially since the device will have an option featuring SteamOS.
All of this is enticing, and I’m genuinely curious to observe their performance. However, concerning the top-selling devices, they will all need to take a significant step back. Nintendo has finally revealed the Nintendo Switch 2, its anticipated successor that appears to boast a slightly enlarged design and enhanced hardware.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to sell exceptionally well in its initial year, regardless of its launch timing, with only the manufacturing capacity serving as a limiting factor.
On the subject of Nintendo’s new hardware…
2. Xbox boosts support for the Nintendo Switch 2
Various publishers will prepare ports of their games for the Nintendo Switch 2, but I’m uncertain any will be as keen as Xbox.
I wholeheartedly predict Xbox will deliver every achievable game to Nintendo’s latest device, launching immediately to encourage purchases on the new platform. Current rumors discuss ports for titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and I also firmly expect to witness Rare’s pirate escapade Sea of Thieves arrive on Nintendo’s new console.
The specific extent of the ports will rely on the kind of hardware featured within the Nintendo Switch 2. Will it be capable of supporting games such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle or DOOM: The Dark Ages? We cannot ascertain this at the moment, but should it be feasible, I anticipate Xbox will authorize ports as speedily as possible.
While we’re examining ports…
1. PlayStation further explores multiplatform avenues
Sony has been extremely cautious compared to Microsoft in extending its games beyond its own console, but times are changing, and I anticipate we’ll witness further releases later this year.
Let it be clear; the volume and frequency won’t match what Xbox is achieving, but there will be a strategic change. While Sony generally opts to wait prior to releasing its single-player PlayStation Studios titles to PC, the average time frame between ports is shortening.
The company also brought LEGO Horizon Adventures to Nintendo Switch last year, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility (dare I say very likely?) that this title could land on Xbox consoles later this year. Who knows, even a collaboration between Helldivers 2 and Halo: ODST might not be so far-fetched anymore.