2025 has proven to be an exceptionally active and glamorous year in the world of video games, in contrast to previous years, which often offered only a few outstanding highlights. With titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Company of Heroes 3, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, Diablo 4, Starfield, and, of course, Baldur's Gate 3, previously jokingly referred to as ‘Gollum’, the first half of the year saw a number of high-profile releases. Even though some of these games had noticeable weaknesses, they significantly revitalised the gaming landscape. Just as casino games at Wanted Win Casino shaped the casino world in their day.

In view of this impressive starting position, it seems like a challenge for 2025 to surpass the successes of 2025. It is still uncertain exactly which games will be released next year. However, some titles have already been confirmed for 2025. Here is an overview of the games that have been announced so far.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

STALKER 2 – Heart of Chornobyl

Despite the challenges posed by Russia's war against Ukraine, GSC Game World continues to develop S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The anticipation for this open-world shooter remains high: players are once again taken into the radioactively contaminated zone around Chernobyl, where they search for artefacts and delve into the deep secrets of the game world. Like its predecessor, the game aims to thrill with an impressive open world, gripping gunfights, various factions, and a dark atmosphere – all in a prettier, bigger and better presentation and hopefully with fewer bugs than the first part. GSC Game World has tentatively set the first quarter for the release, but due to the current situation in the country, further delays are possible.

Silent Hill 2

Fans have extremely high expectations for a remake of Silent Hill 2. The creative minds behind Layers of Fear are working meticulously on their ambitious remake of Silent Hill 2. This horror adventure is revered as a cult classic by fans of the series – a fact that the developers take very seriously, knowing that they have to live up to the high expectations. Although the release date for this year has so far only been the subject of speculation, the developers have emphasised that they are on schedule. In addition, several clues indicate that the release could take place as early as the first quarter of 2025.

Stormgate

Stormgate evokes associations with Starcraft 2 at first glance – which is hardly surprising, as it was developed by former Blizzard developers. The announcement of a new real-time strategy game from such experienced hands is understandably causing a stir, especially when it shows visual and gameplay parallels to Starcraft 2. Powered by the powerful Unreal Engine 5, Stormgate promises a highly accurate RTS experience with numerous improvements and a wide variety of units. In addition to a comprehensive story campaign, a wide range of multiplayer options are offered, from tournaments with e-sports potential to cooperative modes for all campaign missions.

Despite the decision in favour of a Free2Play model, the developers emphasise that pay-to-win elements will have no place in Stormgate. The start of the early access phase is planned for the summer, with a beta test planned beforehand.

Star Wars Outlaws

While the remake of Knights of the Old Republic is now receiving little public attention and its development status seems uncertain, interest is now increasingly focused on Star Wars Outlaws. This game is set between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and follows the adventures of Kay Vess, an ambitious crook who, together with her partner in crime Nix, is involved in all sorts of shady business.

The open-world action-adventure allows players to explore a variety of planets and offers a diverse gameplay experience that includes sneaking, climbing, shooting, trading, and stealing. Players can also use vehicles and seamlessly take off from planet surfaces into space with their spaceship, where they will be involved in the characteristic Star Wars space battles. The first glimpses of gameplay suggest an extremely ambitious project. If Massive Entertainment (The Division) succeeds in fulfilling the promises of the announcement, Star Wars Outlaws could become one of the most coveted titles of the year.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Hellblade 2 is expected to have an intense and dark storyline as well as a captivating performance. Excitement grows with every new Hellblade 2 trailer, leaving us in awe. This dark action-adventure has faced a few delays, but the sequel is finally set for release this year, and anticipation for returning to Senua's fearsome Viking world is skyrocketing. While it may not be radically different to its impressive predecessor, the game's stunning presentation and tragic-heroic story ensure that Hellblade 2 will be making waves this year.

Skull and Bones

After numerous delays, it seemed unlikely, but Skull and Bones has finally been completed. In this action role-playing game, you work your way up from shipwrecked sailor to celebrated pirate captain, conquering the Indian Ocean with your ship, collecting riches and improving your reputation. Players can look forward to intense naval battles, numerous opportunities to customise their ship, and even go ashore to fulfil missions and meet artisans.

The game can also be enjoyed in co-op mode, and PvP duels are another option. However, there will be no ground combat; this means that sword duels or the ability to board enemy ships, as in Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, will be missing. Whether this restriction will be enough to keep pirate fans loyal in the long term remains to be seen on 16 February. However, feedback on the last open beta was mixed.

Still Wakes the Deep

In addition to working on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, the team at The Chinese Room seems to have capacity for another project. They are developing Still Wakes the Deep, a narrative horror game in the first person. The game takes you to a ghostly oil rig off the coast of Scotland, the scene of a mysterious disaster from which you must escape. Unlike other games, Still Wakes the Deep doesn't rely on combat mechanics or supernatural abilities, but instead relies entirely on creating a dense, oppressive atmosphere, an original setting, and a compelling story. For fans of top-notch horror, this game is definitely worth a look – the material released so far already looks very promising!

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

After numerous delays, the latest instalment in the Batman series is nearing completion: In this open-world action game, you take on the role of the villains for a change, including Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and King Shark. You will face powerful, brainwashed superheroes who now pose a threat to the world as one of these four antiheroes.

Alongside action-packed fights, the game offers the option to switch between characters at any time. In addition, an online co-op mode is available for up to four players, which also supports cross-play. Planned as a live-service game, Suicide Squad will be continuously expanded with new content through seasons, including a battle pass for cosmetic items. An offline mode is also planned and will be added later in the year.

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Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

Another Metroidvania that should definitely be on your watch list this year is Tales of Kenzera. Inspired by African Bantu culture, the game tells the story of young shaman Zau, who sets out on a moving journey to bring his deceased father back to life. Along the way, Zau faces the kind of challenges you'd expect in a game of this genre, and in doing so unlocks new abilities that come in handy in both combat and exploring the game world. The profound and emotional storyline takes on the theme of mourning, with Abubakar Salim, the actor and founder of the studio, bringing his personal experiences to the game development.

Tempest Rising

In times when Command & Conquer is leading a rather secluded existence, other developer studios are stepping in to satisfy the longing for classic real-time strategy. Tempest Rising is one of the most promising contenders, clearly inspired by C&C and other icons of the genre. Fans can look forward to a straightforward real-time strategy game that emphasises rapid base building, harvesting vehicles, and powerful units, divided between three unique factions.

With two campaigns, each comprising 15 missions, as well as numerous cutscenes and an extensive multiplayer mode, Tempest Rising offers plenty of content for fans of the genre. However, as a potential saviour for fans of Command & Conquer, Tempest Rising faces the challenge of living up to high expectations. At the end of 2025, the Embracer Group announced that many jobs had been cut at 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks as part of its cost-cutting measures. It is still unclear what impact these developments could have on Tempest Rising.