The year 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone for the video game industry, offering a rich mix of highly anticipated titles that span across beloved franchises and exciting new ventures. This preview explores the major developments expected this year, from seamless open worlds and enhanced accessibility to the growing prominence of cross-platform play. As technology evolves and players expect deeper, more connected experiences, 2025’s gaming landscape is positioned to deliver.
Among the most notable releases confirmed for 2025 are Monster Hunter Wilds, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Doom: The Dark Ages. These three titles span the genres of action role-playing, action-adventure, and first-person shooter, respectively. Each is set to push the boundaries of its series through fresh mechanics, immersive narratives, and advanced technical execution.
It’s worth noting the exclusion of Grand Theft Auto VI from this report. While heavily speculated for a 2025 release, Rockstar Games has officially scheduled it for May 26, 2026. The influence of this release date cannot be overstated. When GTA launches, it often reshapes the market, causing other developers to adjust their own release schedules. This is less about competition and more about avoiding the overwhelming spotlight that GTA inevitably commands. Its delay allows other titles to shine in 2025 without being overshadowed.
| Title | Developer | Publisher | Genre | Release Date | Key Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monster Hunter Wilds | Capcom | Capcom | Action role-playing | Feb 28, 2025 | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Retro Studios | Nintendo | Action-adventure | 2025 | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Doom: The Dark Ages | id Software | Bethesda Softworks | First-person shooter | May 15, 2025 | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Game Pass |
Game Spotlight 1: Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds continues Capcom’s acclaimed series with a more seamless and immersive experience than ever before. Announced at The Game Awards in 2023 and later winning “Best Trailer” at Gamescom 2024, the excitement has translated into commercial success. Within three days of release, the game sold over 8 million copies, making it Capcom’s fastest-selling title to date.
Set in the mysterious “Forbidden Lands,” players control a custom hunter on a mission to find a missing expedition. As with previous entries, players track, fight, and either slay or capture powerful monsters. These creatures drop materials that are used to craft better weapons, armour, and gear, creating a loop of preparation and progression.
The game introduces a seamless open world, where players can explore interconnected biomes without loading screens. This fluid environment allows for greater immersion and flexibility, including the use of a Seikret mount—a bird-like companion that aids in navigation and combat, and even allows hunters to carry two weapons into battle. Pop-up Camps can also be established for convenient rest and resupply.
New mechanics such as the Wound System and Focus Mode give players more control over monster battles, enabling them to target weak points and specific body parts. All 14 weapon types from Monster Hunter: World return with new moves, and the Slinger tool has expanded uses. Monsters now interact dynamically with their environments, and elements like weather and time of day influence their behaviour.
A unique accessibility feature is the Arachnophobia Mode, which replaces spider-like enemies with non-threatening shapes. Multiplayer supports up to four players, with AI-controlled hunters or online allies available via SOS flare. Importantly, Monster Hunter Wilds is the first in the series to feature cross-platform play, making multiplayer more accessible and integrated across all platforms.
The narrative follows Nata, a boy from the Forbidden Lands, as he helps the player uncover secrets behind a creature called the White Wraith and the ancient civilization of Wyveria. Themes of ecological balance, technological legacy, and survival against overwhelming odds make for a rich storytelling experience.
Game Spotlight 2: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to launch on both the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2. After a long development journey that began in 2017 and restarted under Retro Studios in 2019, the game was officially revealed in June 2024 and nominated for Most Anticipated Game at The Game Awards.
The game retains its first-person action-adventure roots, placing players once again in the role of Samus Aran. This time, Samus must navigate the jungle planet of Viewros, battling space pirates and uncovering ancient mysteries. A major addition is her acquisition of psychic powers, which introduce new layers to both combat and environmental puzzles.
These powers, along with traditional mechanics like the Morph Ball and scanning, create a deeper experience. The game’s story includes characters like Sylux, a rival bounty hunter with a grudge against Samus, and the Lamorn, an alien race asking for her help.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version brings major enhancements: 4K resolution at 60 FPS or 1080p at 120 FPS, along with mouse control support using Joy-Con 2. This dual-platform release is designed to cater to the existing Switch audience while also serving as a showcase for the next-gen hardware.
By launching across both platforms, Nintendo is bridging the console generations smoothly and using Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as a technological benchmark.
Game Spotlight 3: Doom: The Dark Ages
Doom: The Dark Ages is the next big step for id Software’s legendary franchise. This prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal moves away from high-speed, acrobatic combat and instead delivers a slower, heavier, and more tactical experience.
The setting is a medieval-inspired world where players, as the Doom Slayer, fight through waves of demonic enemies. You’ll ride dragons, control massive mechs, and wield over-the-top weaponry designed to evoke the feeling of being an unstoppable tank.
Powered by the new id Tech 8 engine, the game promises cutting-edge visuals and performance. Its story delves into the origins of the Doom Slayer, with a darker, more cinematic narrative that explores a medieval conflict with Hell.
One of the standout features is its day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass, alongside releases on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. This release strategy highlights Microsoft’s push to grow Game Pass while also maintaining broad reach by including other platforms. It reflects the shifting landscape of how major games are distributed and monetised.
Conclusion: A Promising Year for Gamers
2025 looks to be an exceptional year for gaming. Monster Hunter Wilds delivers seamless worlds and cross-platform multiplayer. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond brings a long-awaited return with fresh powers and next-gen polish. Doom: The Dark Ages shifts gears with medieval brutality and a new approach to combat.
Together, these titles reflect the industry’s evolution: embracing player feedback, advancing technical standards, and finding new ways to engage players across platforms. With big names delayed to 2026, this is the year for other franchises to step into the spotlight.
Game Feature Comparison Table
| Feature / Game | Monster Hunter Wilds | Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Doom: The Dark Ages |
| Core Gameplay Loop / Innovation | Seamless open world, dynamic ecosystems | First-person adventure with psychic powers | Heavier FPS combat, medieval arsenal |
| Key Narrative Hook | Uncovering secrets of the Forbidden Lands | Samus’s survival on Viewros and clash with Sylux | Origins of the Doom Slayer |
| Unique Features | Seikret mount, Wound System, Pop-up Camps, Cross-play | Psychic powers, Morph Ball, next-gen enhancements | Dragon mount, giant mechs, Game Pass availability |
| Multiplayer / Co-op | 4-player co-op with AI and SOS flares | Single-player | Single-player |
| Accessibility Features | Arachnophobia Mode | Optional mouse controls (Switch 2) | N/A |
| Next-Gen Enhancements | PS5, Xbox Series X/S native support | 4K/60 FPS or 1080p/120 FPS, Switch 2 enhancements | PS5, Xbox Series X/S native, id Tech 8 engine |