After a difficult year for the gaming industry, software companies and game developers will be hoping for an improved 2025. The gaming world was plagued with large numbers of layoffs and studios being run into the ground. As a result, the popularity of gaming took a significant hit with games such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Batman: Arkham Shadow giving the gaming industry something to shout about.
The latter marked the first full implementation of Virtual Reality technology into a big game title and for the majority of gamers, Batman: Arkham Shadow was well received, which perhaps prompted a huge sigh of relief from game producers, Camouflaj. Due to the success of the game, it might not be long before we see more Virtual and Augmented Reality games hit the shelves and online stores. Perhaps 2025 is the year for gaming to take the next tech step.
In a world falling under greater influence from digital devices and processes, it is somewhat surprising that gaming as an industry is struggling. Maybe there is still a hangover from the pandemic, perhaps inflation and the living crisis in certain countries is affecting people’s spending. Or maybe the rise of other online entertainment options such as iGaming have captured people’s attention and bumped traditional console gaming down a rung.
The digital evolution has given rise to entertainment alternatives such as online casinos and online sports betting, which is continuing to grow in popularity and is continuing to capture the imagination of millions around the world. The U.S is one of the biggest gaming markets in the world, but the conversation revolving around USA casinos for the Daily Star is growing and perhaps taking a bit of the limelight away from traditional gaming.
However, with a new year comes new hope and optimism. The hope that gaming companies will be able to level out their books again after over pushing game production over the pandemic and begin to win back a fervent following of gamers. To whet the appetite, here are three game releases to look forward to this year.
Football Manager 2025
The latest edition of Sports Interactive’s Football Manager encapsulates the state of the gaming industry. Highly popular, but frustrating at the same time due to the pushing back of the release date. Originally set for release in Autumn 2024, SI made the difficult decision to delay the release of the latest version until March 2025, citing a “need for more time to deliver the best experience possible.” This disappointed millions of fans around the world who were eager to embark on their next fairytale adventure in football management.
However, the delay has not stopped the anticipation and excitement building inside football manager enthusiasts. The previous edition set an internal record for the number of players over all platforms and despite the delay, sales are again expected to go into their millions. For Sports Interactive, their job is to ensure that this delay was simply a one-off, and that they get back on schedule with future releases.
Grand Theft Auto VI
It is potentially one of the most successful game series in history and the anticipation surrounding the release of the next GTA has been palpable for over a decade. But this Autumn, Rockstar Games are finally bringing out the next edition of GTA. There has been speculation that the title will be further delay until 2026, but this has been dismissed as conjecture.
GTA VI is only currently set for release on PS5 and Xbox. However, as with previous editions, PC-compatible versions might follow the initial release on the two abovementioned platforms. Fans can expect an even more intricate, interactive in-world experience as Rockstar Games attempt to enhance their fine reputation within the gaming industry.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The latest in a lengthy line of Assassin’s Creed titles is expected to hit the shelves and online stores in March 2025. The sequel has a tough act to follow after the immense success enjoyed by Assassin’s Creed Mirage, released a couple of years ago in 2023. The previous edition brought Basim back to basics, which proved extremely popular with the Assassin’s Creed fanbase. Gamers will be intrigued as to how Ubisoft approach Assassin’s Creed Shadows. If the same throwback element of elevated stealth is implemented into the game play, then AC fans will be happy.
A pivotal year for gaming
Ubisoft is clearly thriving on the pressure to maintain their excellent gaming standards and bucks the current trend of a struggling gaming industry. The pandemic set many industries back and although the gaming industry thrived during the lockdown periods when the industry saw a huge spike in game purchases and activity, the battle to “normalise” after the pandemic continues.
In an increasingly competitive market, the pressure is on each and every release and could be a potential reason we are seeing more delays in release dates. Perhaps the level of competition is driving game producers to achieve perfection in their products. For consumers who believe this theory, this can only be a good thing. With a lot more big game releases to come in 2025, gamers are only just warming up their consoles in what is an important year ahead for the gaming industry.
