5 games to add to your gaming list in 2025

BY BRENNA DEMPSEY

Executive Producer

There are some big names returning to the world of gaming this year with some much anticipated sequels in the works.

These story-driven games will keep players busy and entertained for a while with the potential to have stunning visuals and engaging plots. 

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom has a lot in store for gamers with the up-and-coming release of “Monster Hunter Wilds" in February 2025. This action role-playing game (RPG) lets players set out on an expedition to investigate an entity called the “White Wraith” with the hopes of rescuing a group known as the “Keepers” along the way.

Jason Vanegas, a student at Tarleton State University, shared why he was excited for the new game.

“So, one of the games that’s going to be released on February 28th is Monster Hunter Wilds,” Vanegas said. “I’m excited for the fact that it’s like its previous game “Monster Hunter World,” but it has a lot of the aspects of “Monster Hunter Rise” with it, so it’s like an open world and seamless quest to hub experience, and I really like how the game looks because it has really new graphics and the monsters look really cool.” 

Doom: The Dark Ages

Bethesda Softworks will be releasing their new “Doom” game in May 2025. This will be a prequel to “Doom” (2016) where it dives into the origin story of the Doom Slayer. Filled with strategic gameplay, this first-person shooter will keep players on their toes.

Bradley Thomas, the Overwatch 2 team captain for the Tarleton Esports team, has been watching for the release.

“The new “Doom,” that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. I’ve been enjoying “Doom Eternal,” and then they announced the new one, and now I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s gonna be great,’” Thomas said.

Bethesda Softworks has a page dedicated to the game with a lot of useful information to keep up to date on the drop.

“A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable “Doom” franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. It's the perfect entry point, whether you're new to the franchise or a long-time fan, with a customizable difficulty system,” Bethesda Softworks said on their official page. 

Grand Theft Auto VI

Rockstar Games confirmed the next installment of the “Grand Theft Auto” series in February 2022, but still has not set a release date outside of fall 2025. The game has some big boots to fill following the hype of “Grand Theft Auto V.” This has some fans on the skeptical and hopeful side.

Jabin Regeon, a member of the Esports team, commented on the release of “Grand Theft Auto VI.”

“I mean, they’ve been working on the game for like how long? There's no way they’re gonna have more delays,” Regeon said.

On the other hand, when asked what games might be a letdown this season Thomas brought up “Grand Theft Auto VI.”

“Me personally, I think this is going to be a wild take, but “GTA 6.” They’ve worked on it for a while already, but coming out in 2025, maybe even early 2026, there’s gonna be bugs that they didn’t catch,” Thomas said. 

Ghost of Yotei

Sucker Punch Productions and Sony Interactive Entertainment have confirmed the PlayStation 5 exclusive game for this year, but have not given an official month or day for the release. 

The game takes place over 300 years after the events of the first game “Ghost of Tsushima" and a new protagonist has taken on the mantle of The Ghost.

PlayStation.Blog is a website where gamers can stay up to date on the latest PlayStation updates.

“When we set out to make a new “Ghost” game, we wanted to maintain the core pillars established in “Ghost of Tsushima:” playing as a wandering warrior in Feudal Japan, offering freedom to explore at your own pace, and highlighting the beauty of the world,” PlayStation.Blog said.

If “Ghost of Yotei” is anything like “Ghost of Tsushima,” we are in for some incredibly gorgeous gameplay.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, “Death Stranding 2” hints at plenty of surprises and plot twists. As the story moves away from what used to be the United States of America, the characters learn the impact of their actions from the first game.

The story was changed in light of Covid-19 to reflect the struggles people faced. Hideo Kojima presented at The Game Awards 2022 and was interpreted from Japanese to English.

“Well, I had the story written before the pandemic, but after experiencing the pandemic, I just rewrote the whole thing, the story, from scratch,” Kojima’s interpreter said.

The cinematic views of the first game are sure to be reflected in the new story. The open world exploration and character development are sure to keep fans invested.  

Be sure to keep your eyes out for the official release dates as the year moves on. There are plenty more games in the works for all your gaming wants and needs.