And that’s a wrap for this year’s The Game Awards, our special annual celebration of everything remarkable about the video game industry. Astro Bot claimed the Game of the Year award, and the world premieres were truly special, despite the absence of a Bloodborne remaster, Hollow Knight: Silksong, or Persona 6.
2025 and beyond could be a big year for gaming, especially with the impressive titles announced. Here are my favorite reveals from this year’s The Game Awards.
Witcher 4
We knew we were in for a treat when the show opened with CD Projekt Red’s long-rumored The Witcher 4. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a return to The Continent with visuals and gameplay at a new level of immersion.
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+ 8The reveal of Ciri as the protagonist was predictable for fans familiar with the series lore and Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, so they knew it was the right choice. Seeing an older, more mature Ciri take on a Witcher contract got emotional, especially given her growth since her time with Geralt and Yennefer.
As the child of the Elder Blood, Ciri may finally unleash her latent powers. While details about her magical potential remain sparse, fans are buzzing with questions: Where is Geralt? What locations will we explore? What challenges await? For now, all we can do is speculate.
Elden Ring: Nightreign
Nobody expected FromSoftware to announce more Elden Ring content so soon. Nightreign had everyone in my watch party gasping in excitement. The trailer teased familiar visuals and mechanics reminiscent of the base game’s experience.
click to enlarge + 8Unlike the original, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a standalone title that merges survival and roguelike elements with cooperative Soulslike gameplay. Designed for three-player co-op, the game challenges players to survive a 3-day cycle of increasingly powerful bosses, culminating in a battle against the fearsome Nightlord. Successful players will earn rare and powerful rewards, adding to the game’s replayability.
Final Fantasy XVI’s Clive Rosfield in Tekken 8
As expected from the previous entry, Tekken 8’s latest seasonal pass features another guest character. While I was hoping for Tifa Lockhart, Final Fantasy XVI’s Clive Rosfield is still a fantastic addition. With his iconic Ifrit moveset, players can prepare for battles with fiery attacks and devastating Zantetsukens.
click to enlarge + 8The DLC also includes a new stage, the Phoenix Gate, an iconic location that kickstarted Final Fantasy XVI’s story. To top it off, Ben Starr reprises his role as Clive for the last time.
Okami Sequel
Studio Clover is back! This means we might finally get a new God Hand game, but for now, the spotlight is on the sequel to the beloved Okami.
click to enlarge + 8When Amaterasu’s familiar Reflector appeared in the trailer, I couldn’t help but scream. With modern advancements in gaming, this sequel has the potential to build on the original’s watercolor charm and create an unforgettable adventure set in Japan’s mythological past. Let’s hope it stays true to the spirit of its predecessor.
New Team Ico Game
From the creators of Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian, we’re getting another potential masterpiece from Fumito Ueda’s visionary mind.
click to enlarge + 8Nicknamed ‘Project Robot,’ the trailer revealed a science-fiction-inspired setting. In a stunning yet cryptic sequence, the protagonist climbs a massive mecha as a tidal wave obliterates the surrounding land. True to Ueda’s style, the trailer raises more questions than answers. Whether it’s a mecha game or something entirely different, we’re ready to explore this mysterious new world.
Dispatch
Dispatch is a promising new IP from the creators of The Wolf Among Us. Combining choice-driven gameplay, point-and-click mechanics, and strategy, this narrative adventure is a superhero workplace comedy with a distinct, vibrant art style.
click to enlarge + 8Think The Office, but with superheroes facing existential crises. The cast includes voices from Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright, and Laura Bailey, among others, which adds even more depth to the game’s quirky, compelling characters.
New Game from Hazelight Studios
Hazelight Studios, known for A Way Out and It Takes Two, has redefined cooperative gameplay. Their next game, Split Fiction, continues the tradition of inventive co-op experiences.
click to enlarge + 8The story follows two contrasting writers, one focused on science fiction and the other on fantasy, who are pulled into their creations. This genre-bending adventure promises dynamic mechanics and imaginative worlds, making it another must-play title for friends or couples. The trailer excited me as it showcases multiple levels, including a Metroid-inspired one! I can’t wait to try it out.
New Naughty Dog Game
The grand finale of this year’s The Game Awards was Naughty Dog’s reveal of their ambitious science-fiction game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Set in an alternate 1986, where space travel has advanced significantly, players assume the role of Jordan Mun (played by Tati Gabrielle), a bounty hunter sent to investigate a planet that lost contact with Earth a century ago.
click to enlarge + 8Creative director Neil Druckmann cited inspirations like Akira and Cowboy Bebop, so cyberpunk and science-fiction fans can enjoy this new direction from the former Last Of Us developers. In addition, its original score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross adds an extra layer of allure to its mysterious sci-fi setting. Although no release date was announced, this is already shaping to be one of Naughty Dog’s most exciting projects yet.
These aren’t the only major games releasing soon; we also have new entries from CAPCOM’s Onimusha, Virtua Fighter (with RGG taking the helm), Borderlands 4, and Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 2.
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