Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2025

The Gaming Horizon of 2025

The video game industry is gearing up for a monumental year. After a period of relative quiet, 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for gamers worldwide. With next-generation hardware fully settled and development pipelines reopening, studios are ready to unveil projects they've been quietly crafting for years.

From sprawling open-world adventures to intense narrative-driven experiences, the upcoming calendar is packed with potential Game of the Year contenders. In this comprehensive guide, Mercy News breaks down the top 10 upcoming games in 2025 that are dominating conversations across PS5, Xbox, and PC gaming communities.

Grand Theft Auto VI

It is impossible to discuss 2025 without mentioning the elephant in the room. Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto VI is arguably the most significant entertainment release of the decade. Set in a modern reimagining of Vice City, the title promises to be a technical marvel that pushes the boundaries of open-world design.

According to industry reports, the game will feature the first female protagonist in the series' history, a duo inspired by the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. The hype surrounding this release is unprecedented, with analysts predicting record-breaking sales figures upon launch.

• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (TBD)
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Key Feature: First female protagonist and advanced AI systems

"We are thrilled to announce that Grand Theft Auto VI is targeting a Fall 2025 release. We believe this will be a defining moment for the franchise." - Rockstar Games Official Statement

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom continues its dominance in the action-RPG space with Monster Hunter Wilds. Following the massive success of Monster Hunter: World and Rise, this entry promises to be the most ambitious yet. The developers have teased a seamless open world with dynamic weather systems that directly impact gameplay and monster behavior.

Players can expect a deeper narrative focus while maintaining the series' signature co-op gameplay loop. The introduction of new traversal mechanics, including a mount system, aims to reduce friction between hunts. For fans of video games that reward skill and preparation, this is a day-one purchase.

• Seamless open-world environments
• Dynamic weather affecting monster AI
• New weapon mechanics and traversal options

The Elder Scrolls VI

While details have been scarce, recent updates suggest The Elder Scrolls VI is making significant progress in development. Set in the province of Hammerfell, Bethesda's next RPG titan aims to refine the formula established by Skyrim. Fans are eagerly awaiting a deep dive into the game's radiant AI and modding capabilities.

The studio has emphasized that this will be their biggest world yet. Utilizing the Creation Engine 2, the game promises enhanced graphical fidelity and a more reactive world. For PC gaming enthusiasts, this title is expected to be a benchmark for hardware performance for years to come.

"The ambition for The Elder Scrolls VI is to create a world that feels truly alive, where every decision has weight." - Todd Howard, Bethesda Game Studios

Fable

The beloved British RPG series is making a grand return. Developed by Playground Games (the team behind the Forza Horizon series), this reboot of Fable has generated massive excitement. The trailer showcased a stunning visual style and the series' trademark dark humor.

Transitioning from racing games to open-world RPGs is a bold move, but Playground's track record inspires confidence. The game is expected to feature a vast, colorful world filled with whimsy and danger. It remains one of the most anticipated upcoming games for the Xbox ecosystem.

• Developer: Playground Games
• Engine: ForzaTech (heavily modified)
• Genre: Action RPG

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima returns with a sequel to his polarizing masterpiece. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues the journey of Sam Porter Bridges. The trailer hinted at a darker tone and new mechanics involving a puppet companion named Drawbridge.

Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux reprise their roles, joined by Elle Fanning. This title is a must-play for those who appreciate cinematic storytelling and unique gameplay mechanics. It is one of the premier exclusives heading to the PS5 in 2025.

• Key Cast: Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning
• Director: Hideo Kojima
• Key Theme: Connection and isolation

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

Marvel games have been on a hot streak, and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra looks to continue that trend. Set during World War II, the game features a dual narrative starring Captain America and Black Panther (Azzuri). It is being developed by Skydance New Media, led by Amy Hennig, known for her work on the Uncharted series.

The gameplay footage showcased impressive traversal and combat mechanics. The visual fidelity, powered by Unreal Engine 5, is stunning. This narrative-driven adventure is poised to be a standout title for PS5 and Xbox owners alike.

"We wanted to explore the untold history of these characters during a pivotal moment in time." - Amy Hennig

Splinter Cell Remake

Fans of tactical espionage have waited years for this. Ubisoft Toronto is rebuilding the original Splinter Cell from the ground up. This isn't just a graphical update; it's a complete reimagining of the 2002 classic, updated for a modern stealth audience.

The developers have promised to respect the original game's DNA while expanding upon its mechanics. The lighting and sound systems are being overhauled to create a truly immersive stealth experience. It is a love letter to the genre that defined a generation.

• Modernized gameplay mechanics
• Rebuilt lighting and sound AI
• Updated narrative for contemporary audiences

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Fighting game fans have a massive title to look forward to with Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. Developed by Arc System Works, the studio behind Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ, this game brings a unique 2.5D visual style to the Marvel universe.

The roster includes heavy hitters like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Captain America. The fast-paced action and stunning visuals suggest this could be the premier fighting game of the year. It aims to revitalize the competitive scene for superhero brawlers.

• Art Style: 3D cel-shaded (Guilty Gear style)
• Roster Size: Launch roster of 12+ characters
• Developer: Arc System Works

Mafia: The Old Country

The Mafia series returns to its roots with a prequel set in the 1900s. Mafia: The Old Country explores the origins of the crime family in Sicily. Hangar 13 promises a gritty, linear narrative experience that focuses on the rise of the Mafia.

Unlike the open-world structure of Mafia III, this title reportedly returns to the more focused storytelling of the original trilogy. Fans are eager to see how the linear narrative holds up in modern video games. It is a definite contender for story-focused gamers.

"We are going back to what made the original Mafia great: a strong, linear story." - Hangar 13

South of Midnight

Xbox Game Studios continues to push unique IPs with South of Midnight. This action-adventure game is set in a magical realism version of the American Deep South. Players take on the role of Hazel, a weaver who must hunt down mythical creatures.

The art style is the star here, featuring a stunning stop-motion aesthetic. It is a refreshing departure from hyper-realistic graphics. This game highlights the diversity of upcoming games on the Xbox platform.

• Genre: Action-Adventure
• Setting: American Deep South
• Visuals: Stylized stop-motion inspired

Conclusion

2025 is shaping up to be a diverse and exciting year for video games. From the massive open worlds of GTA VI to the stylized adventures of South of Midnight, there is truly something for everyone. The competition between PS5 and Xbox will likely heat up significantly with these releases.

As always, release dates are subject to change, but the pipeline looks solid. We recommend keeping an eye on PC gaming requirements for these titles, as they will likely push hardware to its limits. Which of these games are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments.

• Key Takeaway 1: Rockstar and Bethesda are returning with heavy hitters.
• Key Takeaway 2: Visual diversity is at an all-time high.
• Key Takeaway 3: The battle for console exclusives is intensifying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most anticipated game of 2025?

Without a doubt, Grand Theft Auto VI is the most anticipated title. Industry analysts expect it to break sales records upon its release in late 2025.

Will The Elder Scrolls VI release in 2025?

While Bethesda has not confirmed a specific release date, recent development updates suggest a release is possible, though 2026 remains a safer bet for a polished launch.

Are there new exclusives for PS5 and Xbox?

Yes, titles like Death Stranding 2 and Marvel 1943 are major PS5 draws, while Fable and South of Midnight are key Xbox exclusives.