Each year in December, The Game Awards —the most famous awards ceremony in the video game industry—is held. Not only does it celebrate the best games of the year, but it also provides an exciting platform for announcing future titles. This year marked the 10th edition of the event, and it was packed with announcements. Here, I’ve prepared a list of what I consider the most standout reveals, organized in order of appearance.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
The event’s first announcement got me jumping out of my chair, not just because of the studios involved (Dotemu collaborating with Koei Tecmo and under the development of The Game Kitchen, creators of Blasphemous), but also because it signifies the return of one of my favorite sagas, Ninja Gaiden. After a ten-year hiatus, this epic series is back to challenge us with its hallmark difficulty, polished and demanding mechanics, and stunning graphics.
The trailer, just a minute and a half in length, packs all the elements to heighten our anticipation. It features anime-style cinematics reminiscent of the golden age of the genre, standout music, and just enough gameplay footage to convince us of the title’s quality. With gorgeous pixel art, intricately detailed environments and enemies, fluid animation, and adrenaline-fueled mechanics, every second of the trailer exudes quality. Considering the expertise of the companies involved, it’s clear we’re looking at a game poised to make history.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will launch in the summer of 2025 on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Steam.
Dave the Diver: In the jungle
The successful game developed by Mintrocket, a subsidiary of Nexon, will get its first DLC at the end of 2025. The one-minute teaser didn’t reveal much, but the description hints at new friends, new areas, and thrilling discoveries. We’ll have to wait until late 2025 to uncover all the new content this DLC will bring.
Shadow Labyrinth
One of the night’s biggest surprises was Shadow Labyrinth, announced by Bandai Namco. This intriguing game combines metroidvania elements with puzzles and platforming while bringing back one of the most iconic characters of all time, none other than Pac-Man.
The brief trailer showcases a dark, atmospheric setting with plenty of combat and intriguing platforming sections. Watching the video, it becomes clear that the episode of the Secret Level series featuring the iconic character is likely based on this very title and no other in the saga.
The game is set to release sometime in 2025, with availability on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
REMATCH
One of the night’s biggest surprises was Shadow Labyrinth, announced by Bandai Namco. This intriguing game combines metroidvania elements with puzzles and platforming while bringing back one of the most iconic characters of all time, none other than Pac-Man.
The brief trailer showcases a dark, atmospheric setting with plenty of combat and intriguing platforming sections. Watching the video, it becomes clear that the episode of the Secret Level series featuring the iconic character is likely based on this very title and no other in the saga.
The game is set to release sometime in 2025, with availability on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
The Witcher IV
One of the longest and most anticipated trailers of the event was for The Witcher IV. Speculation had been building for some time about the next installment in CD Projekt Red’s beloved saga. This presentation, entirely composed of cinematics, confirms that the protagonist will be none other than the beloved Ciri. Beyond that, no release window was disclosed.
Elder Ring: Nightreign
Bandai Namco delivered another major announcement with Elden Ring: Nightreign, a standalone version of the FromSoftware classic. It includes up to three-player co-op gameplay. It’s scheduled to release sometime in 2025 across all platforms where the original game is available.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will arrive on PC on January 12, bringing several improvements to textures, models, and lighting systems. It will also include DLSS and VRR support to ensure the best image quality possible. PC players will get to enjoy this classic as if it were a next-gen release.
Fumito Ueda's Next Project
Little is known about Fumito Ueda’s next project (creator of ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian) beyond the trailer shown. The footage displays a person climbing a giant robot and taking off from its head before being destroyed by a storm.
There is neither a title nor a release window yet, but the PlayStation logo at the end suggests it will arrive on Sony’s console. Considering the presentation began with an Epic Games Publishing tag, it’s likely heading to PC as well.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian was present to announce the sequel to The Outer Worlds. A humorous trailer emphasized how well this studio handles sequels. The Outer Worlds 2 is coming in 2025 to PS5, Xbox Series, Game Pass, and Steam.
Split Fiction
EA unveiled the next game from Hazelight Studios, the creators of the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021. This new co-op adventure, Split Fiction, lets players switch between medieval fantasy and sci-fi dimensions, featuring the outstanding level design that has become Hazelight’s hallmark. Split Fiction launches on March 6 for Xbox Series, PS5, and PC (via EA App, Steam, and Epic Games Store).
Borderlands 4
The trailer for Borderlands 4 was confirmed to debut at the event, as the project’s director had announced it on social media beforehand. This iconic looter-shooter series by Gearbox Software hardly needs an introduction. It’s set to release in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series, Epic Games Store, and Steam, though there’s no specific launch window yet.
Turok: Origins
Saber Interactive and Universal announced a new installment in the classic FPS franchise. Turok: Origins pits players against dinosaurs, either solo or with friends. It will arrive on Xbox Series, PS5, and Steam sometime in 2025 and is already available to wishlist.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom surprised fans with the return of Onimusha, the iconic hack-and-slash series originally on PlayStation 2. Returning with a next-gen overhaul, Onimusha: Way of the Sword will no longer be exclusive to Sony consoles. Releasing in 2026, it’s planned for simultaneous launch on PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam.
Dying Light: The Beast
Polish studio Techland, known for the innovative Dying Light, revealed a trailer for the next installment of the franchise. Scheduled for release next summer on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC (via Epic Games Store and Steam), fans are hopeful it will meet the high standards of the original game, as the sequel fell short of expectations.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
The Last of Us Part II Remastered arrives on PC on April 3, 2025, including all the modes and enhancements available in the PS5 version, along with additional optimizations unique to the PC platform.
Mafia: The Old Country
Mafia: The Old Country made an appearance with a trailer entirely comprised of in-engine cinematics rather than gameplay footage. While visually impressive, the lack of gameplay leaves fans eager for more. The game is set to debut in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam, though no date is specified.
Okami Sequel
Capcom delivered a second bombshell with the announcement of an Okami sequel. Though the title has yet to be revealed, legendary director Hideki Kamiya will return to helm the project. Currently, no release date or platforms have been announced.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
The grand finale came from PlayStation Studios and Naughty Dog, the creators of Crash Bandicoot and The Last of Us. They unveiled a brand-new IP with a trailer featuring a futuristic setting inspired by classics like Akira and Cowboy Bebop, complete with breathtaking visuals.
Despite offering almost no information beyond the protagonist being female, the mere glimpse sparked controversy on social media, with critics labeling it “woke.” It’s an unfortunate trend that’s becoming increasingly common even before concrete details emerge about such projects.
