GTA6 and the most anticipated games of 2025: NPR

The release schedule for 2025 still remains uncertain, but one question arises: will Grand Theft Auto 6 really be released this year? A studio known for its perfectionism and delays has promised its release, but its arrival – as well as the likely launch of a new Nintendo console – will be felt throughout the video game industry.

Other big titles are also on the horizon, with a new high-stakes Assassin’s Creed and a calming spin-off of Lord of the Rings. Here are 25 of our most anticipated games for 2025:

Avowed (February 18)

Obsidian Entertainment has a lot of experience imitating Bethesda’s open-world role-playing games. After several delays, the studio’s answer to Skyrim is finally out — and I hope it becomes my next fantasy obsession. — Corey Bridges, associate producer, The Indicator

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 (February 18)

The narrative adventure game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will feature four protagonists facing the consequences of a mysterious incident that occurred in 1995. Developed by the creators of the touching Life is Strange series, Lost Records seems to promise immersive choices and a unforgettable story — I can’t wait to dive into it! — Natalia Fidelholtz, Head of Talent Development

Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28)

Monster Hunter Wilds will introduce new locations, bird-like raptor mounts, backup weapons, as well as a focus mode to precisely target monsters’ weak points. I’m also excited about the return of the 2018 Monster Hunter World Catapult! — Vanessa McGinnis, digital campaigns manager

Split Fiction (6 mars)

This new split-screen cooperative game merges the stories of its two protagonists: science fiction writer Mio and fantasy star Zoe. Oh, and it’s developed by studio Hazelight, makers of the game It Takes Two. I’m in ! — James Delahoussaye, producer, TED Radio Hour

Arkham Horror: The Drowned City (7 mars)

Arkham Horror: The Drowned City will finally allow us to face Cthulhu in person! Although the expansion contains new mechanics and investigator cards, what I like the most are the new “personal motivations” which will influence the plot depending on the characters you play. — Vanessa McGinnis, digital campaigns manager

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (20 mars)

Shadows has been delayed (twice) since its planned release in late 2024, which is a good sign for anyone fed up with unfinished games released by Ubisoft. This may seem controversial, but I hope Shadows will be like Ghost of Tsushima — but more fun. — James Delahoussaye, producer, TED Radio Hour

Tales of the Shire (25 mars)

I’m not much of a Lord of the Rings lore, but I’m a fan of cool farm sim games that let me cook and grow things. This game ensures that I can have my best friend and my husband play with me — I can’t play Stardew Valley over and over again! — Emily Alfin Johnson, Head of Growth, Network Initiatives

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (24 avril)

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the long-awaited sequel to 1999’s Garou: Mark of the Wolves, resurrects a 2D fighting franchise known for its colorful characters and fast-paced action. Playtesting throughout 2024 has been very well received for the broad possibilities offered by its combo system and the mechanics that can shift the momentum of matches in the blink of an eye. — Lindsay Totty, producer, Morning Edition

Oath: New Foundations (November, date to be confirmed)

Oath: New Foundations promises a host of new mechanics for this classic board game as well as a robust single-player mode for those of us who can’t find friends willing to decode its complexity. I can’t wait to settle down at my kitchen table with the tales of kingdoms and intrigue, but let me know if you’re brave enough to take it on with another human! —Austin Frank, director, Institutional Giving

Borderlands 4 (date to be confirmed)

I’ve been a long-time fan of Gearbox’s looter-shooter franchise, so I’m excited for a new main installment! Hopefully the main antagonist is more memorable than the Calypso twins from the previous game. — Corey Bridges, associate producer, The Indicator

Death Stranding 2 (date to be confirmed)

I was excited about the first Death Stranding for years before its release, but never had the patience to finish it. Now, after the incredibly crazy Death Stranding 2 trailer, I can’t wait to dive into Hideo Kojima’s strange world again. Maybe I’ll stick to it this time. — Justin Lucas, Senior Director, Communications

Dispatch (date to be confirmed)

I fear the sequel to The Wolf Among Us will never see the light of day, but part of the team behind the original game has formed another company to develop Dispatch. With the voice talents of Laura Bailey and Aaron Paul, I hope this superhero comedy can rival Telltale’s golden age. —James Mastromarino, NPR Head of Gaming and Here & Now Producer

-

Elden Ring: Nightreign (date to be confirmed)

Nightreign appears to be an attempt to distill Elden Ring’s demanding combat and open-ended exploration into something resembling a cooperative mining game. I don’t know if it will work, but if it’s as captivating as my beloved Hunt: Showdown, I know I’ll force all my friends to try. —James Mastromarino, NPR Head of Gaming and Here & Now Producer

Fable 4 (date to be confirmed)

While I’m only cautiously optimistic, the Fable 4 trailer has me craving a gripping story and a return to the series’ signature humor. Fingers crossed! — Natalia Fidelholtz, Head of Talent Development

Ghost of Yōtei (date to be confirmed)

Ghost of Tsushima was brilliant. I’ve played a few decent but comparatively muddled imitations since then (Rise of the Rōnin comes to mind), so I’m hoping Ghost of Yōtei can really build on its dazzling predecessor. — Justin Lucas, Senior Director, Communications

Grand Theft Auto 6 (date to be confirmed)

My family and I have been citizens of the GTA universe since the very beginning. Rockstar has never disappointed with this franchise, and we expect GTA 6 to be bigger and better than ever! — Jonas Adams, directeur, All Things Considered

Hades 2 Full Version (date to be confirmed)

I look forward to accumulating powers and befriending new gods in the full version of a sequel that has already enjoyed a stellar early access period. Greek mythology never really captivated me until this series, which features characters that dwarf the pantheon of movies, TV, and books. — Regina G. Barber, host and reporter, Short Wave

Hollow Knight: Silksong (date to be confirmed)

Hollow Knight: Silksong is once again on this list for the third time in a row! I’m not going to hold my breath or make prayers to the higher forces, but I’m glad that the dream can become reality in 2025. — River Williamson, software engineer

Judas (date to be confirmed)

Long-awaited, Judas is the next BioShock game from legendary director Ken Levine. Devour me. — James Delahoussaye, producer, TED Radio Hour

Lost & Found Co. (date to be confirmed)

I love a good hidden object game, and Lost & Found Co. looks to be a quirky and cozy puzzler with a fun story and fast-paced world to explore. Bit Egg Inc. has yet to announce an official release date, but fingers crossed you can enjoy this game this year! — Rakiesha Chase-Jackson, Project Manager, Member Partnership

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (date to be confirmed)

As a fan of Super Metroid and Metroid Dread, I’m looking forward to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It’s been almost two decades since the last Metroid Prime game was released, so here’s hoping Nintendo launches it with a new Switch console this year. — Alba Karuni, senior analyst and insights

Nirvana Noir (date to be confirmed)

The continuation of an artistic story about the genesis of the universe, the Nirvana Noir demo left me speechless. So much kinetic energy and style in the visuals left me wanting to see more. — Rakiesha Chase-Jackson, Project Manager, Member Partnership

Pokémon Legends: ZA (date to be confirmed)

The first Legends variant, Arceus, was a gripping departure from Pokémon’s usual gameplay and story. I can’t wait to explore powerful and unknown creatures and discover the origin of the big city in Pokémon X and Y! — Hannah Gluvna, sound engineer

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (date à confirmer)

My family has loved this puzzle series since the beginning, and we’ve been waiting for a new installment for a long time since 2017. The series combines captivating characters, crazy plots, and excellent puzzle design — it should work well with the new Switch console coming. — Jason Grosman, senior software engineer

Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid on the Block (date à confirmer)

I really hope this one comes out in 2025 — I played the demo and it’s so creative. It’s rare to find indie wrestling games that are cute, nerdy, and not just dark and edgy. — Rakiesha Chase-Jackson, Project Manager, Member Partnership