Biggest video game releases coming in 2025, from GTA6 to Civilization VII

Plus, Donkey Kong classic moves to the Switch and the Doom series goes back to the Dark Ages

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach stars Norman Reedus and is directed by Japanese video game auteur Hideo Kojima. Photo: Kojima Productions Co / Sony Interactive Entertainment

This year has been stellar for video game releases, such as Prince of Persia and Tekken, with anticipation building for the release of Star Wars Outlaws, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

However, the real excitement is reserved for next year, which already has an impressive line-up of blockbuster titles set for release.

Here are eight to look forward to.

Grand Theft Auto VI

The next game in the Grand Theft Auto series is unquestionably one of the most eagerly awaited next year. The sequel from Rockstar has been highly anticipated ever since Grand Theft Auto V was released a decade ago.

The trailer for GTA6 was released in December, breaking viewership records in the first 24 hours, showing just how excited gamers are for the open-world experience.

The game is set to be the biggest so far in its sandbox capabilities. Taking place in a Florida-like setting, players can expect different locales and environments to enjoy. There’s little doubt that GTA6 will break records on release.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is coming to the Switch. Photo: Nintendo

The game was originally released on the Nintendo Wii in 2010. It is coming to Switch consoles with a new high-definition remastered version. The side-scrolling platform game stars Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they try to rid their island from the grip of a hypnotising evil group.

The game received glowing reviews on release and was previously remastered for the portable 3DS in 2013. The Switch version will retain much of the game’s mechanics, with most of the improvements going to graphics and picture fidelity.

Civilization VII

Announced recently at Summer Game Fest, the next instalment in the Civilization series will arrive sometime next year, with an exact date yet to be confirmed. The trailer shown at the showcase didn’t reveal much detail but developer Take-Two is set to share new footage of the game next month.

The previous instalment was released in 2016, with the next game set to continue to grow the popularity of a series that started in 1991.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is set during the Second World War. Photo: Skydance New Media / Marvel

Captain America and Black Panther are set to team up in this action game set during the Second World War. Details on the game are sparse but the two-minute trailer shows the story will involve espionage work behind enemy lines coupled with fight sequences.

Recent games such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Marvel's Avengers haven’t sparked much confidence, but gamers will be hoping Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is more like the PlayStation’s popular Spider-Man games than the aforementioned flops.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

The sequel to Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding is set to expand the lore of a desolate world thinly supported by a system of delivery services.

Cast members from the first game, which includes Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux and Troy Baker, are set to return. Set in a surrealist world occupied by monsters, the game requires players to traverse an open world to deliver goods and fend off enemies.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the next game in the series that began in 1986. Photo: Nintendo

This game is highly anticipated among Nintendo fans. The Metroid series, which started in 1986, is one of the most adored in the company's oeuvre. The previous game in the mainline series was released in 2007, meaning fans have been waiting for 17 years.

Announced officially with a trailer shown during the company’s June showcase, footage shows that the new game will not be deviating from mechanics established in previous games, only expanding the abilities of the protagonist Samus Aran.

Doom: The Dark Ages

The Doom series began in 1993, becoming a staple of PC gaming before making the jump to consoles. The series was rebooted in 2016 for a new generation, upping the ante with loud rock 'n' roll and power weapons.

For the next instalment, the game will be set in a gothic, medieval setting as the name indicates. The trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages shows a frenetic fun time, vanquishing enemies and levelling up in the process.

Fable

Described as an action role-playing game, Fable is a new entry in a series that has been dormant since 2012. Developed by Playground Games, it will be exclusive to the Xbox Series X/S.

Footage released shows comedian Richard Ayoade will be playing a central character that aids the protagonist in their journey, sharing wisdom as well as witty banter.