Developers Reveal Their Favorite Games of the Year

Discovering which games resonate most with players is one thing, but uncovering the titles that captivate the very people who craft these digital worlds offers a uniquely insightful perspective. We reached out to developers behind some of 2025’s standout releases to learn which new games left the biggest impression on them this year. Their selections paint a vibrant picture of the current landscape, highlighting everything from chaotic cooperative climbs and profound narrative adventures to retro-inspired racing and meditative archery.

Gabe Cuzzillo, co-creator of Baby Steps, selected Peak. This cooperative climbing game from Aggro Crab and Landfall Games became an instant phenomenon, selling over a million copies in its first week. Cuzzillo praises its intentionally rough-hewn charm, noting that the game’s famously short development cycle is part of its appeal. He loves the non-linear route-finding and the chaotic fun of scaling its randomly assembled mountains with friends, even if it involves feeding them poison.

For Lee Petty, director of Keeper, the choice was Ghost of Yotei. As an admirer of both Akira Kurosawa and the original Ghost of Tsushima, Petty was deeply immersed in this new open-world adventure. He highlights the stunning landscapes and the way the wind functions as both a guide and a living element, making every moment feel dynamic. He particularly enjoyed exploring on horseback with the optional Watanabe mode, which swaps the score for lo-fi beats.

Oli Clarke Smith, director of Promise Mascot Agency, championed The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy. Describing it as a work of genius, Smith applauds the game’s bold narrative structure and its ability to subvert expectations. This tactical RPG and visual novel hybrid constantly surprises, making players question everything. Smith calls it a masterpiece that can make other creators wonder if there’s any point in making games after experiencing something this good.

Jon Ingold, director of Expelled!, pointed to Type Help. This investigative mystery, inspired by titles like Her Story, tasks players with sifting through an old computer’s files. Ingold commends its clever deductive interface and, more importantly, its narrative structure, which skillfully builds to a satisfying climax, a rare feat in the genre. He advises playing it without external notes to fully embrace the detective fantasy.

Pierre Tarno, director of Rematch, unsurprisingly picked his own studio’s game, Rematch. As a passionate player, he values the intense, team-based football action where a single mistake can be costly. The highs of a perfect pass or a critical goal in overtime create a uniquely thrilling experience that has kept him coming back all year.

Mark Hamilton, director of Ghost Town, chose Parking Garage Rally Circuit. With a background in arcade racing at Criterion, Hamilton has an eye for the genre. He describes this racer as an authentically retro experience, feeling like a lost Sega Saturn game. Its chaotic drift-heavy gameplay in multi-level parking garages offers quick, snappy fun with surprising depth.

Treasa McCabe, director of The Séance of Blake Manor, recommended The Roottrees are Dead. This genealogical mystery brilliantly blends deduction mechanics with a cozy, nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of old detective books. McCabe praises its smart integration of note-taking and its engaging, thinky puzzles that are easy to fall into for hours.

Tonda Ros, director of Blue Prince, selected Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo. In a year rich with indie gems, this “Yoyovania” stood out for its incredible creativity. Ros admires how the core yoyo mechanic transforms combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving in consistently clever ways, calling the game a brilliant top-down adventure.

Dave Gilbert, director of Old Skies, was deeply moved by The Alters. While not typically a fan of base-building, he was drawn in by the publisher’s pedigree and discovered an emotionally powerful story. The game’s exploration of alternate life paths through its “Alters” system creates a fascinating character study wrapped in an addictive survival loop.

Andrea Lucco Borlera, writer and director of Horses, found a personal connection with Blue Prince. With limited free time after a career shift, this puzzle game about navigating an ever-shifting mansion resonated deeply. Its themes of aimless exploration and deciphering opaque systems mirrored her own experiences in teaching and game development.

Gareth Damian Martin, creator of Citizen Sleeper 2, highlighted Many Nights a Whisper. This meditative archery game feels like a poetic debate, staging a single, weighted moment with profound narrative implications. Martin sees it as a beautiful reminder of games’ unique power to create discursive, meaningful experiences.

Nick Herman, co-director of Dispatch, named Hades 2 as his standout. Despite a busy development schedule, Supergiant’s sequel captivated him. He sums it up simply: if you loved the original, this is like getting three times that experience, praising its expanded and refined roguelike action.

Finally, Matt Newell, creator of Lushfoil Photography Sim, picked Skate Story. He has followed this solo-developed project for years and was immediately taken by its effortless style, consistent art direction, and perfectly matched soundtrack. The finely tuned movement and deliberate low-fidelity visual effects, including a brilliant crash camera, make it his favorite of the year.

(Source: EuroGamer)