NPR Staff’s Top Game Picks for 2025
▼ Summary
– 2025 was a year dominated by independent games, with hits like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* and *Hades 2* often outperforming major studios.
– Major companies still had significant releases, including Nintendo’s Switch 2 console and blockbuster exclusives like *Mario Kart World*.
– The wider gaming industry experienced significant turmoil, including massive strikes, landmark labor deals, and deep layoffs.
– NPR’s staff explored a wide variety of games, from multiplayer sensations to narrative-driven experiences and inventive tabletop games.
– The article serves as an interactive list to help readers discover their next favorite game, from short diversions to epic adventures.
Looking for your next great gaming experience? The past year offered a remarkable array of titles, with independent developers leading the charge in creativity and critical acclaim. While major studios faced significant challenges, from industry-wide labor movements to corporate restructuring, they still managed to deliver several high-profile releases that captured player attention.
This year truly belonged to innovative indie projects. Titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince emerged as breakout sensations, while highly anticipated sequels including Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong demonstrated that smaller teams could deliver experiences rivaling those of the biggest publishers. These games flourished against a backdrop of industry transformation, where groundbreaking labor agreements were often followed by waves of significant job cuts.
The established gaming giants still secured notable victories. Nintendo launched its long-awaited Switch 2 console, accompanied by major exclusive titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza that drove hardware sales. Over at PlayStation, players immersed themselves in cinematic epics such as Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei. Microsoft, despite facing criticism over content cancellations and subscription price adjustments, bolstered its Game Pass service with an impressive volume of new day-one releases.
Our team has spent the year diving into this diverse landscape. The selections range from addictive multiplayer adventures like Arc Raiders and Elden Ring: Nightreign to deeply personal narrative journeys found in Dispatch and Consume Me. The creativity extended beyond digital screens to the tabletop, with inventive board games like Molly House and The Old King’s Crown earning praise for their engaging design. Whether you seek a brief, captivating escape or a sprawling epic demanding dozens of hours, this curated collection aims to help you find a perfect match for your next gaming session.
(Source: NPR)
