Overview
- Metacritic’s year-end rankings crowned a cross-genre slate that included Hades II, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and upgraded Switch 2 editions of Zelda as 2025’s top-reviewed games.
- Multiple outlets underscored an indie-driven year, spotlighting titles such as Blue Prince, Dispatch, Absolum, and Bionic Bay alongside higher-profile successes.
- GamesIndustry.biz recapped major business stories, including industry reactions to EA being acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as reported, and Microsoft’s layoffs, studio closures, and the reported cancellation of Perfect Dark.
- Media published packed 2026 calendars with concrete early-year dates and highlighted Rockstar’s confirmed November 19, 2026 launch for Grand Theft Auto 6.
- Year-in-review coverage flagged broader currents such as continued unionization efforts, UK Online Safety Act impacts and content crackdowns, GDC’s rebrand, and Switch 2 development kit shortages.