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Indie Games Dominate 2025 Year-End Lists, With Hades II and Expedition 33 Out Front

New roundups across publications reflect a player push for authenticity over AI-assisted output.

Overview

  • Year-end picks from Telangana Today, Marin Independent Journal and XboxEra converge on an indie-led 2025 with only a few AAA exceptions.
  • Hades II draws wide acclaim as a standout overall experience, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is highlighted as a top RPG and adventure.
  • ARC Raiders is praised as one of the year’s premier multiplayer experiences, including XboxEra’s nod as best multiplayer game.
  • XboxEra’s Jon names Blue Prince his personal Game of the Year, reinforcing the spotlight on smaller, inventive projects.
  • Coverage links the consensus to growing distrust of AI-made content, even as select AAA titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and DOOM: The Dark Ages earn nods.