COGconnected GOTY Awards – Most Anticipated Games of 2025

COGconnected Awards: Most Anticipated Games of 2025
2024 was a great year for games, but as gamers always do, we’re constantly looking ahead to what is coming up next. The team at COGconnected have identified a number of titles that we are looking forward to in the future as we approach the end of 2024. Here are our ten most anticipated games.

10. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
2015’s Xenoblade Chronicles X makes its way to the Nintendo Switch with its Definitive Edition ten years after its original release. The release will also mark the fact that the entire Xenoblade Chronicles franchise will be available on Nintendo Switch. Despite not being a brand-new release, there is still an audience for the title as it remains one of our most anticipated titles.

9. Deltarune Chapters 3 & 4
First released in 2018 with Chapter 1, Deltarune is an interesting follow-up to Undertale. The game received its Chapter 2 in 2021 and is set to release its next two chapters next year. The game is expected to contain seven chapters, so fans will still remain in anticipation for years to come.

8. The First Berserker: Khazan
The DNF universe is expanding with The First Berserker: Khazan. This hardcore action role-playing game puts players into the role of Khazan as he seeks vengeance. The game features a pleasing art style, fast-paced hack-and-slash action, and an overall freshness. Put simply, we want to see more of The First Berserker: Khazan, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

7. Fable
Another franchise with a lengthy period between releases, Fable marks the return of the franchise since its last main release in 2010 with Fable III. With a new developer and publisher in hand, it remains to be seen how the franchise will continue, but early indications show a promising return to form. Playground Games makes a hard turn from its Forza Horizon roots and it’s safe to say that players can expect another quality release with Fable.

6. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Originally announced in 2017, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was presumed to have been lost in development hell. Since a 2024 trailer and re-reveal, fans have been looking forward to the 2025 release. While many have undoubtedly moved on from the franchise between releases, Metroid remains a dear part of gaming history and that nostalgia is enough to keep the game front of mind.

5. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Kojima Productions is back with their second title in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, a sequel to 2019’s Death Stranding. Central characters such as Sam Porter Bridges, Fragile, and Higgs make their return while being joined by a slew of new characters as well. Death Stranding was a unique experience for gamers and is subject to divisive opinions. That said, Hideo Kojima is one of the biggest names in the industry for a reason, and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach makes a mark on this list for a variety of reasons.

4. Doom: The Dark Ages
As a prequel to Doom (2016), Doom: The Dark Ages brings the Doom Slayer back into the Dark Ages, fighting the forces of Hell in a techno-medieval setting. While Doom and Doom Eternal were highly acclaimed hits, The Dark Ages presents a unique opportunity to bring new players into the fold while building upon the franchise for existing players. The difference in setting and aesthetic also allows for new features and experiences.

3. Ghost of Yotei
Ghost of Tsushima has easily been one of the best new IPs in recent memory, so it is no surprise to see its sequel being among the most anticipated games. The title is a standalone sequel to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, featuring a new protagonist in Atsu, a female warrior. Given the success of the previous game, players can look forward to another strong experience.

2. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is an interesting choice for a remake, but it also makes sense given how the title is a prequel to the other games. Snake Eater marks the return of the franchise (outside of Metal Gear Survive and the Master Collection) since the departure of Hideo Kojima. Snake Eater is among the top games of the franchise, which makes the remake even more desirable. On a personal note, Snake Eater is my one blind spot in the franchise which I am looking forward to looking into.

1. Grand Theft Auto VI
Grand Theft Auto VI is the next iteration of the Grand Theft Auto series, with its previous entry breaking multiple sales records and still charting among the top-selling video games. Currently expected to release in 2025, expectations and anticipation for the title are high. You can expect the game to be the best-selling of the month, year, and decade whenever it does release. The series returns to Vice City with Grand Theft Auto VI, with players expected to take control of Lucia and her male partner.