Latest Gaming News
Xbox Countdown Sale 2025 Starts Tomorrow with Over 1,000 Deals
Microsoft announced the Xbox Countdown Sale 2025 begins December 18th, featuring over 1,000 games at discounts. Initial deals include up to 30% off Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, 20% on ARC Raiders and Ready or Not, and Minecraft bundles. Gamers anticipate deep discounts on classics amid holiday excitement.
2025 Sees Record 20,000 New Steam Games and Console Release Growth
Steam hit nearly 20,000 new PC/console games in 2025, an all-time high, with Switch up 8% to over 3,100 titles and PlayStation up 4% to 1,300. Xbox saw a 20% drop to 900 new games year-over-year.
Top earners like Battlefield 6 and Monster Hunter boosted rankings due to premium pricing.
Ubisoft Launches Winter Sales and Boosts in The Crew Motorfest
Ubisoft's The Crew Motorfest offers winter sales from December 17, including 50% EXP boosts for Grand Races until January 7 and expanded vanities rotation up to 12 items weekly. Year 2 Bundle discounted from 264,900 to 182,450 CC, plus Bucks/CC deals for recommended players.
Promotions run through early January.
Game Studios Face Crisis in 2025: Layoffs, High Costs, and Funding Gaps
Industry veteran Greg Street highlights 2025 struggles from overhiring post-COVID, high development costs in West vs. East, and investor caution leading to layoffs. Future shifts toward distributed teams, outsourcing like Hollywood, and smaller viable projects praised like Expedition 33.
Recovery expected by 2027 with big franchises anchoring market.
BALL x PIT Named Favorite Video Game of 2025 by Critics
ScreenHub declares BALL x PIT the top game of 2025 for its addictive yet satisfying gameplay on December 17. The title stands out in a year of hits for not wasting player time.
No further details on platforms or sales provided.
Game Developer's 2025 Wrap-Up: 10 Defining Events Including Layoffs and Delays
Key 2025 events: Saudi Arabia/EA buyout, Ubisoft-Tencent franchise spin-off, GTA VI double delay, Switch 2 fastest-selling console, Microsoft mass layoffs. Other highlights include Microsoft surveillance admission, Rockstar union busting accusations, Game Awards program drop, and SAG-AFTRA AI strike end.
Events shaped industry turbulence.
MapleStory Scheduled Update Rolls Out December 17
Nexon announces MapleStory maintenance starting 5:00 AM PST on December 17, 2025, with updates across regions. Downtime affects PST/EST/CET/AEDT time zones, ensuring smooth holiday play.
Details on patch notes not specified in announcement.
Gamers Resist Rising Game Prices as Median Costs Drop
Player pushback noted on increasing game prices, but data shows median prices falling sharply while averages rise slightly due to more low-cost titles. This reflects market shift toward affordable options amid sales.
Industry watches consumer spending trends.
AI Revolutionizes Gaming with Smarter NPCs and Generative Worlds
AI advances enable adaptive NPCs via machine learning, dynamic storytelling, and procedural content for unique experiences. Future includes deep learning, VR/AR integration, and personalized gameplay at events like Times of Games.
Transformation boosts immersion and efficiency.
Holiday Gaming Boom: 1 in 4 Gamers Plan Themed Breaks in 2025
Logitech G studies reveal 24% of UK gamers eye gaming holidays, 1 in 4 Australians took time off for gaming, driven by releases. Global 3 billion gamers log heavy holiday hours for relaxation.
Trends tie to new titles and in-game events.
Xbox Faces 20% Drop in New Game Releases for 2025
Xbox console games fell 20% year-over-year to nearly 900 titles, averaging 20 weekly, totaling 7,800 available. Contrasts growth on Steam and Switch amid platform shifts.
Impacts holiday buying considerations.