Latest Gaming News
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate added nearly 300 games in 2025
Microsoftâs Xbox Game Pass Ultimate expanded heavily in 2025, adding approximately 295 games with a retail value estimated over $8,000 and including more than 60 dayâone releases; the service also raised prices (monthly and annual), prompting record cancellations while remaining popular for many subscribers.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is Decemberâs standout release
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond released after a protracted development and developer switch, receiving attention as December 2025âs biggest title and a major return for the Metroid Prime franchise.
Nintendo launches eShop New Year Sale (Dec 26âJan 8)
Nintendo announced its eShop New Year Sale beginning 26 December 2025 through 8 January 2026 with discounts across Switch and Switch 2 titles â highlights include sales on Hollow Knight: Silksong, Street Fighter 6, and Monster Hunter Rise bundles.
PlayStationâs 2025 year in review: Sony maintains momentum
Analysts and outlets noted PlayStation had a steady 2025 with PS5 Pro enhancements, crossâplatform publishing moves (e.g., Helldivers 2 on Xbox), and ongoing support for major franchises while Microsoft faced controversy over Game Pass pricing.
Major December releases roundup and criticsâ picks
Seasonal coverage highlights December releases across genres â from indie hits to AAA entries â with lists and videos summarizing notable launches including Octopath Traveler 0, Skate Story, and several highâprofile titles.
AI 'world models' proposed as transformative for game development
Researchers and industry commentators report AI âworld modelsâ from groups like DeepMind and World Labs could enable AIâgenerated 3D environments and dynamic content, potentially reshaping design workflows and democratizing environment creation while raising ethical and policy questions.
Ongoing industry contraction and 2025 layoffs continue to shape workforce
Coverage of 2025 in video games notes the industry remains affected by largeâscale layoffs that began in prior years, constraining growth even as major releases and investments continue.
Physical edition announced for Shuten Order on Switch platforms
DMM GAMES and Tookyo Games (Kazutaka Kodaka) announced physical editions of SHUTEN ORDER for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, scheduled to launch April 23, 2026, signaling continued support for physical releases and Japanese indie/AA titles.
Holiday events and liveâservice updates across major publishers
Publishers are running holiday events and seasonal content â examples include EAâs Madden NFL Mobile holiday updates and other liveâservice drops timed to late December activity to engage players through yearâend.
Community guides and âGames of Christmasâ lists spotlight 2026 previews
Media outlets compiled holiday lists and previews (e.g., GameGrinâs '12 Games of Christmas') to spotlight upcoming 2026 releases such as LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and other anticipated titles.