The Best Video Games of 2025 So Far (Feat. John Carson)

The year is halfway through, and the gaming landscape is already a vibrant tapestry of innovative designs, compelling narratives, and breathtaking technological advancements. While predicting the definitive “best” is a fool’s errand—taste is subjective, after all—some titles have clearly risen above the noise, captivating players and critics alike. And, of course, we couldn’t resist getting the inside scoop from veteran game designer John Carson, who offers his unique perspective on this year’s frontrunners.

Current Progress: We’ve moved beyond simple graphical fidelity. Game developers are now experimenting with AI-driven narratives, procedural generation that creates truly unique experiences, and gameplay mechanics that blur the line between player and character.

Future Prediction: Games will become even more immersive, more personal, and more integrated into our daily lives.

Remaining Hurdles: The ongoing challenge remains striking a balance between innovation and accessibility. Not every groundbreaking mechanic is necessarily fun, and not every visually stunning game has a compelling story.

One title that has undeniably resonated with players is “Echo Bloom,” a narrative-driven exploration game developed by indie studio Moonstone Games. Players assume the role of a botanist tasked with revitalizing a dying ecosystem. The game’s core mechanic revolves around manipulating time and weather patterns to nurture plant life and uncover the secrets of a long-lost civilization.

“It’s not just about pretty visuals, though the art style is stunning,” says Carson. “It’s the way the game weaves its environmental message into the gameplay. You genuinely feel responsible for the world you’re in. And this has real world impacts on our players.”

What happened next was crucial; a small gaming community organized around a tree planting in their local parks, inspired by “Echo Bloom.”

Another standout title is “Aetherium,” a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) from established studio Titan Games. While the MMORPG genre might seem stale to some, “Aetherium” has injected new life with its dynamic world events, player-driven economy, and deep character customization. Unlike many MMORPGs that rely on repetitive quest grind, “Aetherium” features a constantly evolving narrative shaped by player actions. Factions rise and fall, alliances are forged and broken, and the fate of the game’s world is truly in the hands of its players. The developers have cultivated a community-driven approach, taking on player feedback to shape the direction of the game, and that’s helped give it real momentum.

Carson adds, “What’s impressive about ‘Aetherium’ is its scale and ambition. They’ve created a truly living, breathing world that feels genuinely reactive to player agency.”

Of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without mentioning “Cyberpunk City 2077: Reborn,” the highly anticipated sequel to the troubled but ultimately popular “Cyberpunk City 2077.” While the original game faced numerous criticisms at launch, developer CD Projekt Red has seemingly learned from their mistakes, delivering a polished, immersive, and bug-free experience. The sequel expands on the original’s open-world setting, introducing new districts, characters, and storylines. The improved combat mechanics and expanded character customization options further enhance the gameplay experience. It’s also been a hot topic online, with players posting their favorite scenes and character builds on X.com.

Carson notes, “They took a massive risk by continuing the franchise, and they’ve come back strong. The world is richer, the characters are more believable, and the gameplay is just plain fun. It is, perhaps, the biggest redemption story in recent gaming history.”

The success of these games highlights a trend: gamers crave experiences that are both engaging and meaningful. They want games that not only entertain but also challenge them to think, explore, and connect with others. And some are doing so by highlighting more diverse characters and stories. One player commented on Facebook: “Finally, a game where I see myself represented. Thank you!”

Here’s a quick look at other notable games making waves so far this year:

• “Stellaris: Galactic Imperium” (Strategy)
• “Ninja Gaiden: Shadow of the West” (Action-Adventure)
• “Cozy Grove 3: Whispers of the Wild” (Simulation)

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Microtransactions, loot boxes, and other predatory monetization schemes continue to plague the industry. Game developers need to be more transparent and respectful of their players. The debate rages on across internet forums and Reddit threads.

“These companies need to stop nickel-and-diming us,” wrote one user on a gaming forum. “Just give us a good game without all the extra BS.”

Another concern is the increasing reliance on AI in game development. While AI can be a powerful tool for creating more realistic and dynamic game worlds, it also raises concerns about job displacement and the potential for generic or uninspired content. How can we ensure AI empowers creativity without stifling human talent? This issue is being debated by game studios and creators across the industry.

Ultimately, the best games of 2025 are the ones that capture our imaginations, challenge our perspectives, and bring us together. They are the games that we’ll be talking about for years to come.
And while the year is only half over, the current crop offers a promising glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment, even if the process is not without growing pains. There’s a lot to look forward to in the gaming world, and the industry is thriving.