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Carolyn Petit shares her top game choices for 2025, offering insights into gaming trends and preferences for the upcoming year.

What happened

Carolyn Petit, a writer for Kotaku, has released her list of the top five games of 2025. The selection highlights both games that excelled in traditional gameplay and those that innovated by breaking the mold.

Key facts

• The article was published by Kotaku on December 31, 2025.
• The list includes a mix of traditional and innovative games.
• The article is authored by Carolyn Petit.
• The games were noted for either excelling in traditional gameplay or for their innovative approaches.

Background & context

Video games have become a cornerstone of global entertainment, rivaling the film and music industries in both revenue and cultural impact. The industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements, such as the integration of virtual reality, augmented reality, and increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence. These innovations have expanded the possibilities for game design, allowing developers to create more immersive and interactive experiences. Each year, end-of-year lists like Carolyn Petit's serve as a barometer for the industry's health and direction. They highlight not only the year's standout titles but also the evolving tastes of gamers. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards games that offer rich narratives and complex characters, alongside those that push the boundaries of traditional gameplay mechanics. This reflects a broader trend in entertainment towards more personalized and engaging experiences.

Why it matters (for US readers)

For US readers, this list provides a snapshot of the gaming industry's current landscape, showcasing which games are setting trends and pushing boundaries. The US is a major market for video games, with millions of players and a thriving development community. Understanding which games are resonating with audiences can help consumers make informed decisions about their entertainment choices. Moreover, these lists can influence the future direction of game development and marketing strategies. Developers often look to successful games for inspiration, and understanding what elements are currently popular can guide their creative processes. For consumers, these lists can highlight games that might offer new experiences or challenge their expectations, providing a richer gaming experience.

Stakeholders & viewpoints

• Gamers: Gamers are always on the lookout for new experiences, whether through refined traditional gameplay or innovative mechanics. Lists like Petit's help them discover games that might have flown under their radar.
• Developers: For developers, understanding what types of games are resonating with both critics and the public is crucial. It can inform their future projects and help them align their creative visions with market demands.
• Industry Analysts: Analysts use these lists to observe trends and shifts in gaming preferences and technology. They provide insights into the industry's direction and potential future developments.

Timeline & what to watch next

• December 31, 2025: Carolyn Petit's list of top games is published on Kotaku.
• 2026: The influence of these highlighted games on upcoming releases and industry trends will be closely watched. Developers may incorporate successful elements from these games into new projects.
• Future Game Releases: As the industry continues to evolve, monitor how developers balance traditional and innovative elements in their games. The integration of new technologies and storytelling techniques will likely continue to shape the gaming landscape.

Sources

• Kotaku article ```