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How did Hollow Knight: Silksong become the most eagerly awaited indie game of all time?
by Philipp Rüegg
Here’s how (in)accurate my gaming predictions were in 2024
1.1.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
I made 18 predictions about the gaming world a year ago. I guessed certain trends, I just didn’t get the timing right.
It’s probably time to have my crystal ball serviced. I’ve never been this wrong with my game predictions before. The problem wasn't so much what I said would happen, but when it would. Much of it is likely to become reality in 2025.
Wrong: Switch 2 will be released, remaining (almost) unchanged
Now, Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch successor will be presented in the current financial year – i.e. by the end of March 2025. All leaks also indicate that little has changed in terms of the functional principle. Until Nintendo officially unveils the Switch 2, however, speculation will remain.
Wrong: New 3D Super Mario and Mario Kart as Switch 2 launch games
I’d stick to this forecast for 2025, but without a launch I score no points.
Wrong: Apple will push gaming
Fellow editor Samuel is wishing even harder than I am. Once again, it’s clear that gaming isn’t a high priority for Apple. A home game studio has remained wishful thinking.
Right: Windows games will become ARM-compatible
With the new Arm notebooks, the number of compatible games in Windows has increased significantly. Not every title, but it’s a start. This Microsoft-certified website counts almost 1,500 titles.
Wrong: New Xbox will run on ARM
Unfortunately, we got no concrete information on the new Xbox hardware, except that there’ll definitely be some innovation – including a handheld. Arm is still possible, but the prediction came far too early.
Wrong: Game mode for Windows
The Xbox app has been slightly optimised for handhelds, but that’s already it. Since Microsoft confirmed that it’s working on its own handheld, a slimmed-down Windows should no longer be far away.
Wrong: Xbox will have the best exclusive games
Wrong: Valve will launch a new wireless VR headset
The leaks are becoming more frequent and a new wireless VR headset seems almost certain. Valve obviously didn’t get far enough for 2024, though.
Right: The PS5 Pro will come out in autumn
The PS5 Pro was launched in November. Bull’s-eye.
Wrong: There’ll be an alternative store on the Steam Deck for the first time ever
Sadly, no. Valve is still working hard on SteamOS, but alternative stores are still only available via workarounds.
Wrong: There’ll be a Hexen remake
Wow, I’m disappointed. The cult 90s fantasy first-person shooter still hasn’t been re-released. 2025, it’s all up to you.
Wrong: No new Call of Duty will come out in 2024
Hahahaha, I can forget about this notion. As long as the series rakes in millions of dollars a year, it’ll probably be released annually. Really, Black Ops 6 was exceptionally good – especially the campaign.
Wrong: There’ll be a Bobby Kotick Easter egg in Call of Duty
So far, I haven’t found any references to the ex-Activision CEO in Call of Duty. Maybe it’s better that way. Let’s forget about that guy as soon as possible.
Wrong: Sony will launch a new MMO
Unfortunately, we got no news about a new PlayStation MMO.
Wrong: Sony will take over Ubisoft
Ubisoft is landing one flop after another. Online shooter Xdefiant was discontinued after less than a year. A sale of the company is more realistic than ever before. However, this hasn’t happened yet. Let’s wait for the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Wrong: Skull and Bones will be a hit
I didn’t quite believe this prediction myself, but I was still holding out hope. I have to say, it was quite fun for a while. Still, an average rating of 60 on Opencritic and Ubisoft’s own statement that the game fell short of expectations speak for themselves.
Wrong: Assassin’s Creed will come to Switzerland
We haven’t yet received any further information on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe. Since the game will centre around witch hunts in the 16th and/or 17th century across the Holy Roman Empire, my prediction isn’t pulled out of thin air completely. Instead, with the announcement for Shadows, Hexe became the first instalment to be postponed.
Wrong: FIFA will introduce a new FIFA game, but it just won’t compare
FIFA has announced a collaboration with Konami, the creators of eFootball and formerly Pro Evolution Soccer. However, no direct competitor has dropped yet.
Tally: devastating
Two right guesses compared to 16 misses; I’ve seen better. But I came close several times. Things can only get better this year. Now I just have to find a suitable wizard mechanic for my broken crystal ball…
Header image: Co-Pilot/Philipp Rüegg
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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