Opinion
Console launches have become boring – but there’s an upside
by Philipp Rüegg
Here’s what I predict will happen for gaming in 2025
6.1.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
With a new console and the launch of one of the biggest games ever, 2025 promises to be an exciting year. I, Philstradamus, will tell you what else shall occur.
What crazy events from the gaming world will surprise us this year? I’ve gazed into my crystal ball and made 19 predictions. Two events will dominate in particular. But don’t worry, today’s not just about the Switch 2 and GTA 6.
You can find out exactly how I did last year here.
Trump will call for a GTA 6 ban
There’ll be an obvious and unflattering reference to Donald Trump in GTA 6. As a result, the orange party pooper will demand a ban on the game.
GTA 6 will bring servers to a standstill
The upcoming Rockstar game will have the most successful game launch of all time. This’ll lead to PlayStation servers collapsing – many will buy the game digitally, after all. As a result, the game will become temporarily unplayable on at least one platform.
GTA Online will become an MMO
GTA 5 Online was and is a colossal success. Seeing this, Rockstar will double down and announce an equivalent in GTA 6. The current server limit of 32 players will be increased significantly, and the new game world will look more like an MMO. It won’t launch in 2025, though.
GTA 6 will feature a viral mini-game
Nowadays, no open-world game can do without a mini-game that feels like a game in its own right. This’ll be no different in GTA 6. Since Rockstar will be so convinced by the concept, it’ll also be available as a separate mobile spin-off – with links to GTA 6, of course.
Switch 2 will resurrect the Miiverse
Miiverse on the Wii closed down in 2017, and the Switch didn’t feature an equivalent replacement for the digital social space. This’ll change with the launch of the Switch 2. Not only will you be able to walk around in Nintendo worlds with your avatar, you’ll even be able to play with others at game stations.
Display add-on will transform the Switch 2 into a DS
DS games are currently missing from the Nintendo online subscription. This is probably partly due to the fact that they’re difficult to emulate without a folding display. That’s why Nintendo will be selling a display add-on for Switch 2 controllers, connected magnetically and working like a DS.
A Nintendo blockbuster for the Switch 2 launch
Since the Switch 2 is definitely coming this year, I’ll dare to make another launch lineup prediction. I believe the range of games on release will be one of the best ever. Games designated by Nintendo as launch titles will include the following:
- Mario Kart 9
- A new 3D Super Mario
- A new Pokémon
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Game upgrades for the Switch 2 will be subject to a charge
Switch 1 games will also benefit from the additional performance of the successor – for a price. Nintendo will charge a premium for improved versions. The upgrades will only be «free» if you purchase a Nintendo Online subscription.
Switch 2 will track your whole body
So far, the Switch’s Joycons have only been able to measure movements using gyro sensors. I believe the Switch 2 will be able to capture more motion data thanks to small cameras in its controllers. This’ll include your fingers as well as your arms and legs, benefitting fitness games as well as Nintendo’s specially developed mini-games.
Tencent will take over Ubisoft
Ubisoft won’t be able to free itself from its downward spiral and pressure from shareholders will become too great. Chinese megacorporation Tencent, which already owns a minority stake, will pounce.
A new popular Fortnite mode
Fortnite is no longer just a building and shooting game. In addition to Battle Royale, there’s a Lego Survival mode, a Lego GTA spin-off and a first-person Counter-Strike clone. But Epic won’t be satisfied with that. The next genre to receive a Fortnite mode will be MOBAs.
Microsoft will release its own games simultaneously on the PS5
Microsoft will debut at least one new game from Xbox studios, to be released on PS5 at the same time.
The Horizon MMO will be put on hold
After the colossal flop that was Concord, Sony will once again be devoting more attention to single-player projects. As a result, the plug will be pulled on an MMO in the Horizon universe.
The cast for the Legend of Zelda film will cause a stir
Since 2023, it’s been confirmed that Nintendo is working on a film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda with Sony. Wes Ball is set to direct, known for Maze Runner. I predict that the actors cast as Link and Zelda will be revealed this year. No matter who’s chosen, there’ll be a huge outcry among fans since they’ll never meet their expectations.
A strike against AI streamers
Neuro-Sama is an AI streamer who’s broken numerous records. The number of such streamers will increase in 2025 – much to the chagrin of human content creators. With a strike on Twitch, they’ll demand a ban on Neuro-Sama and company.
A dating app for gamers
Dating apps for gamers already exist. But none of them match you based on your games played and achievements – as far as I can tell. A new app will offer linking to all common platforms such as Steam, PlayStation, etc. It will then check which users you have the most features in common with, letting you swipe left and right through profile pictures Tinder-style.
AI tools will play for you
AI models will go beyond just searching for game tips in 2025. They’ll also actively help you play. A major manufacturer like Microsoft will integrate a function into its platform allowing you to give an AI control over gameplay. If you get stuck somewhere, it’ll help you with a puzzle or a tricky boss.
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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