Game preview December
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
These are the game highlights in December
1.12.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
A long-awaited Nintendo sequel, a thief in virtual reality and a skating demon round off the gaming year.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege was the game highlight in December ten years ago. The tactical team shooter got off to a slow start, but developed into an e-sports hit. And while the coming month is unlikely to bring any new e-sports sensations, there are still several potential multiplayer hits, starting with my first tip.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion – unleash your claws
A colourful, action-packed beat-’em-up that takes you straight back to the arcades of the 90s. Up to four players can fight off an alien invasion as Iron Man, Wolverine, Spider-Man and 13 other superheroes. Let’s hope it’ll be an absolute feast for retro fans.
When: 1 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2
Multiplayer: co-op, local and online for up to four players
Sleep Awake – sleepyheads, stay away!
Sleep, and you disappear. In this first-person horror game, you’re among a small group of survivors, fighting death cults and desperately trying to stay awake. Nightmare on Elm Street vibes, anyone? It’s being developed under the direction of Cory Davis, who produced one of the most iconic anti-war games ever in Spec Ops: The Line. Robin Finck from Nine Inch Nails is also involved.
When: 2 December
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Rising Heat – fight until pixels fly
Rising Heat brings us another colourful action spectacle. In a competition organised by alien elites, you shoot at anything that moves with your spaceship. There’s a range of pilots, vehicles and upgrades to choose from. Perfect for retro gamers.
When: 2 December
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
Toy Smash Kaboom – Toy Wars
Build a crazy toy army and send it into battle on your desk. I’ll be honest, I don’t really get the gameplay, but I have to try it just because of the 2D cardboard style.
When: 4 December
Where: PC
Multiplayer: online PvP
Kingdom of Night – welcome to Miami
In this isometric action role-playing game, you defend Miami from satanic demons. Depending on your class, you swing a baseball bat or hurl fireballs. The 80s setting guarantees a groovy synthwave and electric guitar soundtrack. Naturally, a stylish pixel design is on board too.
When: 2 December
Where: PC
Multiplayer: local co-op
Let it die: Inferno – things get wacky in hell
A devilish title up next. In Let it die: Inferno, the gates of hell open and you plunge in as an immortal raider. There, grotesque monsters are just begging to meet your huge arsenal of weapons. From the poppy soundtrack and colourful style, I’m guessing it’ll be a fun game despite the dark setting.
When: 3 December
Where: PC, PS5
Multiplayer: online PvP
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – the wait is over
Fellow editor and Nintendo superfan Domagoj has already played the game in full and is convinced it’ll be just as well rounded as Samus Aran’s ball form. And while die-hard fans will get their money’s worth, fans of modern Metroidvanias, such as Hollow Knight, should too.
When: 4 December
Where: Switch, Switch 2
Multiplayer: no
Octopath Traveler 0 – the journey continues
A new epic adventure awaits both you and up to seven allies you can recruit throughout the game. There are 30 to choose from this time. Like its two predecessors, Octopath Traveler 0 also relies on beautiful HD 2D graphics and turn-based, tactical battles. A new urban development system has been added.
When: 1 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2
Multiplayer: no
Routine – a horrifying trip into space
An abandoned moon base in a retro-futuristic setting, similar to the Alien films. But instead of xenomorphs, creepy robots are out to get you. You defend yourself against them with your cosmonaut gadget, which you can also use to hack terminals and search environments for clues. Looks pretty stylish and sounds pleasantly eerie.
When: 4 December
Where: PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Cloudheim – a team outing
Murderous androids not your thing? Then check out the colourful Cloudheim. Alone or together, you can rebuild a world destroyed by Ragnarök. Wielding cannons, tornadoes and powerful team combos, you battle all kinds of mythical creatures. Forge new weapons and use them to explore an untamed world.
When: 4 December
Where: PC (early access)
Multiplayer: no
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow – stealthy sneaking
The last instalment was released over ten years ago and, despite good ideas, didn’t come close to the legendary first two games. This is probably one of the reasons why maze Theory is now producing a VR spin-off for the stealth series. Instead of master thief Garrett, you play Magpie, a rogue looking to steal a powerful artefact. Could actually work in VR.
When: 4 December
Where: PC-VR, Meta Quest, PSVR 2
Multiplayer: no
Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows – backup has arrived
The three-person multiplayer version of Elden Ring is getting an expansion. It features two new playable characters: the Undertaker and the Scholar. In return, two new bosses are waiting to make life difficult for players. There’s also a new area to explore, The Great Hollow.
When: 4 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online for three players
Men in Black: Most Wanted – please, look into the red light
It’s 1995. Shapeshifting aliens have infiltrated New York and it’s up to the Men in Black to ensure law and order. With an array of weapons and gadgets, you and your partner Agent L combat the extraterrestrial threat.
When: 5 December
Where: Meta Quest
Multiplayer: online co-op for two players
Skate Story – to the moon on a skateboard
You’re a trapped demon, composed entirely of glass and pain. The devil will grant you freedom if you can skateboard to the moon and devour it. Now that’s what I call an original premise! With ollies, kickflips and grinds, you roll through a dazzling world, accompanied by a psychedelic soundtrack. Hell yeah!
When: 8 December
Where: PC, PS5, Switch 2
Multiplayer: no
Unbeatable – tactful
In a world where music is banned, Beat and her band try to get by. To play this rhythm game featuring a hand-drawn anime design, you’ll only need two buttons. Looks really pretty, and makes you jittery just watching. It was originally supposed to be released in November, but the studio gave itself some more time because of a bug.
When: 9 December
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Pioneers of Pagonia – back to scurrying citizens
The last few Settlers of Catan games were more bad than good. Series creator Volker Wertich thought so too. With Pioneers of Pagonia, he’s crafted a spiritual successor. The construction strategy game relies on a bustling population you can observe every step of the way. Matured for two years in Early Access.
When: 11 December
Where: PC (already available in early access)
Multiplayer: online co-op
Terminator 2D: No Fate – Hasta la vista, baby
A pixelated 2D action game allowing you to re-enact events from the movie. Not only does this promise plenty of arcade action, you can also diverge from the choices made by Sarah, John and the legendary T-800 in the original. The November launch date was postponed because the physical versions weren’t ready yet.
When: 12 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: no
Code Violet – dinos and surrogate mothers
It’s the 25th century. The world is uninhabitable and humanity can’t reproduce any more. So, using time travel technology, women are kidnapped from the past to be used as surrogates. A rather disturbing premise. Violet Sinclair is also torn from her time, suddenly finding herself surrounded by dinosaurs. The game seems to be a mix of Jurassic Park and survival horror.
When: 12 December
Where: PS5
Multiplayer: no
¹ Switch 1 version that’s also compatible with the Switch 2.
Header images: Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Pioneer of Pagonia, Skate Story, Metroid Prime 4
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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