2025 is shaping up to be a year full of sequels. As the gaming industry faces uncertainty, the release of major sequels like GTA 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Monster Hunter Wilds offers a sense of reassurance.
These familiar franchises bring comfort in a time when the gaming world is struggling with studio closures, layoffs, and financial losses.
The Changing Landscape of the Gaming Industry
In recent years, the rise of live-service games such as Fortnite and GTA Online has transformed the industry. These games have been incredibly profitable, but the live-service model has also led to some failures.
Several high-profile live-service games, like Hyenas and XDefiant, have been cancelled, resulting in massive losses and layoffs. The number of job cuts in the gaming industry has been steadily rising, with 2024 seeing close to 15,000 layoffs.
A Sense of Relief in Sequels
With this backdrop of uncertainty, the upcoming sequels bring a sense of relief. GTA 6, Death Stranding 2, Civilization VII, and others are set to launch in 2025.
These titles were likely in development before the industry’s focus shifted to live-service games, and their release feels like a return to what made gaming so special.
These sequels promise to deliver epic, familiar experiences without the worry of microtransactions or seasonal passes.
Nostalgia and Reboots
In addition to sequels, we’re seeing a rise in reboots of classic games. Fable, Crazy Taxi, and Fatal Fury are making comebacks, much like how the music and film industries constantly repurpose old hits.
This trend reflects a desire for familiarity and comfort in unpredictable times.
The Courage of Sequels
Despite the challenges facing the industry, these sequels represent more than just safe bets. They’re bold in their own way.
GTA 6 will be controversial and mature, Death Stranding 2 will explore complex themes, and Doom will continue its tradition of extreme violence. These games don’t need to rely on gimmicks like virtual currencies—they’re confident in their storytelling and gameplay.
In a time when many industries are focused on quick profits and trends, returning to classic game formulas feels like a courageous act.
For gamers, these sequels offer a sense of security and nostalgia, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Looking Forward
As we look ahead to 2025, these sequels remind us of the joy of gaming, not just for the thrill of new content, but for the reassurance that some things never change.
Even in a world of constant shifts, these beloved franchises stand as pillars of stability in an unpredictable industry.
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