Ending the year on a high note, Xbox dropped three exclusive heavy-hitters: STALKER 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and what I consider not only the Game of the Year but possibly Xbox's best exclusive in years, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
So, can Microsoft carry this momentum into 2025? As much as I like to admit it, I’m still holding on to hope. In fact, I genuinely believe that 2025 could be Xbox’s strongest year since 2021—when titles like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Psychonauts 2 set the bar high. Here’s why I’m optimistic.
A Fountain of Fantasy and Firearms
The year kicks off quickly with Obsidian’s highly anticipated first-person fantasy RPG, Avowed. Slated for release on February 18, Avowed is set in the world of Pillars of Eternity, and while it’s being touted as “Skyrim Lite,” the game’s scope is far more approachable, targeting a playtime of around 25-40 hours. Based on everything we’ve seen so far, Avowed is shaping up to be one of the most promising RPGs of 2025.
Next, Doom: The Dark Ages, the prequel from id Software, is another title that has my attention. While it doesn’t have an official release date yet, I’d bet a lunch from In-N-Out that it’ll launch sometime in the first half of 2025. Why? First, it’s been nearly five years since Doom Eternal dropped in March 2020, making it high time for a new entry in the series. Secondly, with the idTech engine firmly in place for the new console generation, id Software is poised to deliver another knockout title. Considering how well the last two Doom games performed, I’m confident that The Dark Ages will make a major impact.
Then there’s the eagerly awaited Fable reboot from Playground Games. Announced back in 2020, Fable was already well into development before the official reveal, and Microsoft has made it clear that it will be one of the key titles for Xbox in the latter half of 2025. Playground’s track record, especially after the success of Forza Horizon 5—which won IGN’s Game of the Year in 2021—only adds to the excitement. Xbox simply can’t afford to miss the mark with Fable this time, and based on everything we’ve seen so far, I have high hopes for it.
Another intriguing title is South of Midnight, a third-person action-adventure from We Happy Few developer Compulsion Games. Set in the folklore-rich bayous of the Deep South, South of Midnight is a departure from Compulsion’s usual style, but its unique premise makes it a standout wildcard for 2025.
Additionally, there’s Replaced, a cyberpunk-themed, pixel-art side-scrolling action-adventure game that caught my attention when I played it earlier this year. With its deep narrative and unique aesthetic, Replaced could easily join the ranks of legendary Xbox-exclusive indie games like Limbo and Inside.
And of course, we can’t forget about Call of Duty. With the series now firmly under Xbox’s umbrella, the 2025 entry in the franchise is expected to hit day one on Game Pass. While it will still be available on PlayStation, Xbox fans will get it free as part of their subscription. Rumors suggest it might be a sequel to Black Ops 2, which could mean a futuristic twist to the iconic franchise.
Let’s not overlook Minecraft either, which continues to be a major player in Xbox’s portfolio. With a Minecraft movie on the way, expect some big in-game content updates to keep players engaged.
What About Hardware?
As far as new hardware goes, don’t expect any big surprises in 2025. Microsoft has been pretty clear about not pushing a mid-gen upgrade to the Xbox Series X (an Xbox Series XX, anyone?). While there are whispers about an Xbox handheld, it’s unlikely we’ll see it anytime soon.
However, the Xbox Series X and Series S did receive a storage upgrade in 2024, and we’ll likely see a slew of special-edition controllers in 2025. The rumored “Sebile” controller, mentioned in previous FTC leaks, could also make an appearance, but as far as new consoles go, 2025 will probably focus on software rather than hardware.
The Bottom Line
While 2024 may not have been the slam dunk many hoped for, Microsoft is setting itself up for a potentially blockbuster 2025. With a slew of big-name exclusives, fresh IPs, and the continued success of Game Pass, Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to. It’s been a long wait, but the year ahead may just be the one where everything finally comes together for Microsoft. Here’s hoping 2025 is the year—but only time will tell.
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