Xbox 2025

2024 was seen by many as a lackluster year for Xbox, with a perceived drought of major exclusives and a general sense of uncertainty surrounding the platform’s future. This was further exacerbated by persistent rumors that Microsoft was planning to bring Xbox exclusives to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, leaving fans nervous about what that could mean for the brand’s long-term identity. However, after years of acquisitions, Xbox’s investment in multiple game studios appears to be paying off, with a robust slate of releases planned for 2025.

However, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for Xbox gamers, with a mix of highly anticipated sequels, fresh new IPs, and major franchise revivals. Below is the full slate of games confirmed for release in 2025, along with details about their developers, publishers, gameplay styles, game engines, and our impressions based on official reveals and trailers.

January 2025

Sniper Elite: Resistance

• Developer: Rebellion Developments
• Publisher: Rebellion Developments
• Release Date: January 30, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Tactical third-person shooter, stealth-based
• Engine Used: Asura
• Impressions: The latest installment in the Sniper Elite series emphasizes enhanced ballistics, expanded stealth mechanics, and a gripping World War II narrative. Early gameplay footage showcases improved AI and new environmental destruction elements.

February 2025

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Publisher: Deep Silver
• Release Date: February 4, 2025
• Gameplay Style: First-person open-world RPG
• Engine Used: CryEngine
• Impressions: A direct sequel to the original, featuring expanded combat mechanics, enhanced historical accuracy, and a richer storyline. The trailer highlights improved visuals, better character animations, and an immersive medieval setting.

Avowed

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Release Date: February 18, 2025
• Gameplay Style: First-person RPG, fantasy-based
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: With comparisons to Skyrim, Avowed is set in the Pillars of Eternity universe and features deep role-playing mechanics. The gameplay trailers highlight dynamic spellcasting, sword combat, and a rich narrative experience.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Publisher: SEGA
• Release Date: February 21, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Action RPG, open-world
• Engine Used: Dragon Engine
• Impressions: This new entry in the Yakuza series transports the franchise to Hawaii, featuring an expanded combat system and a story rooted in crime and redemption. The trailer teases new mini-games, a large explorable map, and humorous side activities.

Monster Hunter Wilds

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: February 28, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Action RPG, cooperative multiplayer
• Engine Used: RE Engine
• Impressions: A more expansive and dynamic hunting experience than its predecessor, Monster Hunter Wilds introduces new ecosystems, enhanced AI for monsters, and refined combat mechanics. The gameplay reveal showcases larger hunting grounds and new traversal options.

March 2025

Two Point Museum

• Developer: Two Point Studios
• Publisher: SEGA
• Release Date: March 4-5, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Management simulation
• Engine Used: Unity
• Impressions: A follow-up to Two Point Hospital and Campus, this entry brings the quirky humor and deep simulation mechanics the series is known for. The preview hints at extensive customization options and unexpected comedic events.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

• Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: March 20, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Open-world action RPG, stealth
• Engine Used: AnvilNext 2.0
• Impressions: Set in Feudal Japan, this Assassin’s Creed entry introduces dual protagonists and a refined combat system. The trailer highlights expansive stealth mechanics, dynamic weather effects, and visually stunning landscapes.

Atomfall

• Developer: Rebellion Developments
• Publisher: Rebellion Developments
• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Survival horror, first-person shooter
• Engine Used: Asura
• Impressions: Set in an alternate history Britain, this game blends horror and survival elements with engaging first-person shooting mechanics. The trailers emphasize eerie atmospheres, challenging enemy encounters, and a gripping storyline.

April 2025

South of Midnight

• Developer: Compulsion Games
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Release Date: April 8, 2025
• Gameplay Style: Action-adventure
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: Inspired by Southern Gothic folklore, this unique title offers a stylized art direction and narrative-driven experience. The first trailer showcased fluid traversal mechanics and supernatural abilities.

May 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages

• Developer: id Software
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Release Date: May 15, 2025
• Gameplay Style: First-person shooter
• Engine Used: id Tech 8
• Impressions: A medieval-inspired prequel to Doom (2016), The Dark Ages retains fast-paced, brutal combat while introducing new weapons and a darker, gothic aesthetic. The trailer teases large-scale battles, destructible environments, and new demonic enemies.

Upcoming Titles Without a Confirmed Release Date

The Outer Worlds 2

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: First-person RPG
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: The sequel to the hit sci-fi RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, promises an expanded universe, deeper role-playing mechanics, and the same witty humor. The teaser trailer poked fun at typical game announcements while showcasing stunning new environments.

Clockwork Revolution

• Developer: inXile Entertainment
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: First-person action RPG, steampunk setting
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: Inspired by the likes of Bioshock, Clockwork Revolution is a time-bending RPG with a strong narrative and an immersive steampunk world. The game features choices that impact the timeline, allowing for deep, reactive storytelling.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Developer: Team Cherry
• Publisher: Team Cherry
• Gameplay Style: Metroidvania, action-platformer
• Engine Used: Custom Engine
• Impressions: The highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight follows Hornet in a new kingdom full of deadly foes and fast-paced platforming. The gameplay reveal highlights fluid combat and a vast, interconnected world.

Contraband

• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: Open-world co-op smuggling adventure
• Engine Used: Apex Engine
• Impressions: A unique open-world co-op experience set in the 1970s, Contraband focuses on smuggling, heists, and vehicular action. The teaser hints at a rich world filled with dynamic missions and player-driven gameplay.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

• Developer: Konami
• Publisher: Konami
• Gameplay Style: Stealth action
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: A full remake of the beloved Metal Gear Solid 3, this project aims to bring Snake’s origins to a new generation with enhanced visuals and updated mechanics while retaining the iconic storytelling and gameplay elements.

Persona 6

• Developer: Atlus
• Publisher: SEGA
• Gameplay Style: Turn-based RPG
• Engine Used: Proprietary Atlus Engine
• Impressions: The next evolution in the Persona series, Persona 6 promises a fresh cast, new mechanics, and an engaging story filled with supernatural elements. While details remain scarce, anticipation is already sky-high.

Fable

• Developer: Playground Games
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: Open-world action RPG
• Engine Used: ForzaTech
• Impressions: A long-awaited reboot of the beloved franchise, Fable aims to bring the humor, whimsy, and deep RPG mechanics that made the series famous. The reveal trailer showcased stunning fantasy environments and hints at a new take on Albion.

Perfect Dark

• Developer: The Initiative
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: First-person shooter, stealth-based
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: A modern reimagining of the classic sci-fi shooter, Perfect Dark features a cyberpunk aesthetic and an emphasis on stealth, hacking, and fast-paced gunplay. The initial teaser highlights an espionage thriller tone.

Everwild

• Developer: Rare
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: Open-world adventure
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: Everwild remains somewhat mysterious, but its visually striking art style and hints at nature-based gameplay suggest an innovative take on exploration and survival mechanics.

Towerborne

• Developer: Stoic Studio
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: Co-op action RPG
• Engine Used: Unity
• Impressions: From the creators of The Banner Saga, Towerborne features dynamic co-op action and strategic gameplay. The art direction is reminiscent of classic hand-drawn RPGs with fluid animation and engaging combat.

Ark 2

• Developer: Studio Wildcard
• Publisher: Snail Games
• Gameplay Style: Survival open-world
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: Starring Vin Diesel, Ark 2 builds upon its predecessor with improved survival mechanics, deep crafting, and an expanded dinosaur ecosystem. The game aims to blend storytelling with multiplayer survival.

Gears of War: E-Day

• Developer: The Coalition
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Gameplay Style: Third-person shooter
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: A prequel to the original Gears of War, E-Day explores the emergence of the Locust and early battles fought by Marcus Fenix. The cinematic reveal teases intense cover-based shooting and devastating melee combat.

Black Myth: Wukong

• Developer: Game Science
• Publisher: Game Science
• Gameplay Style: Action RPG, Souls-like
• Engine Used: Unreal Engine 5
• Impressions: An ambitious retelling of Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong features jaw-dropping visuals, intricate combat mechanics, and fluid enemy encounters. The trailers have consistently impressed with their detailed environments and large-scale boss fights.

Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge throughout the year!