Despite the delay of Rockstar’s latest Grand Theft Auto game, it is still set to be a busy year for games.
From the beginning of 2025, we’ve already had releases such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds , as well as new and exciting intellectual property such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 making waves.
Despite GTA IV being delayed until May 2026, there is still plenty to look forward to in the gaming industry this year with big releases expected from a variety of studios around the world - including Scotland’s very own Build a Rocket Boy.
Founded by former GTA producer Leslie Benzies, the Edinburgh-based studio is gearing up to release its very own AAA action game MindsEye, with more highly anticipated titles out this year including Death Stranding 2 and Mafia: The Old Country. That is without mentioning the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release in June, which will see dozens of games remastered for the console and new entries in franchises such as Pokémon.
Why not take GTA’s delay as an opportunity to explore something different? Here are 27 of the biggest games coming out in 2025.
5. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Thursday, June 26
The highly-anticipated sequel to Hideo Kojima’s 2019 game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will arrive exclusively on PS5 on Thursday, June 26. Alongside his companions, Sam sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. With Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, and Troy Baker all reprising their roles, new faces set to appear in the action adventure title include Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and Academy Award-winning film director George Miller. | Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment
6. Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game – Tuesday, July 29
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live your life as a Hobbit, you will soon be able to find out. Set to be released on Tuesday, July 29, Tales of the Shire is an upcoming cosy adventure game set in J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle-earth where players can create their own unique Hobbit character in order to forage, fish, garden and trade with neighbours to cook perfect meals and host a number of unexpected guests. Developed by Wētā Workshop it will be available on PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S. | Weta Workshop / Private Division / Take Two
7. Mafia: The Old Country – Friday, August 8
The prequel to the fourth game in the series, Mafia: The Old Country is set in Sicily during the 1900s. Following protagonist Enzo Favara, the game charts the origins of the crime organisation with a linear, narrative driven story. Set to be released towards the end of 2025, the game will be available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S from Friday, August 8. | Hangar 13 / 2K
8. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – Tuesday, August 26
The second Metal Gear game to be released following the departure of series creator Hideo Kojima from developer Konami, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is set to be released on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. It is a remake of 2004’s Metal Gear Solid 3, and the first game in the series chronologically, which is set in 1964 and follows Naked Snake as he attempts to save a Russian rocket scientist and sabotage a Soviet nuclear weapons facility. The remake will be available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. | Konami / Virtuos