After working, learning, having an enjoyable evening together with Trusted casino overview at ReviewCasino Canada, and making a few good bets, it’s time to check out what games we think will be trending this year. Predicting popular games isn’t magic—it’s about watching current industry trends, tech evolution, and what players are into. Here’s a breakdown of what could be big in gaming soon:
1. AI-Powered Gaming
- Living Worlds: AI tech is making games more dynamic. NPCs will act more human-like, with unique dialogues and behaviors.
- Custom Content: With AI, players might get personalized quests, locations, and even tailored endings.
- Interactive Storylines: Games will offer more choices that seriously impact the plot.
2. Multiplayer & Social Features
- Social Worlds: Think games that blend gameplay and social networking—spaces where you fight, chat, build communities, or just chill.
- Co-Op Gameplay: Team-based games with shared goals will stay hot.
- Cross-Platform Play: More games will let players connect across consoles, PCs, and mobile.
3. Game Themes
- Sci-Fi and Cyberpunk: Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield show how much people love futuristic vibes. Expect more space adventures and tech-driven stories.
- Post-Apocalyptic Survival: Surviving in tough conditions is always a hit.
- Fantasy Worlds: Rich universes like Elden Ring and The Witcher aren’t going anywhere, especially darker fantasy styles.
- Eco-Themes: Games about nature conservation, ecology, and fighting climate change could connect with players looking for meaningful content.
4. VR and AR Evolution
- Immersive VR: With VR gear becoming more accessible, games offering full immersion will rise.
- AR Games: Titles blending real and virtual worlds, like Pokemon GO, will remain popular.
5. User-Generated Content
- Creative Platforms: Games like Roblox and Minecraft, where players build their own worlds, will keep growing. These are hubs for endless user-made content.
6. Mobile Gaming
- Quick Sessions: Games designed for short bursts of play will stay in demand.
- Mobile Esports: Competitive mobile games (PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile) are leveling up.
7. Deep Stories and Inclusion
- Emotional Plots: Players value games with gripping narratives and relatable characters.
- Diverse Characters: Games will feature a broader range of cultures, lifestyles, and identities to resonate with global audiences.
8. Genre Mashups
- Hybrid Genres: Mixing RPGs, shooters, strategy, horror—you name it.
- Simulators: Relaxing life or job simulation games will remain a favorite.
These trends may shift with tech breakthroughs and changing player interests, but the goal is clear: more immersive, personal, and engaging gaming experiences.
Spotlight: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
This sequel to the hit RPG is shaping up to be a massive milestone in gaming! Developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver, it’s set to launch on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The story picks up from the first game, doubling the map size and expanding gameplay.
- New Weapons: Crossbows and early firearms join the fight alongside swords.
- Reputation System: Your actions will impact how NPCs react to you, changing how quests play out.
- More Cutscenes: Five hours of cinematics (up from two in the original).
- Immersive Setting: Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you’ll again play as Henry of Skalitz, fighting King Sigismund for revenge.
Early previews are buzzing:
- Visuals: Stunning landscapes and upgraded graphics wowed players.
- Gameplay: IGN praised its realistic combat, horse riding, and improved crafting systems.
- Roleplaying Freedom: VG247 highlighted deeper choices—play as a noble knight or a sneaky outlaw.
- Localization: Great news for Russian-speaking players: Confirmed subtitles with localized screenshots have already been shared!
If you loved the first Kingdom Come, this sequel is one to watch. Mark your calendars—2025’s shaping up to be epic for gaming!
What New Developments Can We Expect In The World Of Anime Related To Video Games?
Netflix just dropped the first trailer for the anime The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep.
The story is based on the tale A Little Sacrifice and follows Geralt as he helps a prince who’s fallen in love with a mermaid. In the English version, Geralt is voiced by Doug Cockle, the same actor who brought the character to life in the game series.
What’s the Origin of The Witcher: Games or Anime?
The Witcher is one of the biggest fantasy franchises ever, covering books, video games, animation, and live-action shows. But where did it all start? Let’s dive into the timeline to figure out what came first: the games or the animation.
Books: The Beginning of It All
The Witcher story started with the books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The first short story about Geralt of Rivia, simply titled The Witcher, came out in 1986 in a Polish magazine called Fantastyka. That story kicked off a whole series of short stories and novels, eventually becoming the iconic Witcher Saga.
The main book series includes five novels and several short story collections. Sapkowski built a rich, complex world full of magic, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas. Geralt, the main character, is a monster hunter for hire who not only battles creatures but also fights against the injustices of society.
Games: The Next Big Step
The books gained a following in Poland and beyond, but the real breakthrough came with the video games. Polish studio CD Projekt Red bought the rights to adapt Sapkowski’s work and, in 2007, released the first game, The Witcher. It was a role-playing game that immersed players in Geralt’s world with stunning detail and a deep story. The game earned praise for its atmosphere, moral choices, and attention to detail. Its success led to sequels: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015).
The Witcher 3 became a massive hit, winning countless awards and capturing the hearts of millions of players worldwide.
Animation and Live-Action Adaptations
As the books and games grew in popularity, the franchise kept expanding. In 2001, there was a Polish Witcher movie and series, but they didn’t make much of a splash internationally due to low quality and deviations from the source material.
It wasn’t until 2021 that The Witcher entered the world of animation with Netflix’s The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, which told the backstory of Vesemir, Geralt’s mentor. This anime became part of Netflix’s extended Witcher universe, which also includes the hit live-action series starring Henry Cavill as Geralt, launched in 2019.
So, What Came First?
Looking at the timeline, Sapkowski’s books were the starting point for everything. They inspired the video games, which then brought global fame to the franchise. The animation and live-action adaptations came later, riding on the wave of the popularity of games and books.
The Takeaway
The Witcher story shows how one idea can grow and evolve across different media. The books laid the foundation, the games turned it into a global phenomenon, and the animation and live-action shows brought fans even deeper into the world.
No matter how you first discovered The Witcher, this franchise offers a unique and immersive experience that continues to captivate fans all over the globe.
