2025 might not be over yet, but it's already been a year of surprises in the gaming world. From hidden gems that weren’t on anyone’s radar to under-the-radar experiences that became fan favorites, this year has delivered more than its fair share of gaming delights. Let’s dive into some of the unexpected standouts that had gamers buzzing, and why they deserve your attention.

According to new industry sales data, Battlefield 6 is now extremely likely to end the year as the best-selling game in the U.S., edging out Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. That alone is historic. In modern gaming history, only absolute juggernauts like GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Hogwarts Legacy have managed to knock Call of Duty off its throne.

After eight long years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has officially landed, and so have the reviews. Sitting at an 81 on Metacritic, the game is earning “generally favorable” praise, but that number comes with a bit of a reality check: it’s the lowest score in the core Metroid Prime series and the lowest for any Metroid title since Federation Force nearly a decade ago.

If there’s one Assassin’s Creed game that fans have been begging Ubisoft to revisit, it’s Black Flag. The sea shanties. The open waters. The pure, unfiltered pirate chaos. It’s a standout entry in the franchise, and now, a new report claims its long-rumored remake might be closer than expected.

Say hello to Instant Riot, the pop-culture-obsessed, gamer-powered t-shirt brand that has quickly become our go-to for shirts that speak directly to us as gamers with a sense of humor. Not generic “gamer fuel” vibes. Not bootleg meme shirts you regret buying. Real designs. Real references. Real personality.

When Destiny 2 launched, it felt like the kind of forever-game that would print money indefinitely. A gorgeous sci-fi universe, punchy gunplay, a loyal player base stretching back a decade, it seemed unstoppable. But now? Sony just reported a $24 million impairment tied to Bungie’s assets after Destiny 2 fell short of expectations, and the situation is starting to look a lot more complicated.

Valve just dropped a hardware trifecta that could reshape the living-room landscape—the Steam Machine, the new Steam Controller, and the standalone Steam Frame VR headset, all set for a 2026 release. If you’ve ever wished your Steam library belonged on your couch instead of your desk, Valve appears ready to grant that wish.