According to Ars Technica, the standout games of 2025 were those that emerged as surprises. These included a roguelike puzzle game defying easy categorization, a challenging mountainous walking simulator, a Geometry Wars-inspired title considered the best in its genre for years, and a mini-game collection exploring the complexities of adolescence. The publication did not provide specific scores or player performance metrics for each game.

The inclusion of Civilization 7 continues the franchise's legacy of strategic depth, reminiscent of past iterations like Civilization V and VI, which garnered critical acclaim for their engaging gameplay and historical scope. Avowed, a new IP, aims to deliver a fresh experience, while Doom: The Dark Ages seeks to recapture the intense, fast-paced action that defined the series, much like the successful Doom (2016) reboot.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ars Technica anticipates another year of significant releases, with Grand Theft Auto VI leading the charge. The publication suggests that the industry is actively preparing for numerous big-budget projects, hinting at potential contenders for next year's top games list.