The Game Awards 2025 Delivers Major Reveals and Sets the Stage for 2026

The Game Awards 2025 once again proved that the show has become one of the most important reveal platforms in the gaming industry. While the ceremony included the usual awards and performances, the real focus for many viewers was the steady stream of announcements and first-look trailers. This year’s event leaned heavily toward future-facing reveals, with publishers and studios using the stage to outline their plans for 2026 and beyond. From long-awaited franchise returns to entirely new projects, the show offered a clear snapshot of where the industry is heading.

Big Franchise Reveals Take the Spotlight

One of the most talked-about announcements of the night was the reveal of Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a new single-player role-playing game set in the iconic sci-fi universe. The cinematic trailer focused on tone and atmosphere rather than gameplay, signaling a narrative-driven experience aimed at long-time fans. According to IGN, the project is being positioned as a major tentpole title for Lucasfilm Games, with an emphasis on storytelling and player choice.

Another major moment came with the announcement of Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a new entry in the long-running action-adventure series. The reveal confirmed that Crystal Dynamics is continuing its modern direction for Lara Croft while also reconnecting with the franchise’s roots. Additional reporting from Entertainment Weekly highlighted that the developers are focusing heavily on narrative cohesion and character development early in production, with a targeted release window later in the decade.

Strategy, RPGs and New IP Announcements

The strategy genre also made a strong impression at The Game Awards 2025. Creative Assembly revealed Total War: Warhammer 40,000, officially bringing the Total War formula into the grimdark sci-fi universe. The trailer showcased large-scale battles and planetary conflict, hinting at a hybrid approach that blends traditional Total War systems with new mechanics tailored to the Warhammer setting. Coverage from Windows Central suggests the project is designed as a long-term evolution of the franchise rather than a short-term experiment.

Role-playing fans also received a glimpse of what lies ahead, with Larian Studios teasing its next major project following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3. The brief reveal confirmed that the studio is returning to the Divinité universe, setting expectations for another systems-driven RPG built around player choice and emergent storytelling. While details remain limited, the announcement alone was enough to generate widespread discussion among RPG enthusiasts.

Surprise Reveals and Genre Variety

Beyond the headline franchises, The Game Awards 2025 featured a variety of surprise announcements across different genres. Capcom unveiled a new trailer for Resident Evil : Requiem, confirming a 2026 release window and reinforcing the series’ darker survival horror direction. Remedy Entertainment also premiered Control: Resonant, a standalone experience set in the Control universe that appears to expand on the studio’s signature narrative style and supernatural themes. A broader recap from GamesRadar noted that these mid-sized reveals helped balance the show between blockbuster announcements and more focused creative projects.

What the Announcements Say About the Industry

Taken together, the reveals at The Game Awards 2025 point toward an industry that is balancing familiarity with experimentation. Established franchises continue to dominate attention, but many studios are also investing in long-term projects rather than immediate releases. The emphasis on cinematic trailers and early-stage announcements suggests that publishers are increasingly using the event to set expectations years in advance. As players look toward 2026 and beyond, the announcements from this year’s show will likely shape discussions around upcoming releases, genre trends, and the future direction of major studios.