This Week in Gaming – December 2025 Edition

As we roll into December, the gaming world is buzzing — with major new releases, big platform updates, mobile ports, and subscription service shakeups. Whether you’re on PC, console, or mobile, there’s a lot happening. Here’s your weekly snapshot of the biggest, most interesting gaming news (and what it means for players).

Big Releases & New Games (PC / Console / Switch / Multi-Platform)

Marvel Cosmic Invasion — Retro Beat ’Em Up, Now Live (Dec 1)

Kicking off December with a bang is Marvel Cosmic Invasion. Released December 1 for PC, Windows/Linux, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

This side-scrolling beat ’em up delivers classic arcade-style action — pixel art, vibrant visuals, and a roster of beloved Marvel heroes going head-to-head against cosmic threats. If you love co-op couch or online multiplayer and retro action, this one’s definitely worth a look.

Double-header Release: Octopath Traveler 0 & Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — out Dec 4

December 4 brings two very different games, appealing to different kinds of players: one for RPG lovers and another for action/adventure fans.

• Octopath Traveler 0, the newest entry from Square Enix, is a turn-based RPG hitting Switch, Switch 2, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches the same day for Switch / Switch 2 — bringing the legendary bounty hunter’s return to fans after long anticipation.

Whether you want deep RPG mechanics or sci-fi action and exploration, December 4 appears to be a treat for both sides.

Other Notable Drops & Upcoming Titles

According to recent release lists:

• Blood: Refreshed Supply — a remaster of the ’90s cult-classic shooter, available on PC, consoles, and Switch.
• Routine — a sci-fi horror title slated for December, catching attention for its setting on an abandoned lunar base.
• Other games, including indie and mid-tier releases, are scattered through December — giving a wide variety of choices across genres.

Cloud Gaming, Digital Services & Subscriptions

GeForce Now Adds 30 New Games (December 2025)

Good news for cloud-gaming fans: GeForce Now has just added 30 new titles, including recent releases and some heavy hitters. This improves access — even for gamers with modest hardware.

Titles like Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Routine, and Octopath Traveler 0 are among the new additions — making them playable via cloud.

That means players who don’t own high-end PCs or consoles can still enjoy upcoming games with smooth performance — a strong push toward inclusivity in gaming.

Xbox Game Pass & Amazon Prime Gaming Update: New Titles + Removals

• Xbox Game Pass is getting 13 new games this month (December 2025).
• Among the buzz: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — which recently became the biggest third-party launch of 2025 on Game Pass, based on unique players.
• On the other hand, service lineups shift often — so if you’re subscribed, keep an eye on what’s leaving this month.
• Prime Gaming’s December 2025 lineup includes games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided among others — offering value to members via free game codes or store deals.

Subscription services continue to be a big draw — especially for players who don’t buy every new release, but like variety and flexibility.

Mobile & Cross-Platform News

Red Dead Redemption — Now On Mobile via Netflix

One of gaming’s legendary open-world titles, Red Dead Redemption, is now playable on mobile devices through Netflix’s games service (Android & iOS). This marks a big step in bringing AAA-level experiences to phones.

Whether you’re on a flagship phone or a mid-range Android, the port aims to bring the classic outlaw saga to mobile — letting you roam, ride, and gun-fight from the palm of your hand.

This is another hint that the line between “console/PC gaming” and “mobile gaming” continues to blur.

Industry Moves & Big Picture Trends

Big Success for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Game Pass

As mentioned earlier, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — a third-party turn-based RPG — became the biggest third-party launch of 2025 on Xbox Game Pass.
This shows how subscription services continue to democratize access to games, giving indie and mid-tier titles a much bigger platform alongside AAA.

PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted 2025 Announced

Mark your calendars — on December 4, the annual PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted goes live, offering a showcase of the 25 most anticipated upcoming PC games. Expect announcements, trailers, and behind-the-scenes reveals.

For PC gamers, this promises a fresh wave of titles in 2026 — from indie gems to big-budget releases.

The Gaming Industry’s Changing Shape (2025 Context)

2025 has been a challenging year for the gaming industry overall — with widespread layoffs since 2022 hitting many teams.
Yet, despite that, platforms like Switch 2, cloud services, and subscription models have kept the momentum going, offering varied opportunities for both developers and gamers.

The result? A gaming landscape that’s more fluid, more accessible, and more diverse than ever.

What This Week’s News Means for Gamers (Especially You)

• More choices than ever: From triple-A blockbusters to indie gems, from cloud games to mobile ports — there’s something for everyone.
• Flexibility & accessibility rising: Cloud gaming and mobile ports (like Red Dead) break hardware barriers. If you don’t own a powerful PC or console — you don’t have to miss big titles.
• Great buys for the budget-conscious: Subscription services (Game Pass, Prime Gaming) + remasters + mid-tier games = many quality options without breaking the bank.
• Mix of nostalgia and innovation: Remastered classics like Blood, retro-style games like Marvel Cosmic Invasion, and new-generation RPGs show that devs are balancing fan-favourites with modern design.
• 2026 looks loaded: With shows like PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted, upcoming releases, and continued support for cloud/mobile, next year could be even bigger.

My Take: Why This Week Feels Like a Shift

This week feels like a turning point. The industry isn’t just about blockbuster AAA anymore. It’s about giving gamers choices — in how they play, what they play, and where they play.

Mobile, cloud, consoles, PC — every platform is offering something. And with subscription services and big game pipelines, even smaller developers are getting a chance.

To me, that’s what 2025–26 gaming should be: open, inclusive, flexible — and full of surprises.