Introduction to the “Best Of” Lists
As we approach the end of December, the gaming community is abuzz with excitement. This is the time of year when everyone starts publishing their “Best Of” and “Game of the Year” lists, and some outlets are already sharing theirs. These lists give us a glimpse into the most popular and critically acclaimed games of the year, and they often spark interesting discussions among gamers.
The Associated Press’ Top 10 Games of 2025
The Associated Press, a huge global news organization, has recently released its list of the top 10 video game releases of 2025. What’s interesting to note is that three Xbox first-party games have made it to the list. The Outer Worlds 2, South of Midnight, and Avowed are all contenders for Game of the Year in the AP’s eyes. Although the list is not ranked, the AP has special praise for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The AP’s Top 10 List
Here are the AP’s top 10 favorite new games of 2025:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- The Outer Worlds 2
- Silent Hill F
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- The Séance of Blake Manor
- Avowed
- Ghost of Yōtei
- South of Midnight
- The Alters
A Curious List
The AP’s list is quite interesting, with some unexpected games making the cut. The inclusion of The Alters and The Séance of Blake Manor is a pleasant surprise, as these games have received less attention compared to other big releases. However, the absence of games like Split Fiction and Hollow Knight: Silksong is notable. It’s also great to see multiple Xbox Game Studios releases in the mix, especially after we felt that South of Midnight deserved more Game Awards nominations.
Conclusion
The AP’s list is just the beginning of the “Best Of” season, and we can expect to see many more lists in the coming weeks. What do you think of the AP’s top 10 list? Do you agree with their choices, or do you have your own favorites? Let us know in the comments below. As the gaming community continues to discuss and debate the best games of 2025, one thing is clear: it’s been an amazing year for gaming, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
