UAE-based gamers reveal the most anticipated video games of 2025
As 2025 gets underway, gaming circles are abuzz about some of the most anticipated games in years. From long-awaited sequels to groundbreaking technologies, 2025’s slate is set to be legendary. To get an idea of the excitement, we asked gaming influencers and content creators in UAE what are their expectations about the upcoming releases, games they loved in 2024 and sequels they’d like to see.
What unites the responses most is how excited people are for Grand Theft Auto 6. It’s been 10+ years since GTA 5, and Rockstar Games is re-inventing the open-world genre again.
Bashar Kayyal, a UAE-based content creator with more than millions of subscribers, was happy. Or Basharkk for short, "It has to be GTA 6 which is the game I’m most excited about. Rockstar Games have a track record for breaking records and breaking rules when it comes to games and GTA 5 certainly shows that. "After more than 10 years in the works, I can’t wait to see how they will change open-world and gaming as a whole.
Same with Sultan Khalifa, an Emirati sportsman and avid gamer, who tweeted: "I’m so excited to play GTA 6, that will come out in 2025 after 13 years of awaited. And not only is it a game; it’s culture. No other series gives you as much, as Grand Theft Auto.’ The open-world, the detailed world, and the opportunity to wreck the world or conquer it, all make for great Grand Theft Auto.
Fan Favourites from 2024
2025 has its heavyweights, but there were titles that left an indelible mark in 2024.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for Basharkk was Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode, which he found to be "ahead of its time when it comes to innovation, playability, and feel". Then there was Marvel Rivals, which was a new team-based action that he said was similar to Overwatch with Marvel.
Lady Lillith, a Lebanese streamer and content creator from Dubai, played Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, Black Myth: Wukong and Marvel Rivals (noting the latter was very hyped and appealing).
For Sultan, there was plenty to choose from – finishing The Last of Us and Black Myth: Wukong to playing Astro Bot (Winner of Game of the Year). And he also discussed how excited he is to face Elden Ring following an invitation from friends and supporters.
Hopes for Sequels in 2025
Not only do they wait anxiously for new games, but players also wanted more of their favorite series to come back.
Basharkk wrote about his fantasy for The Witcher 4, which was nominated for its "deep narrative, characters and beautiful open world". It’s the sequel I’ve been hankering for, and to hear it’s on the drawing board was a miracle,’ he added. This was such an original game with a great story, characters, and gorgeous open world, The Witcher 3 made such a lasting impression, that those of us that played it have been asking for more. I don’t know if The Witcher 4 will be coming this year but that it’s coming is pretty cool. "I can’t wait to see what CD Projekt Red does next with the series, possibly introducing new characters, new game modes, and even richer narrative.
Sultan made an old school nostalgia wish about Midnight Club 5, wherein the games have informed his affection for motorsport. ‘Midnight Club 3 was one of the games that defined me,’ he said. "It’s an OG and I wish they made a sequel this year.
Lady Lillith — Bioshock aficionado — jumped for joy at reports of another Bioshock title, and her hopes for Hellblade 3, already greenlit. She can’t wait for Elden Ring: Nightreign (which will feature multiplayer for the first time in Souls) and Doom: The Dark Ages, the follow-up to her favourite game in the series.
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