As 2025 comes to a close, it's clear that this has been a conflicted year for games - full of incredible works and captivating stories, but also growing concerns about their impact on our world. Take Roblox, for instance, which was scrutinized by many for its ease with which children can access mature themes, leading to instances of exploitation. This platform, with over 150 million daily users, mostly under the age of 18, poses significant challenges for child safety.
On a lighter note, games have also had us questioning our motivations and behaviors - like Baby Steps, a game about self-inflicted torment that somehow captured everyone's attention. Or Master System at 40, which delves into the often-overlooked console by Sega in Europe during the 80s.
Other notable topics explored this year include Elon Musk's questionable gaming claims, with several instances of him boasting about his skills online before being called out for deception, and even using video game imagery to recruit for ICE. The intersection of politics and games has become increasingly complex, reflecting our real-world concerns and anxieties.
Gaming has also been a catalyst for nostalgia, as evidenced by the resurgence of old consoles like PlayStation 2 and GameCube, and their continued entertainment value years after release. Moreover, the rise of older gamers engaging with video games in new ways - such as online streaming platforms - presents an exciting opportunity for intergenerational connection.
Looking ahead to 2026, gamers can expect a plethora of fresh titles to sink their teeth into. Grand Theft Auto 6 is among them, though many fans are eagerly anticipating 007 First Light more than any other release. On the off-chance you're struggling to pinpoint which games to play in the coming year, perhaps Guitar Hero and Rock Band will help get your party started.
Lastly, we invite you to weigh in on this year's most anticipated games by sending us a message or two about what you can't wait for in 2026. Your recommendations could find themselves featured in our newsletter next month - so keep an eye out!
On a lighter note, games have also had us questioning our motivations and behaviors - like Baby Steps, a game about self-inflicted torment that somehow captured everyone's attention. Or Master System at 40, which delves into the often-overlooked console by Sega in Europe during the 80s.
Other notable topics explored this year include Elon Musk's questionable gaming claims, with several instances of him boasting about his skills online before being called out for deception, and even using video game imagery to recruit for ICE. The intersection of politics and games has become increasingly complex, reflecting our real-world concerns and anxieties.
Gaming has also been a catalyst for nostalgia, as evidenced by the resurgence of old consoles like PlayStation 2 and GameCube, and their continued entertainment value years after release. Moreover, the rise of older gamers engaging with video games in new ways - such as online streaming platforms - presents an exciting opportunity for intergenerational connection.
Looking ahead to 2026, gamers can expect a plethora of fresh titles to sink their teeth into. Grand Theft Auto 6 is among them, though many fans are eagerly anticipating 007 First Light more than any other release. On the off-chance you're struggling to pinpoint which games to play in the coming year, perhaps Guitar Hero and Rock Band will help get your party started.
Lastly, we invite you to weigh in on this year's most anticipated games by sending us a message or two about what you can't wait for in 2026. Your recommendations could find themselves featured in our newsletter next month - so keep an eye out!
I think the gaming industry is finally starting to realize that with great power comes great responsibility 
. All those hours spent playing games as a kid should've prepared us for the consequences of exploitation, but I guess some people still need a wake-up call 
. On a more positive note, it's awesome to see the gaming community rallying around issues like mental health and self-care - Baby Steps might have been uncomfortable, but it sparked an important conversation 
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I mean, who needs new games when you've got classic consoles that still bring the heat 
? But in all seriousness, the shift to online streaming platforms has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for intergenerational connections - it's like a digital family reunion 
!
. Anyone got any tips on which games to keep an eye out for? 
. But seriously, who needs self-inflicted torment when you can just play some Baby Steps and relive your own childhood trauma? 
On a more serious note, the intersection of politics and gaming is getting out of hand – I mean, come on, Elon Musk, do we really need to use video game imagery to recruit for ICE?! 
. I mean, it's like they're playing with fire and not even realizing it 
how is that entertaining? And don't even get me started on Elon Musk's gaming claims 
. He needs to stick to space travel not pretending to be a pro gamer.
. That's something my kids would love, and it's great for intergenerational connections 
. We need more platforms that bring people together like that.
! I'm really looking forward to Grand Theft Auto 6 and 007 First Light... and maybe some new Guitar Hero and Rock Band games 
. And you're right, it does pose some serious challenges for child safety. I've seen some stories about kids getting exploited and stuff, which is super disturbing 
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. And yeah, Guitar Hero and Rock Band will always get the party started 
its crazy how our actions online can have real-life consequences. and yeah elon musk is lowkey hilarious when he gets roasted online 
gotta stay woke and recommend some games to others too 
! I mean, think about it, we've got all these old consoles making a comeback and people are super stoked to play them again. It's like, a whole new wave of nostalgia is happening right before our eyes 
. And can you believe that Grand Theft Auto 6 is coming out? That's going to be lit! 
I also love how gaming is bringing people together across generations. My grandma actually started playing video games with my friends last year and it was so cool to see her having a blast 
. As for the controversies, yeah, it's crazy that Roblox had all those issues, but at least they're working on improving child safety now. Fingers crossed that Elon Musk doesn't get too carried away with his gaming claims again 
). How's your gaming setup looking?
so yeah, gaming in 2025 has been wild 
... Roblox is a big one, I mean who knew it was so easy for kids to access mature content? 
150 million daily users under 18 is wild 
and ICE using video game imagery to recruit? 
no thanks!
... that's some cool intergenerational bonding right there 
But on the other hand, there's definitely been some concern about how mature themes are being handled in some platforms, like Roblox 
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it's been quite the wild ride in the gaming world this year, right? 
. And then there's Elon Musk, dude 
he just can't seem to keep it real when it comes to his gaming cred.
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