PC Gaming Show 2025 Recap: Our Favorite Games & Surprises

The PC Gaming Show 2025: More Than Just a Steam Wishlist Expansion

Another year, another digital deluge of game announcements to cap off the Summer Game Fest frenzy. And as always, the PC Gaming Show delivered its signature chaotic, yet charming, firehose of trailers, world premieres, and deep dives. Let's be honest, we all go in with our Steam wishlists open in another tab, ready to be populated, and this year was no exception. But beyond the sheer volume of games, the 2025 show painted a vibrant picture of what's to come for PC gamers, with a heavy emphasis on indie creativity, co-op chaos, and some truly out-there concepts.

I remember last year, I made a bet with a friend on how many survival-crafting games we'd see. The loser had to buy the other the weirdest-looking one. Let's just say my wallet is a little lighter today, but my library is definitely more interesting. This year felt like a continuation of that glorious trend.

So, grab your beverage of choice, settle into your command center, and let's break down the highlights, the head-scratchers, and the games that are already vying for a spot on your hard drive.

A Galaxy of Indies and a Constellation of Co-op

If there was one major takeaway from this year's show, it's that the indie scene is not just alive and well; it's thriving and pushing boundaries. We were treated to a smorgasbord of unique titles that prove you don't need a nine-figure budget to create something special.

One of the show's opening acts, the world premiere of Ambrosia Sky, set a hauntingly beautiful tone. This "clean-'em-up" adventure about a deep-space disaster specialist tackling an alien fungus in the rings of Saturn looks to be a poignant exploration of humanity's relationship with nature. Then there was the world premiere of Mandrake from Failbetter Games, a narrative farming sim that promises a departure from their usual Fallen London universe. And for the sleuths among us, the moody trailer for Chrome Noir, a voxel-art detective RPG set in a rain-slicked cyberpunk city, was an instant wishlist addition.

The co-op scene also had a massive showing, with developers clearly understanding that gaming is often better with friends. Far Far West galloped onto the scene with its four-player co-op FPS action, pitting robo-bounty hunters against ghostly bandits. For those who prefer their cooperative experiences with a side of terror, the updates for No More Room in Hell 2 were a welcome sight. The developers at Torn Banner Studios are adding a fan-favorite map, Broadway, along with a slew of new features like character customization and a tutorial gym, which should help new players get their bearings before being thrown to the horde.

And for those who like their co-op with a dash of the bizarre, Ratatan is shaping up to be a delightfully chaotic rhythm roguelike. With its catchy beats and massive melee battles, it's sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoyed its spiritual predecessor, Patapon.

Survival Crafting's Enduring Reign

You can't have a PC Gaming Show without a healthy dose of punching trees and building shelters, and 2025 did not disappoint. The survival-crafting genre continues to evolve in fascinating ways. We saw the announcement of Stormforged, a Viking-themed survival game that blends base-building with large-scale siege mechanics, where you and your clan must defend your settlement against mythical beasts and rival players.

On the more sci-fi end of the spectrum, Xenobreak offered a glimpse into its underwater survival gameplay on a hostile alien planet. The trailer showcased deep-sea exploration in customizable submersibles, resource gathering from bizarre aquatic flora, and fending off leviathans that lurk in the abyssal depths. It looks terrifying and beautiful in equal measure. It's clear that developers are still finding new and exciting ways to strand us in perilous environments, and frankly, we're here for it.

The Big Hitters and the Bold New Worlds

While the indie and co-op scenes were buzzing, the show also gave us deeper looks at some of the most anticipated titles on the horizon.

The Alters, from the developers of Frostpunk, continues to look like a fascinating and deeply psychological sci-fi survival game. The latest trailer delved into the emotional turmoil of Jan Dolski, who must create alternate versions of himself to survive on a hostile planet. The dynamic between the different "Jans"—some cooperative, some rebellious—promises a unique narrative experience, and the mobile, wheel-shaped base-building elements add another layer of strategic depth. How do you manage a team composed entirely of yourself? It's a question I can't wait to answer.

Strategy fans had plenty to celebrate with the announcement of a November 13th release date for Anno 117: Pax Romana. The deep dive into the game's mechanics was a feast for the eyes. We learned that for the first time, players will choose their starting province—either the Celtic wetlands of Albion or the traditional Roman heartland of Latium—which will dramatically shape the campaign. The deep dive into the game's land combat also revealed a new layer of strategic complexity, allowing players to protect their cities with walls and towers, raise armies, and even use naval forces to bombard enemy fortifications. The developers emphasized that military conflict is an optional feature, giving players the freedom to expand their Roman empire through trade and diplomacy if they so choose.

And for those of us who have been eagerly awaiting any scrap of information about the new James Bond game from IO Interactive, the behind-the-scenes look at 007: First Light was a definite highlight. The developers spoke about their decision to focus on a younger Bond, aiming to create a wholly original story that doesn't just cherry-pick from existing lore.

The Beautifully Bizarre and the Pleasantly Surprising

It wouldn't be the PC Gaming Show without a few titles that make you go, "Huh, that's... different." And I mean that in the best way possible. Baby Steps, a game about an unemployed "failson" who discovers the power of putting one foot in front of the other, looks to be a charmingly quirky and humorous experience. Then there was the trailer for No, I'm Not a Human, a horror game with the simple yet unsettling premise of only letting humans in and eliminating all "Visitors."

One of the biggest surprises for me, personally, was the new footage of Ultrakill. After five years in early access, you'd think there wouldn't be much left to shock and awe, but the reveal of the new "Fraud" layer was a jaw-dropping moment. The level, "Hurtbreak Wonderland," starts in a haunted hotel before transitioning into a mind-bending, Escher-esque landscape that looks like something straight out of a surrealist painting. It's a testament to the developers' creativity and their commitment to keeping the game fresh and exciting.

The Final Tally

So, what's the final verdict on the PC Gaming Show 2025? It was a whirlwind, a glorious mess of trailers and announcements that left my wishlist several pages longer. While it may not have had the blockbuster reveals of some of the other summer showcases, it more than made up for it with its sheer variety and its celebration of the weird and wonderful world of PC gaming. From introspective indie gems to bombastic co-op shooters and the next evolution of grand strategy, there was truly something for everyone. And at the end of the day, isn't that what PC gaming is all about? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some demos to download.