2025 was a pivotal year for gaming, marked by a mix of excitement, controversy, and introspection. The Guardian's coverage captured it all, from the top-performing games of the year to the growing anxiety about their impact on our world.
For some, 2025 was a great year for gaming – we saw the release of several highly anticipated titles, including "Baby Steps," a game that left many players (including this author) stuck in an endless loop. But not everyone's experience was as straightforward.
Roblox, a free-to-play online platform with over 150 million daily users, mostly children, made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Sarah Martin's investigation into the app revealed its ease of access to inappropriate content and chats, leaving many parents questioning how to keep their kids safe while still allowing them to enjoy the game.
On the other end of the spectrum were gamers who spent hours exploring virtual worlds, like Sega's Master System, an underrated console that played a significant role in gaming history. Keith Stuart's article shed light on the console's underappreciated contributions to the world of gaming.
Elon Musk's foray into gaming also made headlines, as he was accused of pretending to be good at video games despite his lack of skill. The incident sparked a heated debate about the power of online communities and the consequences of trying to fake expertise.
Video games have become an integral part of our lives, reflecting and influencing our broader cultural landscape. They've been used to recruit for ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), highlighting the agency's willingness to leverage online imagery to mobilize its base. The article served as a reminder that gaming has economic and social power, and it's essential to consider how these platforms shape our world.
In another twist, James Bond took center stage with "007 First Light," an upcoming game that captured the attention of gamers worldwide. The author sat down with IO Interactive to explore the creative process behind this new iteration, shedding light on the art and science of crafting a compelling gaming experience.
The 2025 gaming landscape also saw a growing recognition of listicles – those articles featuring "top 10" or "12 greatest homes in video game history." Christian Donlan's piece stood out for its thoughtful exploration of virtual spaces, leaving readers nostalgic for the early days of gaming.
Games have long been associated with nostalgia and social connections. However, they've also become a popular outlet for senior citizens looking to stay active and engaged. Adrienne Matei's article revealed that millions of seniors are turning to video games as a way to cope with loneliness and maintain cognitive function.
Finally, the ever-popular "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" made their return in 2025, bringing back memories for those who grew up playing these classic rock franchises. As the new year dawns, many of us will be revisiting our favorite childhood games or introducing them to a new generation.
As we step into 2026, what's on your gaming wishlist? What titles are you looking forward to playing? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at [email protected].
For some, 2025 was a great year for gaming – we saw the release of several highly anticipated titles, including "Baby Steps," a game that left many players (including this author) stuck in an endless loop. But not everyone's experience was as straightforward.
Roblox, a free-to-play online platform with over 150 million daily users, mostly children, made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Sarah Martin's investigation into the app revealed its ease of access to inappropriate content and chats, leaving many parents questioning how to keep their kids safe while still allowing them to enjoy the game.
On the other end of the spectrum were gamers who spent hours exploring virtual worlds, like Sega's Master System, an underrated console that played a significant role in gaming history. Keith Stuart's article shed light on the console's underappreciated contributions to the world of gaming.
Elon Musk's foray into gaming also made headlines, as he was accused of pretending to be good at video games despite his lack of skill. The incident sparked a heated debate about the power of online communities and the consequences of trying to fake expertise.
Video games have become an integral part of our lives, reflecting and influencing our broader cultural landscape. They've been used to recruit for ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), highlighting the agency's willingness to leverage online imagery to mobilize its base. The article served as a reminder that gaming has economic and social power, and it's essential to consider how these platforms shape our world.
In another twist, James Bond took center stage with "007 First Light," an upcoming game that captured the attention of gamers worldwide. The author sat down with IO Interactive to explore the creative process behind this new iteration, shedding light on the art and science of crafting a compelling gaming experience.
The 2025 gaming landscape also saw a growing recognition of listicles – those articles featuring "top 10" or "12 greatest homes in video game history." Christian Donlan's piece stood out for its thoughtful exploration of virtual spaces, leaving readers nostalgic for the early days of gaming.
Games have long been associated with nostalgia and social connections. However, they've also become a popular outlet for senior citizens looking to stay active and engaged. Adrienne Matei's article revealed that millions of seniors are turning to video games as a way to cope with loneliness and maintain cognitive function.
Finally, the ever-popular "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" made their return in 2025, bringing back memories for those who grew up playing these classic rock franchises. As the new year dawns, many of us will be revisiting our favorite childhood games or introducing them to a new generation.
As we step into 2026, what's on your gaming wishlist? What titles are you looking forward to playing? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at [email protected].
. I think it's great that they're trying to improve the app and make it safer for kids. Can't we just acknowledge that all online platforms have their flaws without jumping all over them? 
It's not like Roblox is the only platform with inappropriate content... And btw, Sega's Master System being underrated is no surprise 
. It was an awesome console back in the day!
OMG I'm so glad there was a mix of excitement and introspection in the gaming world last year! 
. On a more positive note, I loved reading about Sega's Master System - it's so underrated! 
What about you, what games are on your wishlist for next year? 
, like what even is the point of trying to pretend to be good at video games online? 
but on a serious note, it's wild how much impact gaming has on our lives and culture 
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I mean, on one hand, we have these amazing new games coming out like "Baby Steps" and "007 First Light" that are making waves among gamers. But on the other hand, it's also bringing up some serious concerns about online safety and fake expertise. I think it's wild how gaming has become such a big part of our culture - from being a way to connect with friends to dealing with loneliness in old age. And can we talk about how Sega's Master System is getting the love it deserves? It's so underrated! 
! it's awesome to see new devs like io interactive making games that challenge our perceptions & keep us on our toes 
maybe we can just say gaming is for everyone now? lol, and omg "baby steps" being stuck in an endless loop had me dead 
i mean i love the game and all but come on parents gotta step up ur game lol 
meanwhile sega's master system is like a hidden gem 
as for gaming nowadays i think idk if im excited or terrified 
the whole online community thing can be super toxic but at the same time its what makes games so addictive and connected 
anyway i'm def hyped 4 james bond's new game tho! 007 first light sounds lit 
cant wait to dive in and see whats all the fuss about 
, like it's a great way to stay active and engaged, but at the same time, isn't it a bit weird that we're only just recognizing this now? shouldn't gaming have been considered an option for older folks sooner?
and honestly, who's good at faking gaming skills like elon musk?? lol just saying 
anyway i'm so hyped for that new james bond game though 007 first light is gonna be lit 
. And can we talk about how fake Elon Musk was? 
It's hilarious that he tried to pretend like he's a gaming pro when really, he has no idea what he's doing 
That's some amazing nostalgia right there 
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. But let's be real, how much of that is just marketing hype? 