The Best Video Games of 2025 So Far (Feat. John Carson)

The Best Video Games of 2025 So Far (Feat. John Carson)

Author: Game Informer July 4, 2025 Duration: 1:55:18
In this week's episode of The Game Informer Show, former editor John Carson joins us to share what we think are the best games of 2025 to date. Heavy hitters like Mario Kart World, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Monster Hunter Wilds all make the list, but there are several smaller or indie titles mentioned that we love, like Peak, Blade Chimera, and Promise Mascot Agency. We hope you enjoy the podcast and find your next favorite video game!

The Game Informer Show is a weekly podcast covering the video game industry. Join us every Thursday for chats about your favorite titles – past and present – alongside Game Informer staff and special guests from around the industry.

Subscribe to Game Informer Magazine: https://www.gameinformer.com/subscribe

Follow our hosts on social media:
Jump to a specific discussion using these timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
05:35 - Promise Mascot Agency
08:44 - Blade Chimera
11:15 - The Roottrees Are Dead
17:30 - Peak
24:36 - Mario Kart World
31:50 - Avowed
37:48 - Split Fiction
43:16 - Picnic Penguin
47:40 - Pirate Yakuza
50:19 - Monster Hunter Wilds
55:55 - DOOM: The Dark Ages
01:01:00 - Elden Ring Nightreign
01:09:25 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
01:16:20 - Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
01:23:06 - Shotgun Cop Man
01:27:05 - The Bazaar
01:33:00 - Kyle’s Lightning Round
01:34:28 - The First Bezerker Khazan
01:36:24 - Marcus’ Lightning Round
01:42:19 - Alex’s Lightning Round

Every Thursday, the conversation starts up again with Alex Van Aken, Kyle Hilliard, Marcus Stewart, and Charles Harte. The Game Informer Show is where that weekly chat lives, a place to dig into the headlines, dissect new releases, and sometimes get a first look at what's coming next. It feels less like a formal broadcast and more like pulling up a chair with friends who happen to have their fingers on the pulse of the entire video game world. You'll hear their honest reactions to the week's biggest news, thoughtful reviews that go beyond a simple score, and discussions that can jump from a beloved classic to a hot new indie title in a single segment. The regular crew is often joined by other editors from Game Informer's staff, as well as developers and special guests who bring unique insider perspectives. Tuning into this podcast means getting a comprehensive, entertaining, and deeply informed take on the games you're playing now and the ones you'll be excited about tomorrow. It's a consistent weekly check-in for anyone who wants to stay connected to the broader culture and business of gaming, all delivered with a blend of expertise and genuine enthusiasm that makes the industry feel a little smaller and a lot more interesting.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 66

The Game Informer Show
Podcast Episodes
A Look At Nintendo's Year Ahead, Plus Overwatch's Big Overhaul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:16:24
It's a jam-packed show this week, as 2026 is running full-steam ahead. Alex, Marcus, Charles, and Eric sit down fresh off the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase to share their reactions and favorite reveals, then Charles…
What's Going On With Ubisoft? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:11
It's a news-heavy week on The Game Informer Show, as Ubisoft announced some major changes to its roadmap over the coming years amid numerous delays and game cancellations. Alex, Marcus, and Eric get together to break all…
The State Of Gaming Subscriptions In 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:26:53
It's a feature-length episode of The Game Informer Show this week. Marcus, Charles, and Eric gather together to discuss the games they've been playing lately, including the charming new 3D platformer Big Hops and return…
Drafting Our Most Anticipated Games Of 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49:56
A new year is here, and that means an entirely new slate of games to look forward to! Polygon editor-at-large Giovanni Colantonio joins Marcus, Charles and Eric to discuss what they played over the holidays, as they pick…
Ranking Our Favorite Video Games Of 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:24
Game Informer is taking a break for the holidays, but our editors sat down to record a podcast and rank their favorite games of 2025. Each editor shares a breakdown of their top 10 Game of the Year lists, including must-…
World of Warcraft: Midnight Cover Story + Steam Replay 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:28
The year is winding down, and we're wrapping up for the holidays. Before the team gets going, though, there's still a few games to discuss and stories worth breaking down.Marcus returns from The Game Awards 2025 to tell…
The Game Awards 2025 Recap and Biggest Reveals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:26
The curtain's closed on The Game Awards 2025, and what a night it was. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 swept the show, and some big games got dates and full reveals.Join Alex, Wesley, Charles, and Eric as they discuss their…
Metroid Prime 4 and Marvel Cosmic Invasion Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:03
Winter's here, the snow is falling, and the last big games of 2025 are debuting. It's a packed week on The Game Informer Show, as Kyle Hilliard discusses his review of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Marcus Stewart dives int…
The Games You Should Play Over The Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:23
It's Thanksgiving week in the US, which means the GI staff is taking some time off, heading to wherever they rest their heads, planning dinners and get-togethers, and getting in some extra game time.In light of that, we'…