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

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/subscribeFollow our hosts on social media:Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken)Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7)Kyle Hilliard (@KyleHilliard)John Carson (@JohnCarsonGames)Jump to a specific discussion using these timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction05:35 - Promise Mascot Agency08:44 - Blade Chimera11:15 - The Roottrees Are Dead17:30 - Peak24:36 - Mario Kart World31:50 - Avowed37:48 - Split Fiction43:16 - Picnic Penguin47:40 - Pirate Yakuza50:19 - Monster Hunter Wilds55:55 - DOOM: The Dark Ages01:01:00 - Elden Ring Nightreign01:09:25 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 3301:16:20 - Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time01:23:06 - Shotgun Cop Man01:27:05 - The Bazaar01:33:00 - Kyle’s Lightning Round01:34:28 - The First Bezerker Khazan01:36:24 - Marcus’ Lightning Round01:42:19 - Alex’s Lightning Round