Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The annual inventory dump (until 8th of January 2026) on the Epic Games Store is less about holiday cheer and more about the cold mathematics of moving digital units. For those of us tracking the daily Mystery Games, which recently tossed out heavy-hitters like Hogwarts Legacy and Disco Elysium, the current sale is the final mathematical correction of the year. The mystery continues, but the storefront has effectively become a high-stakes clearance rack where the raw percentages finally favor the consumer.

The AAA Market Correction

High-profile releases from the 2024 and 2025 cycles are seeing early price collapses as publishers scramble to meet end-of-year targets. We see titles like Alan Wake 2 and Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Reloaded Edition sitting at 70%, a significant drop for software that still carries a high level of technical polish. Even the much-discussed Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Mirage have hit that same 70% floor, signaling a desperate need to inflate player numbers before the next fiscal quarter begins.

Meanwhile, the latest entries in perennial franchises like EA SPORTS FC 26 and EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 have already reached a 60% discount, proving that the annual sports cycle is a race to the bottom once the initial launch window closes. For those looking at the newest bets, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, ARC Raiders, and Borderlands 4 are holding steady at 20%, offering a minor reprieve for early adopters who missed the initial window.

The Liquidation Ledger: 2025 Holiday Discounts

Seeing software like Suicide Squad hit a 95% discount is a grim autopsy of a failed project, essentially offering the title for the price of a coffee. However, the real value for a cautious buyer lies in the 60-80% brackets where polished experiences like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 are sitting at price points that actually respect your bank account. Take the 20% rewards and run, but don’t expect the industry to stay this vulnerable forever.

The post The Epic Games 2025 Holiday Purge is Now appeared first on Game Reviews, News, Videos & More for Every Gamer – PC, PlayStation, Xbox in 2026.

It might be a new year, but most gamers still have a large backlog of games to play before they get to any new ones, as one reader reveals his priorities – from Baldur’s Gate 3 to Spider-Man 2.

By the time you read this it will either be the new year or new year will be around the corner. Either way, happy 2026!

I thought I’d list the games I’m interested in that I haven’t yet played from the previous year and the games I intend to clear from my backlog also.

I dread to think how many games I’ve yet to finish or play. Most, thankfully, were either stupidly cheap or free. Here are six that I intend to dedicate some time to giving a good go at.

The backlog

6. Baldur’s Gate 3

I think this might be one of the worst purchases I’ve made. I was taken over by the hype at the time and bought this for pretty much full price, for the Steam Deck initially, and now have it for the Legion Go. It’s not a bad game but I just struggle, having never played any similar titles previously, and the combat confuses me. I might need to watch some instructional videos to learn the basics. However, I just don’t know when I’ll have the time, given it’s a big game.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

I’ve tried this a few times and never got far this time on Switch 2 was the furthest I’ve got into the game but got distracted by other games. I really want to like it but haven’t been gripped so far. I need to either commit and finish it or accept I’m just not that invested in it.

4. The Plucky Squire

When I first saw the trailer for this game I was sold and bought it almost as soon as it released. However, it’s kind of just fine. It looks very pretty and the gameplay is fine, although I find the stealth elements very annoying. If this was a long game I’d probably cut my losses, but I’ve heard it’s only a few hours long, so I’ll try and finish.

3. Resident Evil 7 and Village

I’ve played through these previously and in the case of Village I’ve played it twice. I have been meaning to replay Resident Evil 7 again at some point and wouldn’t mind playing both before Resident Evil Requiem comes out. Although I think Resident Evil 2, and in particular the remake, is the benchmark for the series, both 7 and Village are worthy sequels.

2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man and Miles Morales were both games that I’ve enjoyed immensely and even have the Platinum for Spider-Man, which is a big deal for me. However, I’ve only played a few hours of the game on my Legion Go, after buying the PC version earlier this year. I don’t know why but I think perhaps I played the previous too much. I need to play it consistently over a few nights and then I’m sure I’ll get into it.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

I played this very briefly on my Legion Go via Game Pass. However, performance either natively or via cloud was inconsistent. Therefore, I got it for cheap at Black Friday for the PlayStation 5, as streaming it from the living room to my Legion Go via the PXPlay app works a treat. I think this will be the next game I play. My very brief first impressions are that the production, in terms of art design and soundtrack, seems very polished and the premise of the story seems intriguing but I’ve never really played turn-based games before, so worry that I won’t get through the reasonably long runtime.

My 2025 wishlist

5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

I’ve never played any of the mainline Metroid games but did enjoy Metroid Dread. [Metroid Dread is a mainline entry; it’s the Prime games that’re spin-offs – GC] I was initially planning to get Metroid Prime 4 as I’m a bit of sucker for platform exclusives when I first get a new console. However, I’m slightly put off by some of the lukewarm reviews. I don’t know that I’ll get it for full price, but have seen it for £30 on Amazon Marketplace.

4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Again, I’ve never really played any in the series previously but did fancy giving this a try, especially now it’s on Switch 2. I did plan to get this with some money I’ll be getting for Xmas. However, I think I might wait. No doubt it’ll be heavily reduced in the near future and since it’s likely a hefty game I might wait until later in the year.

3. Dispatch

Although I do vaguely recall Metro’s review, this was a game that passed me by. However, after I saw it crop up on some best games of 2025 lists I watched the trailer. I haven’t played many point ‘n’ click type games but have enjoyed them when I do and I really like the look of Dispatch’s art style.

2. Ghost Of Yōtei

I played a bit of Ghost Of Tsushima earlier in the year via PS Plus and did plan on finishing it, but I had other games to play first and now my subscription to PS Plus has run out I might just splurge for the sequel instead. I haven’t played a Sony exclusive third person action game in a while and they used to be right up my street. If I’m honest though, I got a new TV free with my internet/TV package and I want a graphically impressive new game to test it out with.

1. Blue Prince

This game seems to be well regarded and I do like puzzle games and a good puzzle game isn’t always easy to come by. I might have to give this a try before my Game Pass runs out. My only slight issue is that I’ve heard you need to make notes and frankly I don’t know how feasible that is to do when playing in bed.

By reader matc7884

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

MORE: Select Thank goodness for the Britishness of Thank Goodness You’re Here! – Reader’s FeatureThank goodness for the Britishness of Thank Goodness You’re Here! – Reader’s Feature

MORE: Ranking every The Game Awards Game of the Year winner – Reader’s Feature

MORE: Why Kirby Air Riders is the perfect Christmas game - Reader's Feature

The Tuesday letters page is very sceptical about CD Projekt’s timeline for The Witcher 4, as one reader looks forward to the launch of Metroid Prime 4.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Blocked off
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is no doubt a brilliant game overall. But so far, I am finding the combat so frustrating I am about to give up.

Let me say I am very early in the game (maybe three to four hours in). I have enjoyed the design, the music, the characters, etc. are brilliant so far. I am also really interested in the story, as much as I know so far anyway.

However, I find the combat awful. Specifically, the timings for parrying/dodging. I am quite used to specific timings. I love games like Elden Ring, The First Berserker: Khazan, and Space Marine 2, which all require timings to parry/dodge/block, etc.

But in this game, when to do it just feels random and really frustrating to know. Maybe it’s just me?

I am at the point where I’m not finding the game fun and ready to stop playing, which is a shame. So just wondering if anyone else felt like this and if so, what did you do?
Brand

Eternal appeal
RE: Soldat’s feature. Enjoyed reading this but think the answer – if there is one – lies in which games you show them from the old days.

I used to have an old MAME setup, and the kids really loved Bubble Bobble and multiplayer Gauntlet and Gauntlet 2 but the undoubted winner out of the old school games was… Track & Field. They and their mates went into a frenzy trying to top each other’s high scores and beat the world records. No comments at all about primitive graphics or anything else.

I’ve always thought that graphics age, great gameplay doesn’t.

And if that doesn’t work, visiting retro arcades or the gaming museum in Sheffield might be an idea to show the games off?
Paul

Sensible choice
I do appreciate GC being outraged that Capcom are still not making a new Dino Crisis or remaking it. You would’ve thought with the Jurassic World movies still doing well it’d be more than worth the risk but apparently not.

It may not be a very exciting choice but I’m afraid Dead Rising has a much more solid history of success and, well, it’s zombies. I can’t say I’ve ever particularly liked the ones I’ve played but while more daring than most publishers, in trying risky ideas, they’re not silly.

The sad truth is Dino Crisis has never been a big hit and is about a subject that’s never really sold a lot of games. Compared to that, Dead Rising has been more successful and is about something that’s a very easy sell, whether you’ve heard of the game before or not.

We just have to hope that the next Monster Hunter is an even bigger hit and they have so much money sloshing around that they can afford to be less cautious than usual. I’m not holding my breath though.
Trent

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Running commentary
In response to your reply to Freeway77’s email about cute ‘em-ups I can confirm it’s a term I’ve heard before and there are many great games/franchises that are in that genre. I guess it was probably more of a big thing in Japan but Twinbee, Parodius, Star Parodier and the Cotton series, that the original email, referred to have been around for around four decades.

To any fans of the genre I would recommend the Super Famicom Parodius game with the OTT Japanese commentary, I can’t remember what it’s called though.
John Atkinson

GC: It’s called Jikkyō Oshaberi Parodius (aka Live Chat Parodius). These are all famous games, in certain circles, but we’ve still never heard the term cute ‘em-up before and it seems unnecessary.

Killer app
I really can’t agree Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the game of the year. I’m sorry but it’s far from perfect. I’ve played every Assassin’s Creed game to 100% and Shadows isn’t the best by a long shot. There is better games out there.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 isn’t on this planet as a good game; it pains me to say it, but Mario Kart World has to be, for me, that one game that sold the Switch 2. Even though people was moaning about the hardware it was the software and that one game that made gamers say yes, I want one.
David

Time paradox
As much as I love CD Projekt’s games there is something very shifty about that company. I don’t feel they ever really apologies for Cyberpunk 2077’s launch (maybe they did to their shareholders but not to us) and this whole thing about making three The Witcher games in six years makes no sense.

Unless they’ve got a time machine or going to hand the whole thing over to AI (can you imagine!) I don’t see how it’s physically possible. Even Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, which used the same map as the previous game, took six years, so what gives?

Or is The Witcher 4 trilogy going to be a kind of large scale episodic content, where each one is set in the same game world? Whatever’s going on it’s clearly not the regular way of developing a game. The fastest any of these sort of games can be made nowadays seems to be about five years, so you should really be talking a minimum of 15 years, not six.

I really hope that CD Projekt has discovered some clever new way to get over the problem of games taking to long to make but assuming they’re not using literal magic I hope it’s not something that’s only going to make things worse.

The video games business is in such a strange spot at the moment, I really don’t understand what’s going on.
Billison

GC: It seemed very odd to us too. There is no obvious explanation without more information from CD Projekt.

Milestone release
Unusual to wake to good news, but a new Dead Rising game? Yes, please.

I’m actually just waiting on the Deluxe Remaster for the Xbox to get me to 100K Achievement points. Dead Rising was the first Xbox 360 game, so I thought the remaster would be a fitting game to help me hit the milestone.

I’d actually like to get it to 99,999 but I’d have to work it out and never play the Xbox again, so I’ll abandon that plan. Anyway. Thanks for the good news guys. I just hope it isn’t a letdown like Dead Rising 4 and forces mech suits on you that break after two minutes.
Bobwallett

Indie legacy
The release schedule for this week is pretty packed with games I’m interested. Starting with Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a port of Viewfinder to the Switch, and, of course, Metroid Prime 4 finally coming out.

But among these games there’s also the Simogo Legacy Collection, which I’m hoping doesn’t get lost in the pack.

Simogo makes varied and interesting games and it’s great that they’re bringing out this collection, so their older titles are no longer locked behind legacy releases on mobile.

I’m particularly looking forward to revisiting Year Walk and Device 6 but seeing their older titles that I’ve never played and the extra content is very appealing to.

It looks like they’ve put a lot of effort into this package and it’s really cheap too. I hope GC has time to review it and bring more people’s attention to the games of one of the more interesting devs out there.
Euclidian Boxes

GC: We don’t know that we’ll get around to reviewing the compilation, but their games are great, including Device 6, Year Walk, Sayonara Wild Hearts, and Lorelei And The Laser Eyes.

Inbox also-rans
When can we expect your best games of the year list? I always look forward to it. Also, if you haven’t got one, a database of all your reviews would be great, where you can filter it down into scores, genre, year etc. It’d make it much easier to find some good new games to play.
Bobbleheaddy

GC: We don’t have a filter system like that but our Top 20 of the year is always run over Christmas, usually just before New Year’s Day.

The problem with AI is not enough people care right now but once it takes over, and everything ends up looking and playing the same, suddenly everyone will be upset, but by them it’ll be far, far too late. It’s not going to be pretty
Jonesy

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Do you care about AI use in gaming?

MORE: Games Inbox: What video game deals have you picked up on Black Friday?

MORE: Games Inbox: What is the best RPG on PS5?

As publishers continue to make less and less single-player games, a reader recommends Assassin’s Creed Shadows as one of the most enjoyable solo adventures of 2025.

I noticed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is out on Nintendo Switch 2 next week and I’m honestly half tempted to buy it. I already have it on PlayStation 5, but I’ve enjoyed it so much I would honestly pay to experience it all again with the novelty of it being portable. I’m already resigned to it not winning any major awards but for me it is definitely my game of the year.

At the end of the day, game of the year just means what you’ve enjoyed the best and for me that is definitely Shadows. I tried Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 but while I could see the craft I just don’t really like that kind of role-player and in the end I regretted even getting it. I didn’t like the original Hades or Hollow Knight and while Donkey Kong Bananza was good, I feel it’s miss that extra spark to make it something special.

I’m sure lots of people would say the same about Assassin’s Creed Shadows but for me it worked. I’d say it’s easily the best Assassin’s Creed game and one of the best open world games I’ve ever played.

Assassin’s Creed has always been like comfort food to me. I know that could be seen as a negative but there is nothing I enjoy more than coming home from work and putting a couple of hours into a well design open world. and I don’t think I’m alone. In fact, I’m prepared to say that’s probably the secret of the franchise’s success.

I’m not trying to run the game down though. It has really good combat, two very different characters, and decent stealth. The story isn’t necessarily the best, but you always know what’s going on and it keeps everything ticking along.

The game is big and, like all Assassin’s Creed games, a little bloated but not so bad, in my opinion. There’s plenty of variety in missions and the graphics are fantastic. I feel the game overall is underrated but the graphics in particular are so good and with zero performance problems, despite the open world.

There’s a lot of talk nowadays about how big publishers don’t want to make single-player games anymore, even though that’s what everyone still prefers, and I feel a game like Shadows is exactly what most people are looking for. It’s literally the opposite of being clowned on in a game of Call Of Duty by a 12-year-old.

Shadows is a game where you’re in control of everything and you decide how and when you play it, not some young tyke in another country. Everything in Shadows is dedicated to entertaining me, and only me, and I don’t feel that’s the case with multiplayer games.

It might not be high art, even by the standard of other video games, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and I feel sad at the idea that games like this may become more and more rare in the feature. To put my money where my mouth is though I’m going to pick up Star Wars Outlaws in the Black Friday sales and give that a go as well.

To split the difference I’ll get it on Switch 2, as I heard it’s a good port, and see how this sort of thing works on the go. I know fashions change over the years, but I never would’ve thought we’d be in a position where single-player games were becoming rare and you had to force yourself to support them or they might go away.

If that’s the reality of the situation though I can’t recommend Assassin’s Creed Shadows enough. But if it doesn’t seem like your sort of thing, because of the setting or the Ubisoft-ness or whatever, please just support whatever single-player game does take your interest, or otherwise they might become a thing of the past.

By reader Hackle

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

MORE: Older gamers have a duty to educate younger fans about gaming - Reader's Feature

MORE: Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 proves Xbox has a reverse Midas touch – Reader’s Feature

MORE: The PS5 is both the best and the worst console I’ve ever owned - Reader's Feature

Leaks have started for the most important night in gaming, with Control 2 and Silent Hill 1 remake amongst the rumoured line-up.

The Game Awards might be pitched as an Oscars style awards ceremony, but the vast majority tune in to catch the big game reveals and trailers.

This year’s event takes place in Los Angeles on December 11 (or very early Friday, December 12 in the UK), with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 going up against the likes of Donkey Kong Bananza and Hollow Knight: Silksong for the big Game Of The Year prize.

While we’re still two weeks away, there’s already rumours (and in one case, confirmation) of what games to expect at the event. To keep all the leaks under control, we’ve directed them into one big bucket below.

What is confirmed for The Game Awards 2025?

At the time of writing, the only confirmed title is sci-fi role-player Exodus. This was originally revealed at The Game Awards in 2023, by none other than Interstellar’s Matthew McConaughey, who voices a character in the game.

While the screenshots look generic, the main reason to be optimistic is the talent involved, with developer Archetype Entertainment run by BioWare veterans James Ohlen, Chad Robertson, and Drew Karpyshyn. A spiritual successor to Mass Effect? We hope so.

What games are rumoured for The Game Awards 2025?

There are several titles rumoured to make an appearance. Based on Ubisoft’s release slate, the Prince Of Persia: Sands Of Time remake looks like a shoe-in, since it’s expected to launch in January. Similarly, the rumoured remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag is said to be slated for March, so a long overdue announcement could happen at the show.

Based on a recent trademark filing, the sequel to Control could debut as well. As spotted by MP1st, a trademark with the name ‘Control Resonant’ was filed on Thursday (November 27), under the Nordia Attorneys At Law representative associated with Remedy.

It’s unclear if this trademark specifically relates to Control 2, which was announced back in 2022 but still hasn’t been revealed, or some kind of extended universe shenanigans like new DLC, a TV adaptation, or a book. However, considering Control 2 went into full production in February this year, a reveal doesn’t feel out of the question.

Another rumour claims the remake of Silent Hill 1 could get some kind of trailer too. This comes from Peruvian outlet MasGamers, citing a Japanese insider. Details are scarce, so we’d take it with a pinch of salt, and considering developer Bloober Team only announced its existence in June, we doubt it’ll be anything more than a pre-rendered teaser.

A more likely candidate is the announcement of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach on PC. A post on the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) outed the existence of a PC port earlier this week, before it was swiftly taken down. The architect behind The Game Awards, Geoff Keighley, is famously pally with Hideo Kojima, and with the original Death Stranding being available on PC, this seems inevitable.

What definitely won’t be at The Game Awards 2025?

The only game which has been ruled out is The Witcher 4. CD Projekt co-CEO Michał Nowakowski shared a post on X stating so, in response to their nomination for Most Anticipated Game.

‘I’m very happy to see The Witcher 4 nominated in the Most Anticipated Game category at The Game Awards,’ he wrote. ‘Thanks to everyone who has already voted – your support means a lot to us. We won’t be bringing any new content to TGA [The Game Awards] this year, but we’re, as always, excited to watch the show and celebrate this amazing industry’s great night alongside all of you.’

While it hasn’t been explicitly ruled out, reputable insiders have claimed Naughty Dog’s next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, will also not be shown. A trailer for the sci-fi adventure game, starring Tati Gabrielle, debuted at The Game Awards last year.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

Netflix's Assassin's Creed show will reportedly explore ancient Rome.

Read more

Ubisoft is unleashing one of the series’ boldest crossovers yet, merging Assassin’s Creed Shadows with Attack on Titan for a limited-time event.

Starting Nov. 25, the historical precision of feudal Japan collides with the dark fantasy of anime as the Attack on Titan collaboration event goes live. The four-week event kicks off with a strange encounter that draws protagonists Naoe and Yasuke into a new questline north-east of Yamashiro. Guided by a mysterious woman named Ada, players must venture into the Crystal Cave to rescue her friend from a cult involved in forbidden rituals, and things get only stranger from there.

Once players dive deeper into the caves, they will quickly find something much more unsettling than the historical epic they have been playing up to this point. They soon discover that monstrous transformations begin to unfold, and the duo must face an enemy unlike anything else in the base game. It’s a fresh challenge that demands players rely on instinct rather than only their bladework, adding a layer of horror that feels distinct from the usual political intrigue of the era.

For those who survive the Crystal Cave, the rewards are substantial. Beyond a new katana and loot hidden in chests, the update introduces Attack on Titan-themed gear to the in-game store. You can outfit Yasuke in a Titan-inspired look or dress Naoe in Mikasa’s signature style, complete with a Survey Corps mount to traverse the open world, which is perfect for fans of the iconic anime.

Balancing the grim tone of the crossover is a second free story drop included in the patch, titled “A Puzzlement.” This quest takes a lighter, more humorous approach, focusing on the bond between the two leads. Players will see Naoe attempt her own version of Yasuke’s war kick, while the samurai learns the art of non-lethal stealth. It also adds a new environmental puzzle that may answer lingering lore questions players have wondered about after playing the game.

Developed by Ubisoft Quebec and powered by the enhanced Anvil engine, Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to expand its immersive world across all major platforms. While the update lands tomorrow for most, Nintendo fans have a specific date to mark on their calendars: the game—and this new quest—arrives on the Switch 2 on Dec. 2.

For a franchise often rooted in realism and historical concepts, this update shows a willingness to experiment with the unexpected and dive into fantastical worlds, and what better than to tackle Attack on Titan? It’s a bold, fun twist that gives players a solid reason to jump back into the shadows before the event wraps up on Dec. 22.