I still recall the time, several years ago, when I casually mentioned in the comments section of an article I wrote about video game adaptations of Stephen King stories that my dream game in this vein would be a Dontnod adaptation of It. I’ve been particularly eager for that announcement because the upcoming recreation developed and self-published by Do not Nod, set to release in early 2025, has me convinced it’ll borrow heavily from King’s iconic 1986 doorstopper about an eldritch spider-clown from outer space, and the motley crew of misfits tasked with battling it.
Before I risk accusations of being overly self-assured, let me explicitly state that I utterly discount any notion that anyone at Don’t Nod is scouring gaming websites’ comments for creative input. I derive a sense of satisfaction from verifying the accuracy of my ability to identify marketable ideas for narrative-driven video game journeys, a specialization I’ve mastered and genuinely passionate about. As the dust settles on the 2017-2019 IT remake duology, a propitious moment has emerged for its spiritual successors to assert their presence.
Misplaced Data: Bloom & Rage follows a quartet of mates throughout two timelines: their tight-knit teen outcast years within the Nineties, and their present-day reunion in early middle-age after almost three a long time aside. The temporal leap of exactly 27 years is a deliberate nod to Stephen King’s “It,” simultaneously rendering it a fascinating yet eerily coincidental occurrence.
As they navigated the complexities of their Xennial coming-of-age story, the four friends’ lives were suddenly disrupted by a mysterious and unconventional discovery in the woods near their hometown. The enigmatic element in question remains tantalizingly veiled in the promotional materials we’ve witnessed so far, its true nature deliberately shrouded in mystery. However, a closer examination reveals that this mystifying substance is situated at the base of a crater and emits an unearthly, purple glow. Perhaps you will be able to begin drawing your own conclusions.
Without elaborating further on misplaced data at this juncture, it’s likely that the primary objective of a drip marketing campaign has been to tantalize with enigmatic announcements while withholding concrete details that might reveal too much. Despite initial reservations about the setup, a reliable aspect of this sporting event is its unpredictability, especially as it unfolds in two parts across February and March.
Despite being a niche fit for my interests, Misplaced Data’s unique appeal makes it stand out as the only game of its kind that has genuinely piqued my curiosity about the upcoming year. While the first few months of 2025 may not boast any colossal triple-A titles, they will instead feature a diverse range of notable releases that, while not necessarily game-changers, still warrant attention and excitement.
As I reflect on the latest creative endeavour from Hazelight and EA Originals, I’m intrigued by the concept of two writers, each crafting science fiction and fantasy respectively, finding themselves trapped within the labyrinthine confines of an AI-generated reality born from their own vivid imaginations. Avid gamers rejoicing with their player two of choice will likely share my enthusiasm for Hazelight’s latest testament to the enduring appeal of sofa co-op, a genre that often flies under the radar despite its capacity to bring people together in meaningful ways. The developer’s bold approach to blending genres holds promise of delivering surprises and innovations that will keep us guessing.
In February, a highly anticipated sequel to the beloved role-playing game will drop, serving as a nostalgic reminder that life as a medieval knight was indeed a grueling experience. In March, the long-awaited third installment in the quirky civic infrastructure administration series is set to arrive. Meanwhile, fans of Danganronpa and Zero Escape can look forward to a new turn-based collaboration between the two creators, anticipated in April. To give you a glimpse into the vast expanse of video games I’m discussing, encompassing a diverse range of genres, styles, and themes that cater to an incredibly broad audience?
While some years are characterized by blockbuster triple-A game releases that steal the spotlight, others experience a shift towards indie games that leave a lasting impact. When 2025 becomes a reality, and the world is filled with endless possibilities, I envision a future where everyone can indulge in their unique passions for 12 months straight, without any reason to grumble or complain.
