2025 promises to be an exciting year for gaming enthusiasts. New and diverse gaming sites and apps are providing gamers with fresh and innovative experiences. The global gaming industry is expected to surpass $300 billion in revenue by 2025, based on technological advancements as well as the increasing popularity of online platforms. But what are the best new gaming platforms to keep an eye on? We have done the hard work for you. Below, we explore the best news platforms, casino hubs and gaming sites set to make an impact in this year.
Metaplay
Finnish-based software company Metaplay is giving developers the tools they need to create exciting virtual gaming and mixed-reality experiences for players. Metaplay promises to “make coding a dream again” with an environment that makes it easy to write “clean and professional code”.
While virtual reality (VR) headsets are not yet widely popular in the gaming industry, they are becoming more affordable as tech giants such as Meta and Sony jump on board. Metaplay appeals to VR and augmented reality (AR) enthusiasts in a big way. It could be set to dominate this niche in 2025 for both game programming and backend engineering.
Casino sites
New online casino sites are popping up thick and fast in Ontario, so Canadian players have a wide range of platforms to choose from in 2025. GambleOntario has made it easy for you to find the newest online casinos in Ontario by providing a comprehensive list of trusted platforms. Whether you are looking for popular no-deposit casinos or sites with the widest variety of games, GambleOntario, a trustworthy online gambling review site, has you covered with detailed reviews and relevant recommendations.
A few of the sites to look out for in 2025 include Titanplay Casino, with its vast 1,700+ game catalog from leading software providers such as NetEnt and Evolution, and Betano, with its focus on diverse slots and live casino options.
Game Developer
Gaming news sites are also set to make a splash in 2025. One of the most interesting is Game Developer, a site dedicated to the technical aspects of gaming and targeted at developers with industry news and tutorials. The site is perfect for anyone working in the industry — or with ambitions to, and enthusiasts eager to enhance their knowledge of design concepts.
The Verge
Now for an established name that continues to blaze a trail in tech and gaming. The Verge recently announced that it would launch a subscription service for some of its content in order to support its high-quality, independent journalism. The gaming section of the site is particularly noteworthy, with its focus on how tech and gaming intersect to create some of the most exciting entertainment experiences.
The Verge also has a newsletter that explores gaming innovations in depth while relating it to broader tech trends. If you want to keep up with everything new and innovative in 2025, this is the place to start.
Xbox Play
2024 was a big year for Microsoft’s Xbox platform. After completing a $68.7bn deal to buy Activision Blizzard in late 2023, Microsoft pivoted to a multi-platform approach allowing players to play on smart TVs, phones and non-gaming laptops. All with the power of the cloud.
The recent “This is an Xbox” campaign demonstrates its flexibility. In an interview, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said: “We are redefining what it means to be an Xbox fan. It is about being able to enjoy Xbox on all your devices.”
With Xbox now accessible from multiple devices, gamers will be able to log onto the Xbox website and play a wide range of games wherever and wherever they want. The main service is Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is available through the ‘play’ section of the Xbox website on PC and mobile devices.
2025 promises to be a big year for the Xbox platform, with new and exciting first- and third-party releases scheduled. It’s certainly one site to look out for.
Geeky Sweetie
One of the most interesting sites for 2025 is Geeky Sweetie, with its focus on “slice of life” anime RPG games. As the industry has traditionally been dominated by male voices, it’s nice to see Geeky Sweetie mix things up with articles and content from the perspective of a passionate woman gamer. The main page features a mix of tech news, game reviews, and thought pieces.
What If Gaming
What If Gaming is another new kid on the block but with a broader approach to tackling gaming developments? The site bills itself as a “one-stop destination” for honest reviews, breaking news stories, and exclusive content. The home page features a number of ‘listicles’ detailing the best games in specific genres and walkthroughs and advice for some of the biggest gaming titles, including Minecraft and Palworld.
Rockstar Games
A list of gaming sites to look out for in 2025 wouldn’t be complete without a mention of arguably the biggest developer in the industry, who will soon be releasing arguably the most awaited release of the decade – Grand Theft Auto VI. RockStar Games has redefined what gaming can be during the last decade with its iconic Grand Theft Auto Online experience.
The latest rumors suggest GTA VI will be similarly seismic. The latest addition to the franchise takes place in Vice City, a fictional representation of Miami, and will feature two main protagonists: Jason and Lucia. It’s also set to have a new online map, which is likely to be released around a month or two after the main game launches.
GTA VI is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2025, but no definitive release date has been set yet. RockStar Games’ official website will be one to keep an eye on this year as it reveals more about the hotly anticipated game.
GameDiscoverCo
Back to gaming news sites, GameDiscoverCo will be another vital resource for developers, especially smaller ones, with its focus on game marketing discoverability. The site also has a very useful newsletter with unique insights to help smaller indie studios break out and attract larger audiences.
With the cost of game development rising, these tips are crucial for boosting visibility in the competitive gaming landscape.
The Gamer
Finally, a more general news site for both casual and hardcore gamers. The Gamer is a deep dive into gaming culture with a nod to more popular franchises and titles. This site provides lots of tips and guides for the latest games and daily news so you can keep up to date with the latest goings-on in the world of gaming.
The Gamer also has a newsletter that features a weekly dose of guides, deals, and news. Readers can even opt into a tabletop service to get the latest news about more traditional tabletop games, such as board games and miniature war games.
The Best of 2025’s Gaming Landscape: Summing up
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the gaming world is set to evolve with exciting new platforms, games, and services. From cutting-edge developments in virtual reality and mixed-reality gaming, to the rise of diverse and accessible casino sites and the integration of tech innovations in popular gaming platforms like Xbox, there’s no shortage of thrilling opportunities: 2025 is shaping up to be a year to remember.
