This week (June 17–23) is packed with action. Whether you’re a console loyalist, a PC enthusiast, or an indie game hunter, there’s something here to keep you glued to your screen. Let’s dive into the hottest game releases, major headlines, hardware buzz, and more, all served with a side of easy-to-digest insights.
Game Releases to Watch (June 17–23, 2025)
This week brings a solid lineup of new games hitting various platforms, catering to fans of action, strategy, and quirky adventures. Below is a detailed table of the titles dropping between June 17 and June 23, 2025, complete with their platforms and genres.
| Title | Release Date | Platforms | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBC: Firebreak | June 17 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Co-op Shooter |
| Tron: Catalyst | June 17 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Action-Adventure |
| Lost in Random: The Eternal Die | June 17 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch | Action-Adventure |
| Date Everything | June 17 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch | Simulation/Adventure |
| Rematch | June 19 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Sports |
Editor’s Note: Spotlight on Rooftops & Alleys
Among the week’s releases, Rooftops & Alleys deserves a special shoutout. This indie gem, available on PC, blends parkour-inspired gameplay with vibrant urban exploration. Its fluid mechanics and open-world vibe have drawn comparisons to classics like Jet Set Radio, making it a must-try for fans of stylish, offbeat titles. Keep an eye on this one—it’s already generating buzz in indie circles for its fresh take on movement-based gameplay.
Major Headlines & Events Recap
June 2025 has been a whirlwind of gaming showcases, with Summer Game Fest, PlayStation State of Play, Xbox Games Showcase, and Konami’s Press Start Live setting the stage for what’s to come. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments that still have the community talking.
Summer Game Fest 2025 (June 6)
Held in Los Angeles on June 6, Summer Game Fest 2025 was a blockbuster event that dropped major reveals and kept the hype train chugging. Highlights included:
- Death Stranding 2 Trailer: Hideo Kojima’s latest mind-bending adventure got a stunning new trailer, showcasing surreal visuals and cryptic storytelling that left fans dissecting every frame.
- Code Vein 2 and Atomic Heart 2 Announcements: Sequels to these cult-favorite action RPGs were confirmed, promising deeper narratives and refined mechanics.
- Sonic Rift Reveal: A new Sonic title with a focus on high-speed platforming and a bold art style stole the show, sparking excitement for the blue blur’s next chapter.
The event’s electric atmosphere and star-studded reveals have kept social media buzzing well into mid-June, with fans eagerly awaiting more details.
PlayStation State of Play (June 4)
Sony kicked off the month with a packed State of Play on June 4, showcasing a mix of first- and third-party titles. Standout moments included:
- Sword of the Sea (August 19): This visually striking action-adventure game from Giant Squid promises breathtaking environments and fluid gameplay.
- 007: First Light Gameplay Reveal: A fresh take on the James Bond franchise, this title blends stealth and action with a cinematic flair.
- Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection: A nostalgic bundle for fighting game fans, packing classic MK titles with updated visuals.
- Lumines Arise: The beloved rhythm-puzzle series returns with vibrant visuals and addictive gameplay, set to launch on PS5 and PSVR 2 in Fall 2025.
Sony’s focus on diverse genres and polished exclusives has players hyped for the rest of 2025.
Xbox Games Showcase (June 8)
Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase on June 8 delivered updates on heavy hitters and a surprising hardware tease. Key highlights were:
- Fable, Call of Duty, and The Outer Worlds 2 Updates: Fresh trailers and gameplay snippets showed these titles are shaping up to be massive, with Fable leaning into its whimsical RPG roots and COD doubling down on intense action.
- Xbox-Branded ROG Ally Handheld Teased: A sleek, Xbox-flavored version of ASUS’s ROG Ally was teased, hinting at Microsoft’s push into portable gaming. No release date yet, but the community is already speculating about its potential.
The showcase reinforced Xbox’s commitment to big-budget games and innovative hardware, keeping fans on edge.
Konami Press Start Live (June 12)
Konami’s June 12 event brought some nostalgic and forward-looking reveals, proving the company’s still got game. Highlights included:
- Gradius Origins (August 7): A modern take on the classic shoot-’em-up series, blending retro aesthetics with updated mechanics.
- Eden’s Zero Demo Now Live: Fans of the anime-inspired RPG can now try a demo, offering a taste of its vibrant world and fast-paced combat.
- Metal Gear Solid Delta DLC & Fox Hunt Mode: New content for the Metal Gear Solid Delta remake, including a competitive Fox Hunt mode, has stealth fans buzzing.
Konami’s mix of retro revivals and new content shows they’re not afraid to lean into their legacy while pushing forward.
Hardware & Platform Buzz
Nintendo Switch 2 Still Trending
The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5, continues to dominate conversations. With a sleek design and a new GameCube-style controller that’s earning praise for its ergonomic feel, the console is off to a strong start. Day-one titles like Mario Kart World and Deltarune: Chapters 3 and 4 have kept players glued to their screens. While Nintendo skipped a Direct event this month, the Switch 2’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, with fans raving about its upgraded performance and vibrant game library. Expect this console to remain a hot topic throughout 2025.
Indie Trends & Industry Noise
The indie scene and broader industry developments are keeping the gaming world lively this week. Here’s what’s making waves.
GCL Global Holdings Webinar (June 20)
On June 20, GCL Global Holdings is hosting a webinar focused on Asia’s gaming market and the metaverse. This event will dive into how these regions are shaping the future of gaming, from mobile dominance to virtual worlds. Industry insiders and investors are expected to tune in, making it a key moment for understanding global gaming trends.
MindsEye—Worst Game of 2025?
Developed by Build a Rocket Boy, MindsEye (released June 10) is stirring controversy. While its ambitious open-world premise had high hopes, early players have slammed it for performance issues, including laggy frame rates and buggy AI. Social media is abuzz with disappointment, with some calling it a contender for 2025’s biggest letdown. The developers have promised patches, but the rocky launch has sparked heated debates about overhyped AAA titles.
Magic: The Gathering (Gatherer Update)
Magic: The Gathering fans have something to celebrate with a major update to the Gatherer database. The refreshed UI and improved mobile support make deck-building and card searching smoother than ever. This update, rolled out in mid-June, has been praised for its clean design and accessibility, keeping the MTG community engaged.
Game Pass Update—June 2025
Microsoft’s Game Pass continues to be a go-to for gamers, and June 2025 brings some fresh additions and a few departures. New entries include The Alters (June 13), a sci-fi survival game with unique cloning mechanics, alongside other titles still to be announced. However, some games left the service on June 15, so subscribers should check the updated catalog to avoid missing out. Game Pass remains a strong value proposition, especially with these new additions keeping the lineup diverse.
Key Highlights This Week – TL;DR Table
For those who want the quick scoop, here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the week’s biggest moments.
| Date | Event/Release/Highlight |
|---|---|
| June 17 | FBC: Firebreak, Tron: Catalyst, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Date Everything release |
| June 19 | Rematch releases |
| June 20 | GCL Global Holdings Webinar on Asia’s gaming market & metaverse |
| Ongoing | Nintendo Switch 2 hype; MindsEye criticism; MTG Gatherer update |
Final
The week of June 17–23, 2025, is a microcosm of why gaming remains such a thrilling space. From the adrenaline-pumping releases like FBC: Firebreak and Tron: Catalyst to the lingering buzz from Summer Game Fest and other showcases, there’s no shortage of excitement. The Nintendo Switch 2 continues to steal hearts, while indie titles like Rooftops & Alleys remind us of the creativity thriving outside AAA studios. Even with hiccups like MindsEye’s rocky launch, the industry’s passion and innovation shine through. Whether you’re diving into new games, catching up on event highlights, or keeping an eye on hardware trends, this week has something for everyone.