A few years back, I casually tossed out in the comments section of an article—one that delved into video game adaptations of Stephen King tales—my dream game: a Don’t Nod take on It. Now, with the announcement of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage by Don’t Nod, set for release in early 2025, I can’t help but notice striking similarities to King’s famous 1986 novel about a cosmic spider-clown and the courageous kids who band together to confront it.
Just to clarify, I’m not implying that Don’t Nod has been scouring gaming site comments for ideas. But I can’t deny it feels somewhat validating to see a game align so closely with a concept I pitched in passing, especially considering my deep passion and experience in story-driven adventure games. And with several years having passed since the 2017-19 It film remakes, the timing seems ripe for the game industry to start echoing those stories.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage transports players into two timelines. It captures the lives of four friends during their inseparable teenage years in the ’90s and then reunites them in their early middle age, nearly thirty years later. It’s an exact 27-year gap between these times, which might either be a nod to It or a peculiar coincidence.
The friends, having drifted apart after a relatable Xennial coming-of-age story, were initially brought together by a peculiar discovery in the woods near their town. The details of this bizarre find remain a mystery, shrouded in secrecy, though what we do know is that it was found at the bottom of a crater, radiating an eerie purple glow. You might find yourself drawing some early conclusions based on what’s been hinted at so far.
For now, there isn’t a whole lot more to reveal about Lost Records as its promotions leave much up to the imagination. What I can say, though, is that my initial gut feeling tells me to brace for surprises when the game unfolds in two instalments from February through March.
While Lost Records precisely hits the sweet spot of my interests, it’s certainly not the only game gearing me up for next year. Though we haven’t seen an influx of major triple-A titles yet, the start of 2025 promises a wealth of exciting releases that might not dominate the indie scene but clearly step out of its shadows.
Take Split Fiction, for instance—the latest from Hazelight and EA Originals—which thrusts two distinct writers into a chaotic world inspired by their respective sci-fi and fantasy works. For those of us who still cherish couch co-op, Hazelight’s new release is a thrilling nod to this classic genre. And its intriguing blend of genres is sure to offer some unexpected delights.
I’ve also got my eyes peeled for a few other gems: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in February, bringing more medieval grit to our screens; the quirky management sim Three Point Museum, due in March; and the tactical saga The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, anticipated in April, crafted by the minds behind Danganronpa and Zero Escape. These picks hint at both the diversity and excitement lined up for the next year.
Some years are dominated by massive triple-A blockbusters, while others shine the spotlight on indie masterpieces. But maybe 2025 will be the year for us to revel in a dazzling array of double-A titles that cater brilliantly to all our specialized gaming passions. If this is the gaming future, I think we’re in for a treat.
