“2025’s Game-Changer: Discover Which New Title Dethroned ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ from the Top 10 List!”

So, here’s the scoop: Monster Hunter Wilds held the title for 2025’s top video game for a short while, but it just got edged out by a smaller game. Split Fiction, created by Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios, is now leading the pack by just one point on Metacritic.

If you’re not familiar with Hazelight, they made a splash with 2021’s Game of the Year, It Takes Two. This company focuses on co-op gameplay, something that’s pretty rare these days. Unlike online games, their focus is on local multiplayer—perfect for friends, families, or parents and kids to enjoy together.

What makes Split Fiction stand out is its blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements. Reviewers say it offers a fresh experience that breaks away from the usual format. In a world where many games just recycle old ideas or churn out sequels, this one is a breath of fresh air.

That creativity has helped Split Fiction earn a score of 91 on Metacritic, just ahead of Monster Hunter Wilds’ 90. And let’s not downplay Wilds—it’s a massive hit, topping charts and racking up a million players on Steam, selling 8 million copies in just three days.

Other notable games this year include Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, followed by more indie titles with fewer reviews. PGA Tour 2K25, Avowed, and Civilization VII all scored in the 80s, while Marvel Rivals surprisingly dropped to a 74.

Both Split Fiction and Monster Hunter Wilds are strong contenders for Game of the Year in 2025. While there are big titles on the horizon, delays have already started, like with Fable. Then there’s GTA 6, which Rockstar insists will arrive in fall 2025. But, really, can we believe it? If it launches as planned, it could very well take the GOTY crown.

In the family-friendly category, Split Fiction brings back the charm of local multiplayer, a rarity in modern gaming. You can experience it starting tomorrow, March 6.