I often find myself reminiscing about a moment from a few years back when I casually mentioned in the comments section of an article on video game adaptations of Stephen King stories that my ultimate wish would be for Don’t Nod to create a game inspired by “It.” Ever since the announcement of “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage,” developed and published by Don’t Nod and set to release in early 2025, I’ve been thinking about that comment even more. The game seems to draw quite a bit of inspiration from King’s classic 1986 novel about a cosmic spider-clown and the group of misfit heroes tasked with defeating it.
Now, before anyone accuses me of being overly smug, let me clarify that I’m not suggesting the folks at Don’t Nod are scouring game site comments for ideas. It’s just amusing to have a nugget of proof that I’ve got a knack for pinpointing marketable ideas in the realm of story-rich adventure games, a genre I deeply understand and appreciate. And with several years past since the remake of “It” (2017-2019) graced our screens, it seems just right for spiritual successors influenced by that tale to start emerging.
“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” centers on four friends navigating two timelines: their close-knit group of teenage outcasts in the 1990s and their present-day reunion after being apart for almost thirty years. Interestingly, the story skips exactly 27 years, which either nods to “It” or is an intriguingly specific coincidence. Aligning with these parallels, the friends initially went their separate ways when their relatable Xennial coming-of-age saga was abruptly interrupted by finding something extraordinary in the woods near their hometown. The trailers and demos, so far, have been deliberately vague about what that “something” is, but it’s discovered at the bottom of a crater, radiating a mysterious purple light. You might find that enough to start piecing things together yourself.
There’s not much more I can share about “Lost Records” for now, and that seems to be intentional. The marketing strategy has been heavy on intrigue and light on tangible details, ensuring we’re left speculating until the game officially launches in two parts in February and March. Despite my earlier foresight about the game’s concept, I’m still prepared to be surprised once it’s released.
While “Lost Records” seems perfectly tuned to my specific interests, it’s not the only game making me eagerly anticipate the start of next year. As we look ahead to 2025, although there aren’t many major triple-A games on the horizon yet, the beginning of the year promises a bounty of slightly smaller releases that stand between indie and mainstream.
One game that has my attention is “Split Fiction,” a new collaboration between Hazelight and EA Originals. It’s about two writers—one a sci-fi author and the other a fantasy scribe—trapped inside an AI-generated world created by their shady publisher. Gamers who enjoy playing with a partner will likely be as excited as I am for Hazelight’s latest nod to couch co-op. Plus, it promises a unique blend of genres that could offer a fresh experience.
Additionally, there are other titles I’m keeping an eye on, like “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2,” expected in February. This highly anticipated sequel revives the gritty medieval RPG vibe. In March, “Two Point Museum,” the quirky follow-up in civic infrastructure management, makes its debut. And in April, “The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy,” a strategic turn-based game from the geniuses behind Danganronpa and Zero Escape, is expected to land. This roster illustrates the variety in both the scope and the unique appeal of what’s coming.
Some years, massive triple-A titles grab all the attention, while other times, the spotlight shines on indie gems. But if 2025 offers something in between, filling the calendar with double-A titles that cater to our much-loved niches, I reckon we’ll all find ourselves quite content.
