From blockbuster releases to industry shake-ups, here’s what happened in gaming this week—and why it matters.
Introduction: A Defining Week in Gaming
What makes a week truly transformative in gaming? Is it the release of long-anticipated titles? The rise (or fall) of a billion-dollar trend? Or the whispers of industry giants making their next strategic move?
Between March 1 and March 7, 2025, the gaming world witnessed all of the above. In just seven days, we saw:
✅ The launch of highly anticipated games like Two Point Museum and Everhood 2, offering fresh experiences across different genres.
✅ A bombshell announcement—Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake is coming this summer.
✅ Major industry shifts, from Nintendo scrapping its Gold Points program to Football Manager 25 getting canceled.
✅ The continued struggle of live service games, as Warner Bros. prepares to shut down MultiVersus after just five seasons.
This wasn’t just a week of headlines. It was a week that highlighted major industry trends, from the future of gaming subscriptions to the potential downfall of live service models. In this article, we’ll break down what happened, why it matters, and what it signals for the future of gaming.
Major Game Releases: What Dominated the Charts This Week?
The first week of March 2025 delivered a mix of new hits, long-awaited remasters, and innovative indie experiences—each shaping the gaming landscape in its own way. Let’s break down the biggest releases and their impact.
1. Two Point Museum (March 4) – Building the Past for the Future
🎮 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Fans of simulation games got a treat this week with the release of Two Point Museum, the latest title from Two Point Studios, the creators of Two Point Hospital. The game lets players design, manage, and expand their own museums, blending historical curation with humor and quirky challenges.
Why It Matters
✅ The game taps into the ongoing rise of management sims, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.
✅ Strong early reviews praised its depth, humor, and creative freedom, making it an instant favorite.
✅ Sales figures are already exceeding expectations, with Two Point Studios reporting record first-week downloads on Steam and consoles.
2. Everhood 2 (March 4) – A Psychedelic Rhythm Adventure Returns
🎵 Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
The original Everhood built a cult following thanks to its trippy visuals, music-driven combat, and unpredictable storytelling. Now, Everhood 2 expands on that formula, delivering new mechanics and deeper world-building.
What’s the Buzz?
✅ Critics and players alike are calling it a worthy sequel, citing its tight gameplay and mesmerizing soundtrack.
✅ The game has already amassed strong user scores on Metacritic and Steam.
✅ It reinforces the growing demand for music-driven indie titles, proving that the genre is far from niche.
3. Split Fiction (March 6) – A New Take on Co-op Storytelling
🖊️ Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
From Hazelight Studios, the team behind It Takes Two, comes another innovative two-player adventure. Split Fiction forces two players to collaborate as authors stuck inside their own novels, blending science fiction, fantasy, and narrative-driven gameplay.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
✅ Hazelight continues to push the boundaries of co-op gaming, a genre that’s thriving thanks to hits like Baldur’s Gate 3.
✅ It introduces interactive storytelling mechanics, where player choices shape the evolving plot in real-time.
✅ Early reception suggests Split Fiction could be a strong contender for Best Narrative Game of 2025.
4. Suikoden I & II HD Remaster (March 6) – Nostalgia Done Right
🔄 Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch
Konami delivered a highly anticipated remaster of two of the most beloved JRPGs of all time. Fans of the original Suikoden games were thrilled to see modernized versions with enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay, and reworked soundtracks.
Why This Release Matters
✅ It follows a growing trend of high-quality RPG remasters (Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Persona 3 Reload).
✅ Veteran fans are happy, but the update is also attracting a new audience unfamiliar with the classics.
✅ If successful, this could push Konami to remaster other dormant franchises, much like Capcom did with Resident Evil.
What’s the Verdict?
The first week of March 2025 delivered a strong lineup of games across different genres. Two Point Museum leads the charge in simulation, Everhood 2 keeps rhythm-based adventures alive, Split Fiction innovates co-op storytelling, and Suikoden feeds RPG nostalgia.
Up next: We break down the biggest announcements, industry news, and controversies of the week.
Industry Announcements & Corporate Moves: Power Shifts in Gaming
While new game releases dominated headlines, industry shake-ups and major corporate decisions made an equally big impact this week. From highly anticipated game announcements to controversial cancellations, here’s what happened in the business side of gaming.
1. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake Announced (March 4)
🛹 Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC
One of the biggest surprises of the week came when Activision Blizzard confirmed that a remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is officially in development. Following the success of THPS 1 + 2 Remake, this was a highly requested revival from fans of classic skating games.
Why It Matters
✅ Shows that nostalgia-driven remakes remain highly profitable, following similar successes like Resident Evil 4 Remake and Dead Space Remake.
✅ Continues Activision’s strategy of reviving classic IPs to maintain engagement while new projects are in development.
✅ Sparks speculation: Could this pave the way for a new THPS game?
2. Nintendo Phases Out My Nintendo Gold Points Program
🎮 End Date: March 24, 2025
Nintendo made an unexpected announcement, confirming that its My Nintendo Gold Points program will be discontinued later this month. The program, which allowed players to earn digital currency from game purchases, had been in place for years.
What’s Behind the Decision?
✅ Likely a strategic move in preparation for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch later this year.
✅ Marks a shift in Nintendo’s rewards ecosystem, potentially pushing players toward new loyalty initiatives.
✅ Some fans feel this reduces player incentives for buying digital games, sparking mild backlash.
3. Football Manager 25 Canceled – A Shocking Move by Sports Interactive
⚽ Reason: Development Delays & Strategic Reassessment
For the first time in over two decades, Sports Interactive canceled its annual Football Manager release. The decision came after delays in the development of new AI-driven management features, forcing the studio to rethink its approach to the franchise.
Why This Is a Big Deal
✅ Football Manager has been an annual best-seller for over 20 years—breaking this cycle is unprecedented.
✅ Signals that even long-running franchises are under pressure to innovate in an AI-driven gaming landscape.
✅ Fans were disappointed but appreciated the transparency, suggesting a rebound for FM26 could be massive.
4. The Downfall of Live Service Games? MultiVersus to Be Delisted
❌ Shutdown Date: March 30, 2025
In another sign that live service models are struggling, Warner Bros. Games announced that MultiVersus will be removed from digital stores and shut down after just five seasons. The game initially launched with strong hype, but player engagement plummeted due to monetization issues and lack of content updates.
The Bigger Picture: Are Live Service Games in Trouble?
✅ Follows the shutdown of multiple other live service games (Babylon’s Fall, Rumbleverse, Knockout City).
✅ Players are increasingly frustrated with paywalls and battle pass systems that don’t justify long-term engagement.
✅ Many studios are rethinking their approach, possibly shifting back to full-priced, complete experiences instead of always-online models.
Key Takeaways from This Week’s Business Moves
📌 THPS 3 + 4 Remake proves that classic remakes remain a powerhouse for publishers.
📌 Nintendo’s loyalty shift hints at major changes coming with the Switch 2.
📌 The Football Manager 25 cancellation shows that even top-tier franchises aren’t immune to delays and AI-driven evolution.
📌 The decline of live service games may be accelerating, as MultiVersus follows a growing list of shutdowns.
Up next: Gaming Subscriptions & Player Engagement – What’s Driving the Industry Forward?
Gaming Subscriptions & Player Engagement: What’s Driving the Industry Forward?
As traditional game sales fluctuate, subscription services and player engagement strategies are shaping the industry’s future. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass continue to evolve, adding high-value content, while trends in roguelike games and legacy franchises highlight shifting player preferences.
Let’s break down how gaming subscriptions fared this week and what it means for the industry.
1. PlayStation Plus (March 2025 Lineup) – A Strong Month for Subscribers
🎮 Featured Games:\n- Dragon Age: The Veilguard (AAA RPG, BioWare’s latest installment)
- Sonic Colors: Ultimate (Remastered platformer, SEGA)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (Classic arcade & console TMNT games)
Why This Matters
✅ Diverse selection – AAA RPG, fast-paced platformer, and nostalgia-driven collection cater to different audiences.
✅ BioWare’s Dragon Age inclusion is a major win, bringing a high-profile RPG to the subscription model.
✅ Indicates Sony’s push toward high-value offerings to maintain PlayStation Plus engagement amid stiff competition.
2. Xbox Game Pass – Doubling Down on Roguelikes
🎮 New Additions in March:
- Monster Train (Deck-building roguelike)
- Enter the Gungeon (Bullet-hell shooter roguelike)
- 33 Immortals (Co-op action roguelike, highly anticipated indie hit)
Why Xbox Is Pushing Roguelikes
✅ Roguelikes have high replayability, making them perfect for Game Pass engagement models.
✅ Lower development costs but high player retention – great ROI for Microsoft.
✅ Reflects Game Pass’s strategy of promoting indie gems alongside bigger AAA titles.
3. The Subscription Model Is Here to Stay—But Can It Remain Profitable?
The battle between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass highlights the growing reliance on subscription-based gaming. Both platforms continue expanding their offerings, but long-term profitability remains a challenge.
What’s the Risk?
📉 Game developers worry about lower per-unit revenue compared to traditional sales.
📉 Major publishers like Activision and Take-Two are hesitant to embrace full-service game models.
📉 Players are accustomed to “Netflix for Games” models, making it harder to push traditional $70 purchases.
Will subscription gaming overtake traditional purchases, or will publishers start pulling back? This is a debate that 2025 will continue to shape.
Key Takeaways from This Week in Subscriptions & Engagement
📌 PlayStation Plus is stacking its lineup to compete with Game Pass by offering high-profile RPGs and remasters.
📌 Xbox Game Pass is prioritizing replayable games (like roguelikes) to maximize long-term engagement.
📌 Profitability concerns remain – while subscriptions are great for players, studios are questioning their long-term viability.
Up Next: Player Sentiment, Twitch Trends, & the Cultural Side of Gaming.
Player Sentiment, Twitch Trends & Cultural Shifts in Gaming
Beyond game releases and industry moves, player sentiment and cultural trends play a major role in shaping the gaming landscape. This week, we saw streaming culture, esports partnerships, and growing skepticism toward live service games take center stage. Let’s dive into the key shifts in player behavior and digital culture.
1. Twitch Trends: What’s Dominating Streaming Culture?
Live streaming remains a huge engagement driver for the gaming industry. This week, we tracked the most-watched games and trending Twitch emotes, which reveal how the community interacts in real time.
Most-Watched Games on Twitch (March 1-7, 2025):
🔥 Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC – The highly anticipated DLC expansion launched a surge of new content, drawing millions of viewers.
🔥 League of Legends & Valorant – Competitive play and influencer-driven content continue to make Riot Games’ titles dominant.
🔥 Split Fiction – Hazelight Studios’ new co-op adventure quickly became a fan favorite among streamers, proving once again that co-op storytelling works well for live streaming.
Twitch’s Most Popular Emotes (March 2025):
😂 Hahaa – Used in sarcastic responses, reflecting the meme-heavy culture of gaming.
🤔 Kappa – Still a go-to for sarcastic humor and inside jokes.
💢 PJSalt – Gaining popularity as rage moments in competitive games increase.
Why Twitch Matters for Game Success
✅ New games gain traction via influencers – Split Fiction’s success is largely thanks to streamers.
✅ Community culture influences industry trends – The resurgence of emotes like PJSalt reflects how competitive games drive engagement.
✅ Developers monitor Twitch closely – Games with high streaming potential often get prioritized in marketing budgets.
2. Esports & Brand Partnerships: A Growing Influence
Esports partnerships continue to merge mainstream entertainment with gaming, as brands look for new ways to engage younger audiences.
Notable Esports Moves This Week:
🎮 Corsair signed esports player Alexia “Lexi” Brown as their newest brand ambassador, highlighting the growth of female representation in competitive gaming.
🎮 Sidemen Charity Match 2025 features gaming influencers – Elz the Witch, a popular YouTube gaming personality, was announced as the event’s co-host, reinforcing the connection between gaming influencers and real-world entertainment.
Why These Moves Matter
✅ Shows esports continues to attract major brands, expanding gaming’s mainstream appeal.
✅ Gaming personalities are crossing over into broader entertainment industries.
✅ More companies are investing in gaming sponsorships, proving the business of esports is far from over.
3. The Live Service Debate: Growing Skepticism From Players
The shutdown of MultiVersus this month ignited heated debates over the sustainability of live service games. With multiple high-profile shutdowns in recent years (Rumbleverse, Knockout City, Hyperscape), players are losing faith in the model.
📉 Players complain about losing access to content they paid for.
📉 Live service fatigue is real – gamers are demanding complete, polished experiences rather than monetized ecosystems.
📉 Developers are reconsidering monetization strategies, with some studios pivoting back to single-player content.
The Industry’s Response
✅ Some studios are moving toward hybrid models (e.g., Battle Pass systems without mandatory online elements).
✅ Publishers are rethinking game longevity – fewer rushed live-service launches in 2025.
✅ Subscription services could become the new monetization model, reducing the need for aggressive microtransactions.
Will live service games continue to decline, or will studios find a way to regain player trust?
Key Takeaways From This Week’s Cultural Trends
📌 Twitch remains a powerful marketing tool – Games like Split Fiction thrive due to strong streamer engagement.
📌 Esports and brand sponsorships are expanding, proving that gaming’s influence in mainstream entertainment is growing.
📌 Live service models are facing player backlash – Could we see a return to traditional game sales?
Up Next: The Bigger Picture – What This Week Means for Gaming’s Future?
The Bigger Picture: What This Week Means for Gaming’s Future
The gaming industry is at a critical turning point. The events of March 1-7, 2025 revealed key trends that will shape the market in the months ahead. From the decline of live service games to the battle for subscription dominance, the industry is undergoing significant shifts.
Let’s analyze what this week tells us about the future of gaming and where the industry might be headed.
1. The Live Service Reckoning – Are We Seeing the End?
The delisting of MultiVersus continues a growing pattern of live service failures. Despite massive marketing and early player adoption, many of these games fail to maintain long-term engagement.
📉 Live service games require constant content updates—many studios can’t keep up.
📉 Players are tired of excessive monetization—battle passes and loot boxes feel exploitative.
📉 Games are being shut down too soon—leaving players feeling betrayed after investing time and money.
What’s Next?
✅ Studios may shift back to full-game purchases instead of always-online models.
✅ Hybrid approaches (single-player games with optional live elements) could emerge.
✅ Subscription services may replace microtransactions as the dominant monetization model.
The industry needs to adapt or risk losing player trust.
2. Subscription Services: The New Gaming Battleground
Both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass made strong moves this week, proving that the “Netflix for Games” model is here to stay.
✅ PlayStation is focusing on high-profile RPGs (Dragon Age: The Veilguard).
✅ Xbox is banking on indie replayability (Monster Train, Enter the Gungeon).
✅ More games are launching directly into subscription services, reshaping purchasing habits.
The Big Question: Is Subscription Gaming Sustainable?
📌 Studios struggle with profitability—many fear they won’t make enough revenue through subscription deals.
📌 Publishers are divided—some prefer full-priced sales over Game Pass-style availability.
📌 Player expectations are shifting—gamers now expect games to be included in subscriptions.
Could we see a pricing war between PlayStation and Xbox? Will publishers pull out of subscriptions if revenue drops? These are critical questions for the next phase of gaming.
3. The Nostalgia Economy is Thriving – Remakes & Retro Titles Win Big
One of the week’s biggest announcements was Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake, proving that nostalgia remains a major industry driver.
📌 Players trust proven franchises—remasters feel less risky than new IPs.
📌 Suikoden I & II HD Remaster’s success shows that classic RPGs still have a market.
📌 Publishers are capitalizing on nostalgia—remakes of beloved titles continue to dominate sales charts.
Will we see even more studios revive classic franchises in 2025? With the right balance of modernization and faithfulness, nostalgia-driven games could be the safest bet in gaming.
4. Twitch & Influencer Culture Are Driving Game Success
This week proved that streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube are critical to game launches.
🎮 Split Fiction skyrocketed in popularity thanks to Twitch streamers showcasing its co-op mechanics.
🎮 Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC dominated viewership numbers, keeping FromSoftware’s game in the spotlight.
🎮 The resurgence of certain Twitch emotes (PJSalt, Hahaa, Kappa) reflects how streaming culture shapes gaming conversations.
The Future of Streaming-Driven Game Success
✅ Developers are designing games with streaming in mind—games with shareable moments get more exposure.
✅ Marketing budgets are shifting—publishers are prioritizing influencer partnerships over traditional ads.
✅ Twitch remains an industry powerhouse—a game’s success can be made or broken by its presence on streaming platforms.
My Thoughts: The Future of Gaming in 2025 and Beyond
The first week of March 2025 highlighted key industry trends that will shape the future:
🚨 Live service games are in decline—player fatigue is real, and studios must evolve.
🚨 Subscription services are becoming the industry’s backbone—but profitability concerns remain.
🚨 Nostalgia is a safe bet—remakes and remasters continue to sell incredibly well.
🚨 Twitch and influencer culture drive game success—streamer impact is more important than ever.
The next few months will determine whether the industry adapts or repeats past mistakes. Will studios finally move away from unsustainable models? Or will we see more failed live service launches?
Only time will tell.
What’s Next? Join the Conversation!
What do you think about the future of gaming?
🎮 Are live service games doomed, or can they be fixed?
🎮 Do you think subscription gaming will replace traditional purchases?
🎮 What game remakes or remasters do you want to see next?
Let us know in the comments!
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the biggest gaming events of the week! If you found this article insightful, feel free to share it on social media to keep the conversation going. And if you’d like to stay updated on the latest gaming industry trends, don’t forget to subscribe to receive notifications whenever Reinout publishes a new article. We appreciate your support and hope you’ll keep coming back to our site for more in-depth analysis and industry insights. Happy gaming!
