Summer Game Fest 2025: Hype or Hollow? Why This Year’s Showcase Fell Flat

ShawshankerMage
Jun 29
2 min read

⚠️ 1. Too Many Cinematic Trailers, Not Enough Gameplay

One of the biggest complaints this year was the overwhelming number of CGI-only trailers. Sure, Death Stranding 2’s trailer looked surreal and Resident Evil: Requiem had horror fans buzzing, but where was the gameplay?

Gamers are tired of being spoon-fed “engine footage” without actual mechanics, UI, or combat demonstrations. These days, it feels like studios hide behind flashy teasers to mask how far their games are from completion.

⚠️ 2. No Groundbreaking New IPs

Summer Game Fest is supposed to be where innovation shines. Instead, the stage was dominated by sequels and remakes. Another Doom entry (Doom: The Dark Ages), another Death Stranding, and yet another Resident Evil. These might sell millions, but where are the risky new projects that push the medium forward?

⚠️ 3. Major Platforms Played It Safe

Xbox focused heavily on Game Pass additions with few exclusives that felt truly next-gen. PlayStation barely showed up outside of third-party collabs, and Nintendo continued holding back for their own Directs. The absence of genuine competition makes each showcase weaker, leaving SGF feeling like an afterthought.

⚠️ 4. Overhyped Handheld Announcements

Yes, handheld gaming is exploding, but showing off another round of ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and MSI Claw updates isn’t groundbreaking at this point. It felt like a recycled tech expo rather than a showcase for actual gaming experiences.

⚠️ 5. Fans Left With More Questions Than Answers

No release dates for many major titles
Vague “2026” or “TBA” windows
No clear direction for where the industry is going

For a festival meant to generate excitement for the next year of gaming, the biggest reaction was: “That’s it?”

🗨️ Final Take

Summer Game Fest 2025 wasn’t terrible, but it failed to meet its purpose: to inspire and energize gamers for what’s ahead. Instead, it felt like a polished PR event with little substance.