Lately everything’s been kind of blending together – work, late nights, endless scrolling. But somehow, a few upcoming games managed to grab my attention enough to make me pause and think, “Yeah, I could see myself getting lost in that for a while.”
Whether I actually will is another story, but hey – it’s nice to feel excited about games again.
Think of this less as a hype list and more as a personal curiosity log.
These are the titles that, for one reason or another, made me stop and dig a little deeper – into developer diaries, early gameplay clips, and all the scattered bits of info floating around the internet.
Not because I’m chasing trends, but because every now and then, something in a trailer or a dev interview just clicks – a tone, a design choice, a piece of music – and suddenly I’m fifteen minutes deep into Reddit threads wondering why I care this much.
So here’s what I found, gathered between too many open tabs and one too many coffees, and why I think each of these games deserves a spot on your radar too.
Let’s start with Keeper – a title that quietly launched a few days ago, but instantly made me wish I had more free time (and fewer responsibilities). It’s the kind of release that sneaks up on you – no massive marketing push, no overproduced trailer – just atmosphere, mystery, and the sense that it was made by someone who really cared about what they were building.
I stumbled upon it almost by accident – one of those “wait, what is this?” moments. I saw a post on Facebook where Ninja Theory (Hellblade 1 & 2) were congratulating them on the release. Since I absolutely loved Hellblade and Ninja Theory, I immediately rushed to watch the launch trailer.
Keeper
Keeper
Released: 17 October 2025
Platform: Xbox and PC (also on Xbox Game Pass)
Official Launch Trailer
What I always love is when developers manage to summarize the heart of their game in just a few sentences – that first touch that sets the tone.
“From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is a story told without words, in which a long-forgotten lighthouse is awakened and, joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, and an unexpected journey into realms beyond understanding.
On an island in a long-lost sea, a forgotten lighthouse stands dormant in the shadow of a distant mountain peak. As withering tendrils spread and coalesce, it awakens. Taken with a mysterious sense of purpose and joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, an odyssey of mystifying metamorphosis, and an unexpected journey towards the center of the island, into realms beyond understanding.”
And with those words, my heart is already melting – like, aww, this sounds beautiful.
After watching the trailers and a bit of gameplay – here’s IGN’s first 24 minutes of the game
I can already tell that when I have the money to spare (it’s been a rough few months, let me tell you), I’m buying the hell out of this game.
I’m a bit disappointed it’s not on PlayStation yet, because this feels like a game I’d want to play with a controller, on a much bigger screen, just soaking in the world and the story.
C’mon, Microsoft – what’s with the exclusivity here? Halo is coming to PS5 next year. (Just announced yesterday – yeah, if you haven’t heard, shit is wild.)
Next up is Cairn – another indie project that immediately caught my eye, but for completely different reasons.
Where Keeper feels quiet and meditative, Cairn looks like it’s here to test your patience (and your fingers). It’s a mountain-climbing game that seems equal parts beautiful and brutal – the kind that makes you whisper “one more try” through gritted teeth at 2 a.m.
And yet… I can’t look away.
Cairn
Releases: (Q1?) 2026
Platform: PlayStation and PC
Official Demo Launch Trailer
“Reach a summit never climbed before in this survival-climber from the creators of Furi and Haven. Climb anywhere and plan your route carefully, managing pitons and resources to survive the unforgiving Mount Kami. Discover what Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime.“
There’s just something about the idea of this game – it’s genuinely unique, and I love that about it. From what I’ve read, it’s an open world where you can either head straight for your main objective or just wander off and climb whatever’s around you.
I love that freedom.
Get lost in the fog, chalk up your hands, and prepare to sweat as much as your in-game self while clinging to those icy peaks.
After all that climbing and sweating, I figured it’s time to come back down and get lost in the sea.
Enter The Last Caretaker – a first-person survival-crafting game.
The Last Caretaker
Releases: Early Access 6 November 2025
Platform: PC
Official Gameplay Trailer
“Sail across a vast ocean world in this first-person survival-crafting game. Explore, craft and battle rogue machines as your uncover the secrets of an atmospheric, open-world adventure where every discovery and upgrade brings you closer to humanity’s rebirth.”
I’m a sucker for survival games, and this one grabbed my attention almost immediately. There’s just something about rebuilding in a broken world that always gets me – maybe it’s the quiet, maybe it’s the challenge, maybe it’s both.
It looks like the perfect game to get lost in – not because you have to, but because you’ll want to.
Next on my list is Voidtrain.
Ever since I played Choo-Choo Charles, I can’t quite explain it, but there’s something weirdly calming about driving a train in a video game. It’s just… satisfying in a way that shouldn’t make sense, yet it totally does.
Voidtrain takes that same comforting motion and throws it into the void – literally.
You’re not just riding through landscapes here; you’re floating through surreal, shifting worlds, building your train piece by piece as you go.
Voidtrain
Releases: Exits Early Access 7 November 2025
Platform: Xbox & PC
Official 1.0 Release Date Trailer
“Explore a vast ever-changing world full of mysteries and unique places. Discover floating islands with puzzles and dangerous fauna. Make your way through minefields and visit depots. Meet adorable Rofleemo and make them part of your crew. The Void has much to offer for those seeking adventure, so get ready to accept its challenges!”
“The Void is a dangerous place, and you’ll face a variety of enemies on your way: from regular soldiers to bloodthirsty sharks. Craft and customize your weapons and equipment, escape from being chased, stand against multiple enemy waves in the arenas, clear outposts and be prepared to constantly fight for your life.”
So another survival action-adventure in a fantasy world, Commodore?
Yep. I guess I have a type.
You can get tired of survival games sometimes, but there’s something about them that eases my soul.
I remember watching a few streams when Voidtrain first dropped in early access – the atmosphere, the scavenging, the slow build-up as you upgrade your train… That’s just it. I love that.
I’ll end with Arc Raiders, because I’ve already said enough about it in my Last Post – and yet, somehow, it’s still the game I’m thinking about the most.
Whatever they’re cooking over there, I can’t wait to see it come to life.
ARC Raiders
Releases: 30 October 2025
Platform: Xbox, PlayStation & PC
Pre-Order Trailer
(EDIT: It’s the next day and the official launch trailer just dropped – OH BOY – HERE)
After playing the Server Slam open beta, I’m just sitting here not wanting to play anything else. This game has completely taken over my brain – and I can’t wait to start my grind once it’s out.
Anyway, that’s enough wishlisting for one week.
Whether I play them all or not, it’s nice to remember why I fell in love with games in the first place.
Stay safe out there.
Commodore Bo, out.
Commodore Bo 
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