What we’re looking forward to in 2025

«What are you particularly looking forward to in the coming year?» My question to the editorial team was open-ended and only had the restriction that there should be at least a distant connection to the tech world. So, new gadgets, exciting events or self-driving cars and AI that make our lives easier – the possibilities are virtually endless. But, in the end, we’re most excited about things in the gaming sector.

Debbie’s looking forward to Civilization VII

Many years ago, I could spend entire nights playing Civilization. Red in the face, I sent my ships into war and swore eternal revenge on my enemies for dropping atomic bombs on my cities. As a budding editor, I even wrote news articles about the course of the war – just for myself. It’s been a long time since I was that captivated by a Civilization. Maybe I’m too old for it. The seventh instalment will be released in February 2025 and I’m excited to see if I can completely immerse myself in the game again. Here’s to «just one more turn»!

Domagoj’s looking forward to the Switch 2

I can hardly wait for the successor to the Switch. Nintendo’s small hybrid console has been with me for almost eight years now and has entertained me with excellent games. Slowly but surely, though, the hardware is showing its age. Even Nintendo games now struggle with unstable refresh rates. Rumour has it that the Switch 2 – or whatever it’ll be called – won’t bring any revolutionary changes. It’ll simply be a larger and more powerful Switch. And that is exactly what I want.

Flo’s looking forward to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Yep, you read that right. I’m looking forward to a game that’ll already be out when this article’s published. So why the anticipation? Well, I’m Team PlayStation. So I’m still sitting on my hands while PC gamers and Xbox users are already getting stuck in. Annoying, but bearable. Only one thing annoys me a bit: the vague release date of «spring 2025». Hey Bethesda, January’s also «spring», just so you know.

But that’s neither here nor there. Never mind. Indy fans know it’s not the years, it’s the miles. I’ve been a huge enthusiast since I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark almost 30 years ago. I was nine years old at the time. The other two original films followed shortly afterwards. As did the games Last Crusade and Fate of Atlantis from Lucas Games, back then still in the legendary point-and-click format. And after years of suffering with bad (or non-existent) Indiana Jones titles, Phil’s article really got me excited again.

Jan’s looking forward to a new mouse

The Logitech Lift has made me a fan of vertical mice. It’s had a lot of use and is appropriately worn out. It no longer looks nice and has always been a bit too small for my hand.

One logical step would be to buy the MX Vertical. It’s been around since 2018 and I’m worried that Logitech will launch a successor soon after I repurchase it. But there’s hardly any reason to change anything about it. Even the built-in battery’s already charged via USB-C. This means that the EU regulations coming into force on 1 January 2025 are no longer a reason to bring out a new model.

So, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for an alternative to the MX Vertical at the beginning of the year. If I don’t find one and Logitech doesn’t launch a successor in the first three months, I’ll be enjoying a new mouse by April at the latest.

Kevin’s just looking forward to another great year

New graphics cards from AMD and Nvidia as well as (hopefully) the Switch’s successor will be released early next year. You’d think that would be reason enough for someone like me – who rediscovered his love of gaming in 2024 – to celebrate. But the devices fail to excite me. Both my Radeon RX 6800 XT and my Steam Deck are still serving me well and are enough for everything I want to play. So why should I switch? I’d rather spend my money next year on more time with my family. And I don’t want to neglect my latest hobby, bouldering – especially when a new GPU costs as much as an annual subscription to the climbing gym. So, I’m just looking forward to a new year – without any pressure to buy the latest gadget. Okay, if Hollow Knight: Silksong finally comes out, that would be awesome, but I’m not holding my breath (any more).

Lorenz is happy about climbing vacuum robots

Finally, the first robot vacuum cleaner that can overcome thresholds of up to three centimetres high is on the market. Probably the most frequently asked question in articles on robot vacuums is: will it get over my two-centimetre door threshold? And now I can finally say yes, the Roborock Qrevo Curv can!

And that’s just the beginning: Competitor Dreame will follow suit in the new year. Its vacuum robot is supposed to be able to overcome obstacles twice as high. As a precaution, I’ve already bought some lengths of timber in a range of different heights. Next year, all vacuum robots will have to prove themselves on this obstacle course.

Michelle’s looking forward to life simulator inZOI

I’m finally going to be playing goddess again. If inZOI is as incredible as the gameplay makes it look, The Sims will be a thing of the past. I really enjoyed playing that life simulator, allowing me to be a rock star in my virtual life. Or Animal Crossing, where I can choose my own neighbours and spend the day comfortably fishing and picking apples.

inZOI – made by developer studio Krafton, Inc. – looks highly detailed and realistic. The simulator is scheduled to launch on 28 March 2025. I can hardly wait to finally have a green thumb, drive a chic car through idyllic palm landscapes and have breakfast on the beach.

Samuel’s looking forward to «Anno 117»

I hardly invest any time in games any more. My lowest bar is being able to build something comfortably. I loved the pre-release version of Manor Lords last year, but it seems that it’ll still be in Early Access in 2025. The chances are better for Anno 117: Pax Romana. There’s not much information so far, but even the short teaser and few screenshots have got me really excited. The new part of the classic building game is set in the Roman Empire and the Celtic north. I don’t need to know any more than that. Shut up and take my money!