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Upcoming immersive sims: what to expect in 2025

Upcoming Immersive Sims | Hope Amid Concerns for the Genre

By

Sofia Patel

Jul 3, 2025, 02:57 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

Updated

Jul 4, 2025, 11:51 PM

2 minutes of duration

A group of indie game developers brainstorming ideas for immersive simulation games with laptops and sketches in a cozy workspace.
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An increasing number of people are questioning the future of immersive simulation games. As speculation surrounds Arkane Studios and the state of major titles, fans are debating if the genre is shifting solely to indie developers or if there's still a place for AAA titles.

Arkane Studios and New Titles on the Horizon

Amidst ongoing worries about Arkane Studios, sources confirm their next game, Marvel's Blade, is being developed, although significant gameplay details remain undisclosed. The studio's future appears uncertain, but it's a step that has sparked cautious optimism among fans: "I hope Blade will be good," said one community member. Recent discussions also highlighted the anticipated games from studios like WolfEye and Neon Giant, who are also working on immersive projects. The release of Abiotic Factor, which exits early access this month, has been hailed as one of the best immersive sims in recent years. "It's absolutely the best imsim of the last years," noted a gamer enthusiast.

The Indie Surge Gathers Steam

An influx of indie titles is increasingly filling the gap once occupied by mainstream developers. Games like Ctrl Alt Ego 2, Gloomwood, and Lonely Space are among those being watched closely. One comment echoed the general sentiment, stating: "Pretty dire for higher production value ImmSims right now."

Interestingly, some users have become advocates for anticipated releases and expressed how indie developers might reshape the genre entirely. The countdown is still on for WolfEyeโ€™s new first-person sci-fi RPG, and updates suggest theyโ€™ve offered alpha testing opportunities, generating buzz.

Fan Perspectives and Whatโ€™s Next

As fans continue to express their experiences and preferences, one noted the ambiguity in game classifications: "Great game but I wouldnโ€™t call it an imsim." This reflects the ongoing discussions on genre evolution and the rarity of high-quality immersive sims from major studios.

The varied discourse underscores mixed feelings; while excitement builds for indie projects, many remain skeptical about larger studios returning to their immersive sim roots. "Some users argue the major AAA titles might not harness the genre's true spirit anymore," another comment stated.

Key Points to Consider

  • Arkane's Future: Arkane Studios moves ahead with Marvel's Blade, though uncertainty looms.

  • Indie Games Rising: Strong interest grows for indie titles like Abiotic Factor and Gloomwood as potential genre leaders.

  • The AAA Dilemma: Discussions reveal skepticism about whether major studios can tap into immersive gameplay effectively.

As these conversations unfold, the future of immersive sims remains uncertain, with indie developers perhaps poised to redefine what the genre can offer in 2025.