The transition from 2024 to 2025 has been one of the most dynamic periods in recent gaming history. While the industry has navigated a landscape of massive AAA releases and surprising indie hits, the holiday season remains the ultimate litmus test for a game’s “staying power.” This year, the community at Game Rant and the broader gaming world didn’t just stick to the classics; they embraced a mixture of high-octane shooters, soul-stirring RPGs, and cozy winter-themed expansions.
As we analyze the data and player trends from late December 2024 through the dawn of 2025, several titles have emerged as the clear winners of the holiday “playtime” wars. From the snowy peaks of Skyrim to the chaotic battlefields of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, here is the comprehensive breakdown of what kept gamers glued to their screens this winter.
1. The Dominance of Live-Service Titans: Fortnite and Call of Duty
It should come as no surprise that Fortnite continues to be a central pillar of holiday gaming. This year, Epic Games outdid itself with Winterfest 2024, featuring an unprecedented collaboration with global pop icons and the introduction of “Jeff’s Winter Splash Festival.” The ability to transform the Yggsgard: Royal Palace into a frozen wonderland kept concurrent player counts at record highs.
Simultaneously, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the newly launched Black Ops 7 (per recent Circana reports) dominated the competitive landscape. The holiday season is traditionally a “peak” period for the Call of Duty franchise as new consoles are unboxed and digital downloads surge. The intense, fast-paced “Omnimovement” system introduced in recent iterations has redefined the skill ceiling, making it a staple for those looking for high-stakes action during their time off.
2. The RPG Renaissance: From Baldur’s Gate 3 to Dragon Age: The Veilguard
For many, the holidays are a time for “marathon gaming”—the kind of deep-dive experience that requires dozens of hours of uninterrupted focus. This trend was clearly reflected in the massive resurgence of Baldur’s Gate 3. Despite being over a year old, its inclusion in year-end “Best Of” lists and its deep, branching narratives continue to attract new players and returning veterans alike.
However, the late-2024 newcomer Dragon Age: The Veilguard stole much of the spotlight. BioWare’s return to form provided the perfect high-fantasy escape. Players spent their holidays navigating the intricate politics of Thedas and building relationships with their companions. The game’s technical polish and emotional weight made it a frequent topic of discussion across community forums like Game Rant and Reddit.
3. The “Cozy” Revolution and Indie Success Stories
While high-budget blockbusters took the headlines, a significant portion of the audience opted for a more relaxed experience. Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains a festive powerhouse, with its “Toy Day” event providing a digital Christmas for millions.
But the real story in the cozy and indie space was Balatro. This poker-themed roguelike deck-builder has become a certified phenomenon. Its “just one more round” gameplay loop proved to be the perfect antidote to holiday stress. Other notable indie mentions include:
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Animal Well: A mysterious, atmosphere-heavy Metroidvania that challenged players’ problem-solving skills.
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This Winter of Ours: A free-to-play visual novel on Steam that captured hearts with its snowy, narrative-driven charm.
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Stardew Valley: Which continues to see massive spikes every winter due to its timeless appeal and 1.6 update content.
Detailed Comparison: Most Played Genres During Holiday 2024-2025
| Genre | Key Titles | Primary Appeal |
| Battle Royale | Fortnite, Warzone | Seasonal events, social play, free-to-play access. |
| Action RPG | Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring | Mastery of mechanics, high production value. |
| Tactical Shooter | Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2 | Team-based strategy, crossover characters. |
| Survival | Once Human, Minecraft | Creative freedom, community-built servers. |
| Sports | EA Sports FC 25, College Football 26 | Competitive multiplayer with family/friends. |
4. Hardcore Challenges: Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong
For those who spent their holidays seeking glory through difficulty, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Black Myth: Wukong were the primary destinations.
Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, remained a top seller well into the holiday season. Its breathtaking visuals and demanding boss encounters provided a “meaty” experience for those with extra time on their hands. Meanwhile, FromSoftware’s masterpiece continues to dominate the “hardcore” conversation, as players used the winter break to finally conquer the formidable challenges of the Land of Shadow.
5. The “Patient Gamer” Effect: Skyrim and The Witcher 3
A fascinating trend observed in the year-end data is the “Patient Gamer” phenomenon. Titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt saw significant player spikes.
Skyrim, in particular, is often cited as the “ultimate winter game.” Its frosty environment and the warmth of its virtual taverns provide a nostalgic comfort that modern titles struggle to replicate. For many Game Rant readers, returning to the province of Skyrim is as much a holiday tradition as decorating a tree.
Conclusion: A Season of Variety
The 2024-2025 holiday season proved that the gaming community is more diverse than ever. While the “Big Three” (Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo) all had strong showings with titles like Astro Bot, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the true winner was the player.
Whether it was the competitive rush of a battle royale, the quiet contemplation of an indie puzzle game, or the epic scale of a hundred-hour RPG, there was no shortage of high-quality content to consume. As we move into 2026, these titles have set a high bar for what we expect from the next generation of interactive entertainment.
Sources and References:
Circana (formerly NPD Group) – Top 10 Video Games of 2025 Report.
SteamDB & Epic Games Store – Global Player Count Metrics Dec 2024 – Jan 2025.
Game Rant Community Polls & User Engagement Data.
IGN & GameSpot Year-End Review Compilations.