In the Diamond household, the past twelve months have been defined by controller grips, screen time, and the shared joy of virtual worlds. Rather than a standard list, journalist Dominik Diamond has convened a unique, family-focused ceremony to crown the alternative video game champions of 2025.
The Diamond Family's Gaming Line-Up
This was a year of diverse digital tastes under one roof. The eldest daughter split her time between the choreography of Just Dance 2024, the vast landscapes of Horizon Zero Dawn, and the strategic charm of Pikmin. On her mobile, she managed cities in Cityscapes while lamenting the state of real-world healthcare.
The middle son displayed a purist's dedication, investing his hours solely in the team-based battles of Overwatch and expressing offence at the mere suggestion of mobile gaming—a stance his father respected.
Meanwhile, the youngest daughter, an aspiring theatre student, found her downtime in the survival horror of Resident Evil Biohazard. She also detailed her successes in The Sims, where she crafted a utopian society with healthcare superior to her sister's real-life struggles.
Completing the family roster, Diamond's wife approached Crash Bandicoot: It's About Time with steadfast determination, progressing from 60% to 82% completion over the year, while also puzzling over the mobile game Woodle.
Dominik's Personal Gaming Highs and Lows
For Diamond himself, the year was dominated by a complex relationship with Marvel Snap. He logged more hours in this 'deck building wizard’s poker' than any other title, praising its clever design. However, this love affair curdled by mid-year as he recognised its reliance on 'fomo-fuelled microtransactions', leading him to bin the game entirely.
His regret centred on titles he felt he neglected. He wished for more time with the 'glorious reinvention' of Doom: The Dark Ages and the beautiful, cerebral mystery of Blue Prince, which he plans to tackle over the festive period.
The true saviour of his year, however, was Balatro. Although a 2024 breakout hit, Diamond came to it late, declaring it a 'high-water mark of gaming'. He celebrated its perfect execution of the 'Crazy Poker' concept, imaginative Joker cards, and witty design, claiming he would play it 'any time of the day or night'.
Controversies, Criticisms, and Future Hopes
The year was not without its disputes. Diamond faced a 'minor pile-on' for criticising a bug in Clair Obscur, though he still praised its ambition. He received pointed criticism for his review of Outer Worlds 2, which a reader labelled 'bitter, confused resentment'. He also failed to connect with the critically adored Hollow Knight: Silksong, finding its demanding, exploration-heavy style ill-suited to his mid-fifties.
He singled out two major scandals: EA's partnership with Jared Kushner and the Saudis, and Outer Worlds 2's £70 price tag, branding both 'morally indefensible and repugnant'.
Looking ahead, Diamond's gaming future is clear. His most anticipated release for 2026 is GTA 6, which he insists will arrive that year 'even if we have to make 2026 last until the heat death of the universe'. Further on the horizon, he eagerly awaits The Witcher 4, however distant its release. For now, he nurses an aching right thumb joint—a lasting physical testament to a year well spent in digital realms.
