CGMagazine had an entire team present on the gamescom 2025 exhibition floor, dedicating ourselves to experiencing as many games as possible during our time there. We traversed the expansive halls of Koelnmesse throughout the week, encountering everything from a colossal World of Warcraft: Midnight portal to a stunning Zenless Zone Zero Aston Martin. We engaged with extraction shooters, strategy titles, a plethora of horror games, and cozy games so adorable it was overwhelming.

After sampling over 50 titles during four days, CGM has narrowed down its selections for Best of Gamescom 2025. These games left us eager for more immersive experiences, prompting us to inquire further with developers and, in certain instances, pleading for release dates. Whether it was an innovative twist on a genre like The Blood of Dawnwalker, a highly anticipated sequel such as Hollow Knight: Silksong, or a game that was so disquieting it lingered in our thoughts like REANIMAL, these are our top picks for Best of Gamescom 2025.

Borderlands 4

Played by: Dayna Eileen
Developer: 2K Games
Game Link

It’s clear that Borderlands 4 is among the most awaited titles of 2025, captivating its loyal fanbase. However, I was unprepared for the intense 30 minutes of action-packed, adrenaline-filled gameplay I experienced while combating waves of foes in the Borderlands realm, which turned out to be among the highlights of gamescom 2025. Thanks to NVIDIA, I had the opportunity to play on an RTX 5090 with DLSS 4, and the performance was impeccable.

2K Games has truly outdone themselves with Borderlands 4. During my brief play session, I hopped from island to island, vanquishing each one before proceeding. I opted for Vex the Siren and utilized her ability to call forth Reapers and Spectres to assist in dispatching enemies. The enjoyment I experienced was astounding, even in moments of defeat, and I can’t wait for the game’s full launch on September 12.

Gods Death & Reapers

Played by: Dayna Eileen
Developer: Wolcen Studio
Game Link

Referred to as an “ExtrAction RPG” by Wolcen Studio, Gods Death & Reapers seeks to introduce a fresh angle to extraction games. With various difficulty settings and a completely solo campaign, I am eager to see how the full version unfolds. Wolcen has also indicated there will be options to preserve specific items, like crafted gear, from being lost during gameplay. Gods Death & Reapers is already demonstrating remarkable detail. The foes I encountered were horrifying, and the atmosphere felt bleak and frigid,

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We used to browse through a handful of cable channels or rent a DVD on weekends. Nowadays, we find ourselves engulfed by a multitude of streaming services, niche content hubs, algorithm-driven recommendations, and never-ending “you might also enjoy” lists. The so-called golden era of content is both a gift and a burden.

By 2025, being a casual viewer often resembles a full-time occupation. There’s a constant pressure to stay current with trending shows, revisit beloved cult classics, and binge-watch every talked-about release to remain informed. Yet, our time — and attention spans — are finite. So how do we navigate through the chaos and determine what truly merits a place on our screens?

Smart Streaming Begins with Wise Spending

With each platform requesting a monthly fee, viewers must become more selective about where they commit not only time but also finances. This is where it’s beneficial to seek out flexible access options like Paramount Plus deals. Instead of tying yourself into another monthly subscription, prepaid options allow you to sample before making a longer-term commitment.

Paramount+ distinguishes itself with its combination of blockbuster films, live sports, nostalgic series, and original content. Whether your preference is for crime dramas or animated classics, there’s plenty to explore — but only if you’re not trapped in another auto-renewal cycle. This is why limited-time or prepaid access is becoming more attractive to curious viewers.

Are Algorithms Beneficial or Detrimental?

Let’s discuss the enigmatic force behind your upcoming binge: the algorithm. It’s intended to streamline your options, yet frequently directs you towards similar genres repeatedly. The outcome is what some critics refer to as “content echo chambers,” where exploration stagnates, leaving viewers feeling fatigued.

In response, some users are bypassing auto-suggestions in favor of assembling their own watchlists or exploring services outside their usual choices. This is also why alternating between platforms — depending on your mood during the month — is often more logical than subscribing to everything simultaneously.

The Surge of Platform Hopping

Increasingly, viewers are alternating between platforms based on seasonal content releases. You might watch one during sports playoffs and then switch to another when a new drama debuts. This adaptability keeps things engaging and helps prevent streaming burnout.

This method is even more effective with one-time payment options or temporary passes — alternatives that do not bind you to long-term commitments yet still offer complete access. It’s a growing trend to enjoy viewing in a smarter way without the financial baggage of multiple subscriptions accumulating.

Content Fatigue Is Genuine

Choice ought to be empowering, but when everything begins to appear uniform — dark reboots, countless true crime documentaries, spin-offs of spin-offs — it can render the so-called golden age of streaming surprisingly bland. Content fatigue arises when you’re inundated by quantity while originality remains lacking.

The true solution might not lie in finding more, but rather in identifying what truly resonates. This could entail a platform featuring curated classics or one that releases episodes weekly instead of dropping complete seasons in one go. It’s less about keeping pace and more about engaging mindfully.

Managing streaming clutter isn’t about amassing subscriptions or watching incessantly. It’s about understanding your preferences — and discovering ways to access that without excessive commitments.

For those intrigued but hesitant, prepaid access tools can facilitate exploration of platforms like Paramount+ without locking in for the long term. Sometimes, a trial is all it takes to see what merits your time.

Because ultimately, entertainment is not about keeping pace — it’s about selecting what aligns with your rhythm, rather than what the algorithm urges you to binge.