The gaming industry is cyclical!

What was once popular can fade away, only to return later, enriched with new technologies and fresh ideas. We've already seen the revival of retro platformers, the rise of Souls-like games, the return of classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate, and a wave of indie titles inspired by the 8-bit era.

But what if 2025 brings back even more genres that once dominated the gaming scene? Let’s explore 10 forgotten game genres that could make a triumphant return soon!

1. "God Game" genre – playing as a deity

Remember Black & White by Peter Molyneux? Or Populous and Spore? These games let players step into the role of a god, shaping civilizations, influencing beliefs, and altering landscapes.

Today’s strategy games tend to focus on micro-management or global resource control, but a revival of "God Games" could merge survival mechanics, simulation, and procedural generation. Imagine a game where you create a world, nurture a civilization, and battle unexpected disasters—or even rival gods.

Possible revival: Indie developers are already experimenting with this genre. Games like Reus 2 offer a fresh take, and with advances in AI, developers now have even more tools for creating complex simulations.

2. FMV games – Interactive movies taken to the next level

The FMV (Full Motion Video) genre peaked in the 90s when technology allowed developers to use live-action footage in games. Titles like Phantasmagoria, Tex Murphy, and The 7th Guest blended cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay.

With Netflix experimenting with interactive films like Bandersnatch and studios using AI for ultra-realistic animations, FMV games could return as full-fledged cinematic experiences. Imagine a horror game like Until Dawn, but shot entirely with real actors and featuring a deep, branching narrative.

Possible revival: Indie studios like D'Avekki Studios are already exploring FMV formats, and if major companies invest in this niche, we might see a new era of interactive storytelling.

3. "Mascot platformers" – The comeback of iconic game mascots

In the 90s and early 2000s, every game company wanted a mascot to rival Mario and Sonic. Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Banjo-Kazooie, Gex, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger—the list goes on.

Recent releases like Crash Bandicoot 4 and Spyro Reignited Trilogy proved that colorful 3D platformers still have an audience. However, the genre has yet to see a full-blown revival.

Possible revival: 2025 could bring a resurgence of new mascots, blending the charm of classic 3D platformers with modern mechanics. The indie scene is already leading the charge—titles like A Hat in Time have captured the hearts of nostalgic gamers.

4. Dungeon crawlers – A return to classic RPG exploration

Remember Dungeon Master, Eye of the Beholder, and Lands of Lore? These RPGs from the 80s and 90s featured turn-based battles and first-person dungeon exploration.

Modern RPGs have shifted towards action-heavy gameplay, but interest in classic dungeon-crawling mechanics remains strong. With today's technology, we could see games with procedurally generated labyrinths and deep tactical combat.

Possible revival: Legend of Grimrock already demonstrated the potential for a dungeon crawler comeback. With VR advancements, future dungeon crawlers could feel even more immersive.

5. Mech combat games – Piloting giant war machines

In the 90s, mech games were everywhere: MechWarrior, Zone of the Enders, Armored Core, Shogo: Mobile Armor Division. These games let players pilot giant mechanical warriors in intense battles, but the genre faded as shooters and action games took over.

The return of mech combat could be driven by VR and advanced physics simulations. Players could fully immerse themselves in the cockpit, managing every system of their massive war machines.

Possible revival: The success of Armored Core 6 already proves that mech combat has an audience. If this trend continues, we could see new franchises stepping up.

6. Stealth games – The true "Ghost mode" experience

Many modern games incorporate stealth mechanics, but pure stealth-focused games have become rare. Titles like Thief, Splinter Cell, and Tenchu once defined the genre.

In 2025, we might see the return of classic stealth games, where players must carefully plan their moves instead of simply eliminating enemies.

Possible revival: The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake could reignite interest in old-school stealth. Indie developers are also experimenting with stealth gameplay—Gloomwood is a promising example.

7. Classic RTS – The revival of real-time strategy

Back in the day, Command & Conquer, Warcraft, and Age of Empires ruled the strategy world. But as multiplayer-focused games took over, traditional RTS games became scarce.

However, Age of Empires IV and remastered classics suggest that RTS still has an audience. By 2025, we might see a new wave of strategy games, merging classic mechanics with improved AI and deeper gameplay.

8. Tactical RPGs – A return to strategic turn-based battles

The tactical RPG genre, once defined by classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, and XCOM, has taken a backseat to more action-oriented RPGs.

However, recent successes like Tactics Ogre: Reborn and Triangle Strategy prove that there's still demand for deep, turn-based strategy games.

Possible revival: 2025 could bring new projects from major studios, delivering complex tactical battles and branching storylines.

9. Battle royale… But with a story mode

Battle Royale games are everywhere, but what if developers combined Battle Royale mechanics with a deep narrative, similar to The Hunger Games?

A single-player Battle Royale-style experience, where players fight to be the last survivor while uncovering an engaging story, could redefine the genre.

10. Music games – The return of Guitar Hero & Dance Dance revolution

With VR and motion-tracking technology improving, music-based games like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution could make a serious comeback.

Imagine a new era of rhythm games where players fully immerse themselves in performances, using VR and real-time body tracking for dynamic gameplay.

Conclusion

The gaming industry thrives on surprises. By 2025, we could witness the unexpected return of these forgotten genres, each adapted for a modern audience. Which of these genres are you most excited to see revived?