As I said I think I am struggling to make peace with giving my goty to a game with gen-AI. It's something I definitely want to be more strict about moving forward in 2026 and beyond.

I guess I'll need to see how Sandfall approaches their next title.

So even from a purely practical point of view using gen-AI for placeholders is not good because it could be very easy to miss it when doing the final review (especially on smaller details or scenery dressing).

Make it obviously wrong so it definitely gets addressed.

Bright pink textures, the word "[PLACEHOLDER]" in front of all your strings that haven't had a proper design pass, greyboxing etc. are all means to clearly identify something that isn't done and has to be replaced before ship.

I don't support gen-AI. Fuck gen-AI. Seeing companies willingly embrace it is so disappointing.

Using it for placeholders is a really baffling decision as well because when something looks "almost right" it can easily be forgotten about. When something is obviously wrong you replace it.

So that wraps up my 2025 digest so as a wee summary here's my top 5 of 2025 as well as my GOTY picks.

Midnight Murder Club didn't appear on my 2025 digest because I covered its beta in 2024. I maybe should have added the full game to 2025 digest but oh well.

Literally best till last and I can't help but feel strangely empty inside having now finished this.

Genuinely exceptional game with one of the best takes on turn-based JRPG-style combat I've played (even if that isn't a massive pool for comparison).

My GOTY for 2025

10/10

I said I'd finish this before the end of the year but I really struggle to actually pick up and play games on my phone.

It's still a great title though and if you do like the daily-puzzle style games then it'll be perfect for you. One of only a few mobile games I think is good.

Score TBD