5 Recent Video Game Hits That We’ll Surely See Rip-Offs of in No Time

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Popular video games almost always inspire copycats. When one game becomes a big success – whether it’s selling well, gaining attention, or influencing the industry – others quickly try to recreate that success. While this isn’t necessarily negative, it often leads to low-quality imitations that simply try to profit from a game’s popularity without offering anything new or improved.

Games like Vampire Survivors and Dark Souls clearly demonstrate that success often leads to imitation – many games try to copy popular titles, and not all of them are good. Given the exciting games planned for 2025, we can expect to see copycats emerge quickly. Here are five recent, successful games that seem particularly likely to be imitated.

5) Escape From Duckov

Escape From Duckov works well because it combines intense, action-packed missions with a lighthearted sense of humor, all while keeping things simple. The game clearly takes inspiration from Escape From Tarkov, building on its core concept. However, the developers have significantly altered the approach and gameplay, then added a unique duck-themed style to help it stand out.

We’ll probably see more games inspired by this concept – not necessarily copying the gameplay of Escape From Duckov itself, but the clever idea of playfully parodying well-known games. This allows for a lot of creative freedom and different approaches to popular genres. Another Crab’s Treasure is a good example, taking the challenging soulslike style and turning it into a funny adventure where you play as a crab.

At first glance, Escape From Duckov might seem like a simple parody game, but it’s actually a surprisingly well-made imitation of Escape From Tarkov. It successfully takes a proven concept and makes it available to more players. This is a key part of its charm – while Escape From Tarkov is known for being a very challenging game, Escape From Duckov simplifies things and adds humor, making it much easier to pick up and enjoy for a broader audience.

4) Schedule 1

Schedule I feels like a playful exaggeration of Grand Theft Auto, but it’s unique because it fully embraces its unusual concept. The game cleverly combines business management with a tone that’s both funny and strangely disturbing. It’s surprising that a simulation about building a drug empire has become so popular – it’s a wild idea that somehow really works.

Despite its simplicity, Schedule I is likely to inspire many similar games. It’s easy to pick up and play, doesn’t require powerful hardware, and is relatively straightforward to replicate. However, anyone trying to copy it will need to find a way to make their version stand out and give players a compelling reason to choose it over the original. There are a few key approaches they could take to do that.

I think the game could really benefit from a fresh look, either with totally new graphics or just polishing what’s already there. But honestly, I think the biggest impact would come from changing what the game is about. Instead of focusing on drugs like Schedule I does, imagine a game about dealing weapons or alcohol! By switching up the subject matter, they could come up with some really original ideas, even if the basic gameplay feels familiar. It’d help it stand out, you know?

3) Peak

Peak is quickly becoming a popular multiplayer game. While the basic idea is straightforward, it’s the way the game plays that really shines. It’s easy to pick up and learn, but it also leads to unpredictable and funny situations. This mix of simple gameplay and hilarious moments has made it a viral hit, attracting thousands of players. Peak is built around creating memorable, shareable experiences – moments of unexpected failure and clips perfect for streaming and social media.

Peak’s popularity stems from its shareable, engaging moments, which is why other games are likely to copy its approach. It’s not the specific gameplay that will be imitated, but the overall concept. We’ve already seen this happen with games like RV There Yet?, which clearly drew inspiration from Peak.

We can anticipate more games trying to strike the same blend of easy-to-learn gameplay and unpredictable fun. While it’s unclear if these games will also involve climbing, a similar concept could be successful with a few tweaks to attract players. A game inspired by this could focus more on skillful platforming and create opportunities for funny, unexpected moments that players will want to share.

2) Blue Prince

Blue Prince is a truly innovative game that redefines what players expect from the genre. It’s a thoughtful mix of mystery, discovery, and a relaxed pace, creating a deeply personal and reflective experience. Instead of constantly giving players tasks, the game encourages exploration and pays off those who take the time to really look around. It’s a unique game that’s likely to inspire others in the future.

The creator of Blue Prince has confirmed they aren’t planning a sequel, which means others are free to create similar games. Because Blue Prince is a roguelike, its story can be adapted in many ways. For example, instead of exploring a changing mansion, players could explore a galaxy of evolving planets, or a dungeon with a constantly shifting layout.

I have a feeling a lot of games are going to try to feel like Blue Prince, but just getting the vibe right won’t be enough. What makes Blue Prince so special is how perfectly its gameplay and story work together. If games just copy the style without understanding why it’s so good, they’re going to fall flat. You can’t just change the gameplay and expect it to work – it needs that strong story at its core. I’m already bracing myself for a wave of copycats, honestly!

1) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is currently the most visible game and belongs to a very popular genre – turn-based RPGs. With its Game of the Year win, it’s poised to further boost the genre’s comeback, and many developers looking for success in 2025 will likely take inspiration from it.

According to fans, the new Sword and Fairy 4 Remake is starting to look remarkably like another game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The trailer reveals similarities in things like the music and how battles are displayed. While it’s possible this is just a chance occurrence – Clair Obscur is an older game, after all – the resemblances are hard to overlook.

It’s actually a good thing that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won Game of the Year – it makes sense to learn from such a successful game. However, developers working on Sword and Fairy 4 Remake should be careful not to simply copy its story or, more importantly, its gameplay. We can expect to see more RPGs take inspiration from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in the future, whether that’s in how they look, the stories they tell, or how they play.

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2026-01-03 03:11