Welcome to the Year of the Hole

If you haven’t checked out this year’s video game release calendar yet, prepare to be amazed! 2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable year, especially with the unexpected resurgence of hole-digging games that are captivating players worldwide.

Kart Racers, Soccer, and the Rise of Co-op Games

We’re already witnessing a revival of classic genres, with kart racers like *Mario Kart World*, *Sonic Crossworlds*, and *Kirby Air Riders* hitting the shelves. Soccer is back in the spotlight with titles like *Despelote* and *Rematch*, while small co-op games like *Peak* have introduced a new genre—dubbed "friendslop"—that’s taking the gaming community by storm.

Digging Games Take Center Stage

But the true standout theme of 2025? You guessed it: holes. This year has unleashed an unexpected trifecta of digging games: *A Game About Digging a Hole*, *Dig Dig Dino!*, and *Donkey Kong Bananza*. These titles not only bring nostalgia back to life but also open the floodgates for a groundbreaking trend we haven’t seen since *Mr. Driller* faded into the gaming ether.

A Game About Digging a Hole: The Sensation

The year kicked off with *A Game About Digging a Hole*, a cleverly straightforward title that cost a mere $5 on Steam. This game quickly became a sensation, inviting players to dig through dirt in a way that speaks to our primal instincts. Its success has sparked a slew of imitators eager to capitalize on this newfound passion for shovels and soil.

Dig Dig Dino! Brings a Bite-Sized Joy

Next in the lineup was *Dig Dig Dino!*, featured in the Playdate’s second season. This compact archaeology game invites you to unearth hidden dinosaur bones, providing the same exhilarating digging experience while cleverly integrating it into a fun puzzle format. It’s a game designed to keep you digging and guessing!

Donkey Kong Bananza: The Crown Jewel of Digging Games

But the crown jewel of this digging renaissance is undoubtedly *Donkey Kong Bananza*. This game combines a collect-a-thon structure with burrowing mechanics, creating an irresistible urge to dig deeper into its vibrant world. It’s not just about the treasure; it’s about the sheer joy of creation as you carve out tunnels throughout each layer of adventure.

Why Digging Resonates with Us All

It’s astonishing that digging has only recently emerged as a core mechanic in gaming, despite being a formative childhood activity for so many. Whether it’s in a sandbox or on the beach, the thrill of excavation never fades. Perhaps *Bananza* resonates with us because it triggers fond memories and provides that delicious hit of serotonin with every shovel thrust.

Embrace the Dig!

As we stay glued to this trend, one can only hope that the market is flooded with even more digging games, just like the wave of open-world titles inspired by *Breath of the Wild*. The shovel has become mightier than the sword, and it's high time we embrace the power of the hole!