Why 2025 Is the Year We Can’t Stop Digging Holes in Video Games
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for digging games, a surprising trend that’s grabbing the attention of players everywhere. From indie hits to big-budget titles, the simple joy of making holes is becoming a central game mechanic that’s hard to resist.
- The rise of digging-focused games in 2025
- Highlights: A Game About Digging a Hole, Dig Dig Dino!, Donkey Kong Bananza
- Why digging resonates with players on a primal and nostalgic level
- What this trend means for the future of game design
Digging Into 2025’s Gaming Trends
Looking at this year’s video game releases, you might notice a few clear trends: kart racers are back in action with titles like Mario Kart World, Sonic Crossworlds, and Kirby Air Riders. Soccer games are shining too, thanks to Despelote and Rematch. Small co-op games such as Peak are also gaining momentum, even earning the quirky nickname “friendslop.”
But the most intriguing trend is something simpler and more elemental: hole digging. Yes, you read that right. This year has brought us several standout games all about digging holes, and they’re capturing players’ imaginations in a way we haven’t seen since classics like Mr. Driller.
The Games That Got Us Hooked
It all started with A Game About Digging a Hole, which launched on Steam earlier this year. This $5 indie game literally tells you what to expect in its title and quickly became a hit thanks to its straightforward but addictive gameplay. The act of digging and progressing bit by bit felt oddly satisfying, and the upcoming mobile port set for July 31 promises to bring even more players into the fold.
Next came Dig Dig Dino! on the Playdate’s second season. This bite-sized archaeology puzzle has players digging through layers of earth to uncover dinosaur bones. It shares that same irresistible digging appeal but in a breezy, puzzle-focused package that’s easy to binge in one sitting.
Donkey Kong Bananza: The Big Budget Digger
Then there’s Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza, which takes the digging craze to a whole new level. Beyond its classic collect-a-thon style and Donkey Kong’s iconic charm, the game stands out as the highest-budget hole-digging title to date. The pure joy comes from punching through the environment and carving giant tunnels, whether or not you find a rare Banandium Gem or fossil. It’s all about the satisfying sensation of going deeper and deeper into each new sublayer.
In fact, it’s a bit surprising that digging hasn’t been a central game mechanic for longer. Digging is a formative childhood activity—whether it’s in sandboxes, beaches, or even time capsules buried in school projects. Psychologists suggest that the urge to dig ties into our desire for a controlled environment, and there’s a nostalgic warmth to every punch and scoop that games like Bananza tap into perfectly.
What’s Next for Digging Games?
Will 2025’s digging boom spark a wave of imitators? The hope is yes. After years of shooters, platformers, and open-world adventures, maybe it’s time to embrace the humble shovel. As the author puts it, “The shovel is mightier than the sword, I say. Lay down your arms, countrymen, and embrace hole.”
