The 25 Most Anticipated Games of 2025

As a lifelong gamer and a Pokemon fan since the days of my Game Boy Color, I can barely contain my excitement for the upcoming releases in 2025! The games I’m most looking forward to are Mafia III: Definitive Edition, Mafia IV, and Red Dead Redemption 3.

Growing up in the heart of New York City, I’ve always had a soft spot for the gritty, gangster lifestyle depicted in the Mafia series. The original Mafia games brought me back to my roots, transporting me to a fictionalized version of my hometown during the ’30s and ’60s. With the Definitive Edition and the upcoming Mafia IV, I’ll be able to immerse myself in this world once again, and maybe even learn a thing or two about how to run a crime syndicate!

Red Dead Redemption 3 is another game that has me on the edge of my seat. The original Red Dead Redemption was one of my favorite games of all time, and I can’t wait to see what Rockstar Games has in store for this sequel. As someone who spent countless hours exploring the vast open world of the original, I can only imagine the breathtaking vistas and engaging storylines that await me in Red Dead Redemption 3.

I’m also intrigued by the upcoming titles like Mafia III: Definitive Edition and Red Dead Redemption 3 because they are both set in open-world environments, which is something I love exploring. The freedom to roam and make my own choices within these worlds is what makes gaming so special for me, and I can’t wait to see how these games deliver on that promise.

To top it all off, I can’t help but chuckle at the idea of myself, a lifelong pacifist, running a crime syndicate in Mafia IV or leading a posse of outlaws in Red Dead Redemption 3. It’s a fantasy that’s too good to resist! Bring on 2025 and these incredible games!

Discussing the video game industry, it’s clear that this sector is a financial titan, consistently expanding year by year. Yet, opinions vary when it comes to assessing its quality in different years, as some games cater to specific trends or fanbases, while others might not reach the same level of success. In debates about the best gaming years, 1998 and 2007 often come up. These years saw the launch of titles like Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Tekken 3, Half-Life, Baldur’s Gate, Super Mario Galaxy, BioShock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, and Mass Effect. Interestingly, 2023 seems to be joining this discussion, boasting upcoming releases such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Sea of Stars, Lies of P, Alan Wake 2, Street Fighter 6, and a host of other exciting titles. Predicting history while living it can be challenging, but 2023 certainly has potential!

As a lifelong gamer who has been eagerly following the gaming industry for decades, I can confidently say that 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting year in gaming history. From my personal experience, I’ve never seen such a strong lineup of highly anticipated games across all platforms. PlayStation and Xbox are both showing impressive momentum, with their upcoming releases set to leave a lasting impact on the industry. Nintendo has also announced plans for the Switch 2, although details remain scarce at this point.

February alone is enough to make any gamer’s heart race with anticipation, as we may potentially see the release of “Elden Ring” and “Grand Theft Auto 6” in the same year. It’s a dream come true for many gamers, including myself, and I can hardly contain my excitement.

In conclusion, with so many exciting games on the horizon, I am more eager than ever to see what 2025 has in store for us gaming enthusiasts. The future of gaming looks bright indeed!

On this list, you’ll find games that have a definite or estimated 2025 release date. However, it’s important to note that there might be potential delays. The order of the games on this list is based primarily on their confirmed release dates. For those with approximate 2025 release windows, they are organized in alphabetical order.

Civilization 7 – February 11

Read Game Rant’s Civilization 7 Preview

Strategy games such as “Civilization 7” often risk becoming mere updates or half-sequels, with developers simply branding the new version as “Civ 7”. However, Firaxis Games chose a different path. Instead of offering a watered-down “Civilization 6.5”, they created something entirely fresh and unexpected when I visited their studio earlier this year. This wasn’t at all what I anticipated.

In every player’s mind, a Civilization game follows a certain pattern, but with Civ 7, they’re making clever adjustments to enhance the gaming experience. A feature I never imagined seeing – Civs and leaders not being interconnected – is one of those smart changes, and I find it intriguing how Civs develop over time, changing as players progress, reflecting real-world historical evolution. This gameplay mechanic adds a layer of authenticity by simulating the stacking of civilizations in reality. With additions like Transitions, Crisis System, and numerous other updates, it’s evident that Civ 7 is truly shaping up to be Civ 7. All the information released since then has me eagerly awaiting its return in February.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows – February 14

Finally, Assassin’s Creed Goes to Japan

In another world, it’s likely I would serve as a history instructor in either a high school or university. This ambition has been with me since the greater part of my middle and high school years. My fondness for history has consistently been nourished by the captivating universe of Assassin’s Creed. I distinctly recall being thrilled when Assassin’s Creed 3 hinted at a Japan setting (together with Egypt and Greece), and now, miraculously, that’s coming to fruition.

In the waning days of the Sengoku Period, I find myself immersed in the captivating tale of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” This game offers a unique perspective on the Assassin-Templar conflict, as it follows not one, but two protagonists: a cunning female shinobi named Naoe and a historic African samurai known as Yasuke. The ability to seamlessly switch between these characters adds an exciting twist, as each brings their own distinct gameplay elements to the table, promising a “best of both worlds” experience that aligns with the latest decisions in Assassin’s Creed gameplay design. Overall, “AC Shadows” appears poised to deliver an enthralling narrative and an expansive open world teeming with content, marking a significant step for the franchise in one of its most anticipated settings yet.

Avowed – February 18

Read Game Rant’s Preview of Avowed

Obsidian RPGs stand out as they consistently resonate with me in every game they’ve produced so far. I would love for them to incorporate romance, but I appreciate their decision to steer clear of it. The upcoming game Avowed transports players back into the world of Pillars of Eternity, this time as a first-person RPG (with the option for third-person perspective). Players assume the role of an Envoy of the Aedyran Empire tasked with investigating the Dreamscourge in The Living Lands. This location has been referenced in Pillars of Eternity, but this is the first time it will be fully realized. Fans can anticipate a robust character creation system, an engaging and branching narrative, and memorable, intriguing characters.

What truly seals the deal for me is my coworker, Managing Editor Dalton Cooper. While he’s been more hesitant about the game than I have, we both took a look at it (on separate occasions). As an avid supporter of the game myself, I was instantly convinced after my hands-on experience with it. Interestingly enough, his initial skepticism vanished during his own interaction with the game. And from past experiences, I’ve learned that when this happens, it says a lot.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – February 21

Read Game Rant’s Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Preview

A Like a Dragon game where you play Majima? Check. Pirates? Check. Action combat? Check.

I’m really fond of the “Gaiden” series from RGG Studio, particularly the Like a Dragon games, which offer a captivating perspective by exploring the world beyond the mainline games through Ichiban’s journey. This approach beautifully upholds the franchise’s history while propelling it into the future. The combination of the intense and thought-provoking storyline in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name with a lighthearted pirate escapade starring Majima guarantees an emotional rollercoaster (I can already feel the tears). With ocean voyages, engaging sea battles, memorable characters, contemporary pirates, distinctive combat styles, and legendary treasures as added bonuses on top of a heartwarming narrative, it’s a formula for success.

For several months now, Game Rant’s Katelyn Jewett and I have been buzzing with excitement over this game, following its initial announcement. Its concept and direction seem exceptionally exceptional for a Like a Dragon title, and our enthusiasm was further fueled upon previewing it. We can hardly contain ourselves, especially as the release date approaches and beyond. I’m absolutely eager for it; it boasts MAJIMA and PIRATES!

Monster Hunter Wilds – February 28

Read Game Rant’s Monster Hunter Wilds Preview

As a long-time fan of the Monster Hunter series, I have eagerly anticipated each new installment, and Monster Hunter World was a game-changer for me. Now, with Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom has once again raised the bar. Having played the game twice, I can confidently say that it’s living up to the expectations set by its predecessor.

The weapons feel well-balanced and are being refined in a way that feels true to the series while also introducing fresh elements. Each hunt is an exhilarating experience that keeps me coming back for more. The world design is engaging, and the addition of a weather/season system adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay loop.

Overall, Monster Hunter Wilds is a worthy successor to Monster Hunter World, and I can’t wait to see what Capcom has in store for us next.

To be honest, I’m fully expecting to need to organize a rescue mission or call for help when Monster Hunter Wilds launches, as I fear I might lose track of Game Rant’s lead guide editor Greysun Morales in the heat of the hunt!

Split Fiction – March 6

Read Game Rant’s Split Fiction Preview

In a world where local multiplayer games appear to be fading away, Hazelight Studios stands as a defiant force. Their previous creation, “It Takes Two,” was showered with praise upon its release, even winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards. Given Hazelight’s impressive track record, their upcoming game, “Split Fiction,” generated a lot of buzz during this year’s Game Awards presentations. In this game, players assume the roles of Mio and Zoe in cooperative play, as they get trapped in a device intended to steal their creative writings. One character writes science fiction, while the other writes fantasy; to escape reality, they must collaborate as they traverse through their respective worlds.

Game Rant’s head editor Anthony Taormina experienced the game “Split Fiction” alongside Josef Fares at The Game Awards. As he described, “Split Fiction” seems to build upon Hazelight Studios’ traditional style without simply repeating elements found in “It Takes Two.” While it could have easily been a repetition of “It Takes Two,” it didn’t feel like a copy, offered captivating and innovative gameplay mechanics, and included a wealth of intriguing side content. “Split Fiction” is certainly worth keeping an eye on when it releases in March 2025.

The First Berserker: Khazan – March 27

Read Game Rant’s First Berserker: Khazan Preview

As a die-hard fan, I must confess that The First Berserker: Khazan wasn’t initially on my gaming radar. However, after getting a hands-on experience at Gamescom, it swiftly became one of my top picks from the event. Although there are some variations from the standard Soulslike formula, any Soulslikes enthusiast will discover that The First Berserker: Khazan delivers an immediate satisfying gaming experience.

In contrast to most Soulslike games, it usually takes me a few grueling hours to crack the code and truly enjoy these games. However, the intriguing world design and combat mechanics in The First Berserker: Khazan managed to hook me within just a demo session.

Despite my strong resentment towards the formidable boss I battled – a massive ice ape adorned with icicles – my gaming session ended unexpectedly due to running overtime. Although I had suffered multiple defeats, I was unwilling to surrender. My fascination with this foe was so profound that I failed to notice the developers waiting to discuss with me. Respectfully, they decided not to interrupt. In that final confrontation, I was resolute in my pursuit of victory, cautiously approaching it and anticipating an opportunity for retribution. As my health dwindled when the boss reached its last quarter, I moved slowly, trying desperately to secure the win. It was a typical Soulslike scenario where one misstep meant certain doom – either missing a parry or dodge would be fatal. Remarkably, I reduced the boss’s health to 5% before meeting my demise.

When “The First Berserker: Khazan” comes out in March 2025, I’ve got a long-planned fight lined up against that ape of mine.

Borderlands 4 (2025)

Lootin’, Shootin’, and Warrin’

As a long-time fan of the Borderlands series, I have eagerly awaited the release of Borderlands 4 with bated breath. With each major industry event, my colleagues and I at Game Rant have played our annual game of “Will it be there?” in anticipation of any new developments on the game. Finally, in March 2024, Take-Two confirmed that the game was indeed in development, and we were thrilled to get a proper reveal at Gamescom later that year. The gameplay footage at The Game Awards 2024 only served to further stoke our excitement.

The premise of Borderlands 4 seems incredibly promising, as it follows the Vault Hunters leading a resistance against the Timekeeper and his followers, the Order of Kairos. I can’t help but feel that this new adventure will be filled with the same humor, action, and excitement that has made the series so beloved by fans like myself.

One aspect of Borderlands 4 that particularly piques my interest is the involvement of Lilith and her efforts to destroy a barrier around the new planet of Kairos. As someone who has played through all of the previous games in the series, I have grown fond of Lilith’s character and can’t wait to see what role she will play in this latest installment.

Overall, I believe that Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the series, and I eagerly await its release later this year. I have no doubt that it will continue the tradition of delivering a unique and engaging experience that fans of the franchise have come to expect.

In my opinion, the Vault Hunters could seem somewhat ordinary, but that won’t be an issue if the game manages to uphold Borderlands’ legendary looter shooter reputation. It’s worth noting that Borderlands has carved a unique niche in the gaming industry as the premier looter shooter. If the Timekeeper can match the charm of Handsome Jack and the action is thrilling, the gameplay engaging, and the weapons powerful, Borderlands 4 definitely has a chance to surpass Borderlands 2 – a challenging feat indeed.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)

Fight to Live

Title Translation: “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” seems tailored for fans of turn-based RPGs, as it takes place in a world reminiscent of Belle Époque France (akin to “Lies of P“). In this game, a figure called The Paintress awakens annually to paint a diminishing number on her monolith: those who reach that age perish. Players lead party members of Expedition 33, such as Gustave and Maelle, in an attempt to eliminate The Paintress.

The gameplay of Clair Obscur combines turn-based role-playing with real-time elements for moves like dodging, parrying, counterattacks, combo sequences, and a free-aim system targeting weak points. Players have the freedom to customize their characters as they wish. Additionally, players will likely become acquainted with members of Expedition 33, though it remains undecided if this connection is solely through storytelling or includes a relationship aspect. As more information unfolds, the intrigue surrounding Clair Obscur and its direction becomes increasingly apparent.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (2025)

A Reflection on COVID-19

I’ve observed numerous debates about Death Stranding, with one team member believing in its merits while another is skeptical. It’s amusing, but both can acknowledge the massive buzz and anticipation surrounding Hideo Kojima’s upcoming sequel. It will be intriguing to watch how Kojima Productions enhances Death Stranding’s unique gameplay mechanics for the sequel. However, all the crucial elements appear to be in place. In terms of the storyline, fans are aware that Kojima has revised it to mirror the COVID-19 situation (since the original game was similar) and that several original characters will reappear along with a few new ones.

As a hardcore gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the announcement of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has me absolutely buzzing! With the original game being one of the most innovative and captivating experiences I’ve ever had in gaming, Hideo Kojima never fails to push boundaries and deliver something truly special. The little information we have so far about DS2 has already piqued my curiosity, and I can only imagine what wild trailers and news are on the horizon for this highly-anticipated sequel. I’m counting down the days until more details emerge, as I eagerly await another immersive journey through Kojima’s unique world. Bring it on!

Doom: The Dark Ages (2025)

A Techno-Medieval Prequel to the Mars Setting of Doom (2016)

As a long-time fan of the Doom series, I must admit that I was initially taken aback when I heard about “Doom: The Dark Ages.” Having grown up with the original games set on Mars and the brutal, industrial-themed environments they offered, the idea of a techno-medieval setting seemed quite unexpected. However, after giving it some thought, I find myself quite intrigued by this new direction for the franchise.

My experience with the Doom Slayer has been one of unrelenting action and fast-paced combat, so the prospect of battling hordes of demons amidst castles and medieval landscapes is certainly a fresh take on the formula. Furthermore, the introduction of new weapons and a shield adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, making it feel even more immersive.

In all honesty, I never would have predicted that Doom would go in this direction after the intense experience of Doom Eternal, but I must say that the combination of the fun premise and these new elements has me excited for the game. It’s always refreshing to see a series evolve while still staying true to its roots, and I have no doubt that “Doom: The Dark Ages” will deliver an enjoyable gaming experience for fans old and new alike.

Dying Light: The Beast (Summer 2025)

Kyle Crane is Back!

One of the standout moments for me in 2024 was having a conversation with Tymon Smektala, the franchise director of Dying Light, art director Katarzyna, and Roger Craig Smith, who voices Kyle Crane, about The Beast at Gamescom. If the enthusiasm these three had when discussing Dying Light: The Beast translates into the game, I have no doubt it will be one of my top picks in the series (and if you’re curious, The Following is currently my favorite entry).

Glancing at Dying Light: The Beast, it brings to mind The Following rather than the initial or second installment of the game series, and it’s exciting to see that Kyle Crane is making a return! For over a decade, fans have been eagerly inquiring about Kyle Crane from Techland, and I’ve personally made an effort to ask whenever possible. Now, at last, we’re getting some answers!

In “Dying Light: The Beast,” players once again assume the role of Kyle Crane, who has been subjected to 13 years of experiments by the villainous Baron. This ordeal has awakened his inner beast, which influences both the narrative and gameplay. With revenge burning in his heart, Kyle is determined to seek vengeance. However, when the residents of Castor Woods find themselves in trouble, Kyle’s compassion takes over, leading him to lend a helping hand. Despite being driven by vengeance, it’s clear that Kyle remains the same person we knew before, and it will be intriguing to see where his story unfolds next.

Elden Ring Nightreign (2025)

Take on the Night

FromSoftware’s collaboration with Elden Ring is largely beneficial for the gaming industry, as it was a significant surprise at The Game Awards 2024, particularly given its release in 2025. Gamers should anticipate the trademark brutality of a FromSoftware Souls game, but this spin-off takes place in an alternate post-Shattering world. Players can choose to play alone or team up with two others to traverse a procedurally generated Limveld, where they must endure for three days and nights to conquer the final boss: Elden Ring Nightreign’s Night Lord. It’s an action RPG that incorporates aspects of battle royale games, survival gameplay, and a roguelike-style gameplay loop. This experimental spin-off of Elden Ring promises an engaging experience.

Fable (2025)

A New Hero

As a dedicated fan of Xbox gaming since its early days, I have eagerly followed the ups and downs of one of their most iconic franchises: Fable. Over the years, I’ve watched with both excitement and concern as this beloved IP experienced its fair share of triumphs and tribulations. The closure of Lionhead Studios and the cancellation of games left many fans feeling disheartened, like a piece of our gaming history had been put on ice.

However, the whispers of a new game in development kept us hopeful, and finally, Xbox confirmed it! The wait has been long, even since its official announcement, but 2025 is looking promising for Fable’s much-anticipated return. It feels like we’re on the cusp of a new era for this cherished series, and I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation.

I have high hopes that the developers will bring back the magic that made Fable so special while also modernizing it to cater to today’s gaming landscape. As someone who has grown up alongside this franchise, I’m excited for the journey ahead and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Albion and its heroic inhabitants.

The upcoming release is being marketed as a revival of the series, yet it still maintains the unique qualities that made the “Fable” series stand out. Features such as Albion’s setting, hero-focused gameplay, and dry British wit have all been confirmed, although specific details about the gameplay and storyline are scarce. It’s likely that reactive game design, player choice, and other engaging elements will be part of the experience. Developers Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios understand the significance of this title, and we can hardly wait to discover more about it and finally get our hands on it.

2025 looks promising for Xbox Game Studios, with a potential standout year if they can create an engaging and enjoyable Fable game, complementing their other Xbox-branded releases. If they manage to do this despite any delayed projects, 2025 could mark one of the best years for Xbox in recent memory.

Ghost of Yotei (2025)

A New Ghost

Ghost of Tsushima, one of the standout new PlayStation exclusives from recent years, is set to get a follow-up. Instead of continuing the story of Jin Sakai in Tsushima, we’ll be assuming the role of “Atsu” 329 years later in an anthology-style sequel called Ghost of Yotei. The narrative focuses on vengeance in the year 1603, where Atsu becomes The Ghost. While details are scarce at this point, we do know that there will be some changes to weapons and choices, but fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to embody The Ghost again.

Grand Theft Auto 6 (Fall 2025)

Probably the Most Anticipated Game of All Time

Typically, I’m not a fan of the expression “of all time” as it frequently serves as an exaggeration. Furthermore, considering that “of all time” encompasses the future, if something is labeled as “the best of all time,” we’re essentially suggesting that it won’t improve in any way or at any point. However, I find myself being drawn away from this argument when discussing Grand Theft Auto 6. Given that GTA 5 holds the title for the most profitable entertainment product ever, a claim that might seem unlikely but it’s astonishingly true, it lends significant credence to the idea that GTA 6 is one of the most eagerly awaited games in history.

For 2025, GTA 6 is creating quite a stir, as many game developers and studios are hesitant to reveal their release dates due to Rockstar potentially announcing it first. It seems that clearing the entire month of its release might be necessary, given the massive anticipation. The open-world crime game will draw legions of fans back to the fictional states of Leonida and Vice City, where they’ll follow the story of the criminal duo, Lucia and her unnamed partner in crime(?).

As a longtime fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of GTA 6 since the day I finished playing GTA V back in 2013. If it does indeed drop in 2025 (or even later in 2026), it will undoubtedly be a landmark event for the gaming community, as the anticipation has been building for years now. However, given Rockstar’s reputation for taking their time to deliver polished games, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some delays along the way.

But let me tell you something, folks – even if they shadow-dropped GTA 6 tomorrow, it would sell like hotcakes. The series has a loyal following that spans generations, and with each new installment, the hype only grows stronger. So whether it’s next year or two years from now, I’ll be first in line to grab my copy of GTA 6 – come hell or high water!

Mafia: The Old Country (Q2/Q3 2025)

The Origins of the Mafia

Title “Mafia: The Old Country” marks the fourth major installment in the series, serving as a prequel that delves into the early days and rise of protagonist Enzo Favara within the Mafia. Set in San Celeste, the game chronicles Favara’s transformation from an oppressed servant in Sicily’s mines to a member of the Torrisi crime family. What sets this title apart is its strong emphasis on narrative, as some games excel at telling captivating stories while others thrive in open-world environments. The “Mafia” series has traditionally leaned towards story-driven adventures, and while the previous game, “Mafia 3“, was commendable for its ambition, it’s thrilling to witness the franchise returning to its core principles in multiple aspects.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)

The Wait is Almost Over…

For years now, Metroid Prime 4 has found itself in a peculiar predicament. It was initially unveiled at E3 2017, only to announce its development restart in 2019, and then it seemed to vanish entirely until 2024. Such occurrences are usually disheartening and can squash the excitement for a game. However, this isn’t the case with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Its reappearance has fanned the embers of anticipation that had lain dormant all these years. The trailer displayed classic features from the franchise such as the Morph Ball, highlighted Sylux, and featured Space Pirates. This is about all we know so far, but it’s merely a taste of what’s to come. If it delivers on the hype, the main course could be even more satisfying.

The Outer Worlds 2 (2025)

From the Studio That Brought You KOTOR 2, Neverwinter Nights 2, and Fallout 3-2 (New Vegas)

In some fashion or another, Obsidian Entertainment intends to debut two role-playing games in 2025: “Avowed” and “The Outer Worlds 2”. It’s likely that fans will get their hands on “Avowed” earlier in the year, making it an anticipated title for later in the calendar. On the other hand, “The Outer Worlds 2” is set in a new solar system, introducing a fresh cast and a narrative centered around mysterious rifts appearing across the system. Players will assume the role of an Earth Directorate Agent, investigating these rifts amidst a conflict tearing apart the solar system as factions wage war.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A (2025)

A New Adventure in Lumiose City

Being a 90s kid, I vividly remember the excitement that swept over me when I first encountered Pokémon. As a child, I fell head-over-heels for Pokémon Yellow and have been hooked ever since. Over the years, I’ve played every mainline release, along with most of the side games. The recent addition to the franchise, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, took a bold approach by tweaking the core formula, which is a gamble for a series as steeped in history as Pokémon. However, it has set the stage for an exciting new subfranchise within the world of Pokémon. I eagerly await more games under the Pokémon Legends banner!

So far, only one trailer for “Pokemon Legends: Z-A” has been released, but with a 2025 launch date, fans are eagerly waiting for more updates in the coming year. Given that Pokemon Day (February 27) is approaching, it’s likely we’ll hear more about the game then. The game will take players back to the Kalos region featured in “Pokemon X and Y”. In this new installment, the entire city of Lumiose City is undergoing urban development, while Mega Evolution makes its return. Mega Evolution has been one of the franchise’s most popular features, and I can hardly wait to see how the game unfolds.

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2024-12-31 16:40