**Dastardly December and the RPS Advent Calendar 2025: A Celebration of Gaming Excellence**

As December opens its doors, it ushers in the annual tradition of the RPS (Rock Paper Shotgun) Advent Calendar, showcasing an array of games that made a lasting impression throughout the year. This tradition allows the gaming community to revisit standout titles as the year comes to a close, reconciling joy and nostalgia with the hustle of the holiday season.

### Unveiling the Calendar

The RPS Advent Calendar runs from December 1st through December 24th, revealing a new game pick each day at noon. The selections cover various genres and styles, chosen not only for their quality but also for the memorable experiences they brought to players in 2025. Clicking on each calendar door leads readers to articles providing insights and reflections from team members about why these games are worthy of recognition.

Notably, the calendar is presented without a ranked order, with the exception of December 24th, which highlights the definitive Game of the Year. This playful approach reflects the subjective nature of gaming preferences while building anticipation among readers.

### A Nod to Artistic Creation

This year’s calendar image was designed by Amanda Flagg, the senior editorial designer at IGN. The artwork captures the essence of one of the year’s significant gaming figures, Horace, alongside an amusing directive: to ensure his rear legs were never depicted, lending it a humorous flair fitting within gaming culture and tradition.

### Voting and Selection Process

The selection process for the games included in the calendar adheres to a democratic voting system involving the entire RPS team. Each member submits a list of their ten favorite games from the year, with a point system that rewards higher-ranked titles with greater influence on the final list. This system acknowledges not only new releases but also significant early access games, impactful remasters, and noteworthy expansions from previous years that gained newfound recognition in 2025.

### Community Engagement

Traditionally, the advent calendar also engages the gaming community through interactive events such as the Advent Calendar Guessing Game. This encourages readers to predict which titles will be featured, fostering a sense of community and prompting discussions around favorite games and anticipated surprises.

### A Rich History

The RPS Advent Calendar has a storied history, beginning in 2007 and continuing with each subsequent year—building a legacy within the gaming community. From humorous interpretations in earlier years to evolving game discussions in more recent iterations, the calendar represents a point of reflection on the gaming landscape over the years, celebrating both cultural milestones and individual player experiences.

### Conclusion

As December unfolds, the RPS Advent Calendar stands as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and passion embedded in the gaming industry. With its blend of humor, artistry, and community involvement, it not only highlights exceptional games of 2025 but also strengthens the ties that bind the gaming community together, ensuring that Dastardly December remains anything but dreadful for gamers worldwide.