Kicks off with an unprecedented number of exhibitors at Gamescom this year
Gamescom 2025, the much-anticipated computer and video game trade fair, has kicked off in Cologne, Germany, attracting over 1,500 exhibitors from across the globe. This year's event promises a rich lineup of AAA blockbusters and compelling indie projects, heralding a plethora of gameplay innovations, next-gen visuals, and community experiences.
Blockbuster Reveals
The most anticipated games showcased at this year's event include the long-awaited Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Black Myth: Wukong, Resident Evil: Requiem, The Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, Silent Hill f, Ghost of Yotei, World of Warcraft: Midnight, Lords of the Fallen 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokemon Legends Z-A, Little Nightmares 3, and Crimson Desert.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 revealed its campaign, multiplayer, and zombies mode details, with a release date set for November 14. The game supports up to four-player co-op and introduces global progression for the series.
Hollow Knight: Silksong has a playable demo available on PC and the new ROG Xbox Ally X portable console.
Black Myth: Wukong is featured with either an Xbox release trailer or a DLC reveal expected; it launches on Xbox Series X/S on August 20.
The Outer Worlds 2 was showcased with a theater experience and new gameplay reveals.
Sony’s PlayStation 5 exclusive Ghost of Yotei was announced alongside other major titles.
Ninja Gaiden 4, Silent Hill f, and Resident Evil: Requiem are confirmed for new content or demos.
Nintendo made a notable return with demos for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A for Switch and Switch 2.
Bandai Namco presented demos for Little Nightmares 3 and The Blood of Dawnwalker.
Other playable demos and showcases include Borderlands 4, PowerWash Simulator 2, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Super Meat Boy 3D, There Are No Ghosts at the Grand, and the action RPG Crimson Desert.
Indie Gems and More
The event also featured a variety of indie projects, such as Death by Scrolling, a game by Ron Gilbert, known for his success with "Monkey Island" in the 90s. The game has a retro look, reminiscent of gaming 30 years ago.
A new Batman game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, features Lego figures and showcases comical Lego character fights in its trailer.
Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+ are present at Gamescom, indicating a growing convergence between the gaming and streaming industries.
The Future of Gaming
Geoff Keighley, the opening show host, stated that gaming has never been more dynamic due to new technology. With the upcoming releases of games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, The Outer Worlds 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and many others, it's an exciting time for gamers worldwide. The games shown are set to hit the market in the coming months or in 2026.
Nintendo is promoting its Switch 2 console at the event. Amazon Prime also revealed the second season of the post-apocalyptic action series "Fallout" at the event, featuring Ella Purnell and Aaron Moten as the main actors.
This year's Gamescom has surpassed the 1,462 exhibitors recorded in 2024, making it the highest number of exhibitors ever. Notable companies like CI Games, Keen Games, and Bethesda are among those presenting their products.
In conclusion, Gamescom 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, offering a glimpse into the future of gaming and entertainment. Whether you're a fan of AAA blockbusters or indie gems, there's something for everyone at this year's Gamescom.
