The kick-off of Gamescom 2024 was marked by Opening Night Live, the official ceremony highlighting the event’s most anticipated games. This year, the convention surprises with highly anticipated releases such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Civilization VII, alongside unexpected reveals like Borderlands 4 and a new Dying Light.
Having become the standout event for the video game industry in Europe following the permanent cancellation of E3, Gamescom is positioning itself as a crucial showcase. Although Summer Game Fest and other June events capture attention, several companies choose Gamescom to reveal their upcoming games. Others prefer to release gameplay trailers or announce release dates.
Borderlands 4
With a surprise on opening night of Gamescom 2024, Borderlands 4 was presented. The first teaser points to its release in 2025, thus confirming previous leaks made by Randy Pitchford, creator of the franchise. Even though the Borderlands movie was considered a box office bomb, the game arrives at a challenging time.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Activision takes advantage of the start of Gamescom to give a look at the campaign of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Although the title is famous for its multiplayer mode, its single-player mode remains an essential part. Following the stumble with Modern Warfare III, the studio seeks to avoid past mistakes and promises an exciting campaign set in the Gulf War.
Dying Light: The Beast
Kyle Crane returns for a new adventure in the post-apocalyptic world of Castor Woods in Dying Light: The Beast, originally conceived as DLC for Dying Light 2 but which evolved into a standalone game. Scheduled for release late this year on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Dune: Awakening
Dune: Awakening, a new survival title that takes us to the desert planet of Arrakis, is being developed by Funcom within the universe created by Frank Herbert. Thanks to the recent success of Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptations, the game will be released on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025, and to celebrate, a new trailer featuring gameplay and imposing enemies has been released.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds returns to Gamescom 2024 after its impressive debut at Summer Game Fest, offering a glimpse at its gameplay. The preview reveals the Scarlet Forest and Lala Barina, the guardian of the area, along with other regions. The game is expected to be available in 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, incorporating crossplay.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Firaxis Games, after almost eight years, returns with Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, the next installment in their famous turn-based strategy title. Ed Beach, creative director, announced innovative gameplay and a visual style tailored to the new generation of consoles. The release of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is scheduled for February 11, 2025 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Starfield: Shattered Space
Starfield announces the official release date of its first DLC, accompanied by a trailer and the debut of the REV-8, a planetary exploration vehicle available immediately as a free update. Starfield: Shattered Space will be available on September 30, 2024 for season pass holders.
Marvel Rivals
During Opening Night at Gamescom 2024, a new Marvel Rivals trailer was presented, labeled as the “Marvel Overwatch”. The trailer showcases two playable characters, Captain America and The Winter Soldier, including details of the gameplay and settings. Marvel Rivals will launch on December 6, 2024 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Bethesda confirmed the release date of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle at the last minute, announcing its availability starting December 9 on Game Pass for PC and Xbox Series X|S. Fans with a PS5 will also be able to enjoy this new adventure, as it will launch on Sony’s console in 2025.
Mafia: The Old Country
The grand finale of the Gamescom 2024 opening ceremony was the reveal of Mafia: The Old Country. Hangar 13 Studios presented a new chapter in the saga that takes us to early 20th-century Sicily. Although details are limited, the director promises an immersive story and addictive gameplay.
image credits for this post: Hipertextual.com
