Before we dive into this year's highlights, it's worth taking a look back. The history of Gamescom is a success story that has its origins not in Cologne, but in Leipzig.
In the year 2002 found there the first Games Convention It is one of the first independent video game fairs in Europe. It was launched by Leipziger Messe GmbH in cooperation with the then Federal Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (BIU) and was more than just a trade fair from the very beginning. It was a place where gamers, developers and publishers alike met to celebrate the latest trends and experience the games together. The fair grew rapidly: Within a few years, the number of visitors increased from only 80,000 in the first year to the last event in the year 2008 to over 200,000.
However, the enormous success also brought challenges. The Leipzig Trade Fair burst at the seams and could hardly withstand the onslaught. Therefore, the industry association decided to reorganize the event and relocate it to a new location. The choice fell on Cologne, as the city offered a more central location, a larger exhibition infrastructure and a better international connection.
That's how it was in the year 2009 the Gamescom launched. It was not just a simple successor, but a further development – bigger, more international and more diverse than ever before. And to chat a bit out of the sewing box, my first trade fair was almost on the ‘other side’, namely as an exhibitor, at that time in the trade fair team at Blizzard at the StarCraft 2 stand. Greetings to all former colleagues – oh, and also to the CCP/EveOnline guys (who unfortunately are not there this year) your AfterParty was by far the best!
Some important exhibitors have shunned Gamescom in the past for various reasons. In 2014, for example, it was missing. Electronic Arts, since 2019 then Sony, 2020 and 2021 only online and strongly affected by the pandemic (in general, many exhibitors canceled their participation). In 2022, there was at least a mix of face-to-face and online participation, again without EA and Nintendo, and in 2023 at least most companies returned. In 2024, CD ProjectRed and Nintendo were also completely missing.
After an extremely large number of exhibitors (~1500) and industry giants such as Nintendo are back at the start this year, Gamescom 2025 is once again gaining in importance. Sony, on the other hand, is still very rare. ⁇
The gates of the Cologne trade fair have been open to visitors since yesterday, even if the first day is traditionally the trade visitor and media day. Already on Tuesday evening, there were some spectacular new announcements in the opening show ‘Opening Night Live’. The event was moderated as usual by Geoff Keighley, this time in tandem with e-sports presenter Eefje ‘sjokz’ Depoortere.
I can't wait to get into the hustle and bustle and marvel at the latest gaming highlights. Since I know that it can be difficult to keep track of the mass of stands and titles, I have put together a small overview for you – quasi ‘my guide’. Here are some that I think you shouldn't miss.
Pack your comfortable running shoes and off you go!
Let's start with a few highlights of the Opening Night Live:
- Black Myth Wukong: Zhong Kui The popular Far Eastern title ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ is replaced by: As the last major announcement of the show, Geoff Keighley revealed ‘Black Myth Wukong: Zhong Kui’. This is again an action role-playing game for single players inspired by Chinese folklore. This time you do not play the monkey warrior, but take on the role of the eponymous Zhong Kui. The dark art design of the characters shown, from peacefully marching giants to a gigantic tiger, gives hope for a visually impressive adventure.
- Lords of the Fallen 2 Actually, it is already the third part of the popular ‘souls-like’ game, and at the Gamescom opening, the developer Hexworks Games provided further insights. Lords of the Fallen 2 is set to become even bloodier, more brutal and faster while retaining the gloomy, ornate design. The game developed with the Unreal Engine 5 can be played in co-op multiplayer in addition to the campaign, but unfortunately will not be released this year.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong This action platformer is almost as eagerly awaited by fans as Grand Theft Auto 6. Already the predecessor staged a lovingly drawn, open ‘metroidvania’ world. The second part, which was announced six years ago, can be found in Cologne. Microsoft and Nintendo be insinuated. At the opening, there were short, wild battle scenes in small rooms and against large opponents. According to Geoff Keighley, the game will be released later this year. YAY!
- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV This newly announced real-time strategy game is set to take the series back to its roots in the genre. In over 70 missions, players command four well-known factions from the Warhammer 40,000 universe and, for the first time, the organisation. ‘Adeptus Mechanicus’. Developers have announced an improved "Sync Kill System" and multiplayer for "1v1", "2v2" or "3v3" battles. ‘Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV’ is unfortunately not available for PC until 2026.
- Vampires: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 The action role-playing game, which was unveiled two years ago, now has a fixed release date: 21 October 2025. As an ancient vampire ancestor, you fight your way through besieged Seattle, which is on the brink of war. Diverse attack tactics and choices are intended to determine the adventure, and the choice of the vampire clan plays a crucial role in this.
- World of Warcraft - Midnight
In the new trailer for the addon Midnight, which is expected to be released in 2026, you can take a look at Lor’themar and Liadrin in the usual Blizzard trailer quality. In the video you can see how the troops of the Blood Elves try to defend the Sunwell, but are increasingly pushed back by creatures of emptiness. This definitely makes you want more, even if the final raid of The War Within has just gone live. The Void is Coming! ⁇
With all the hype about the fair 2025, I don't want to withhold this video in which Sandra also illuminates the pages that you might have noticed subconsciously but then hidden:
Many good approaches are addressed and when I think back to the first years in Leipzig and also in 2009 in Cologne I would say that the truth is probably somewhere in between, in order to continue to be a fair of gamers for gamers, instead of a lot of stage for self-expression and marketing.
For the sake of fairness, however, I would also like to add that already in Leipzig at the Games Convention, for example, the Bundeswehr actively promoted young talent in IT with a stand or here and there one or the other sports car manufacturer was represented with a bolide suitable for the racing game X or Y. Also the Massive Claas of 24 and the JohnDeere with caterpillar drive this year on the stand of the farmer sheep simulator has also fit the topic. Even though we still like to remember 2009, some things are even better now.
Blockbuster and highly anticipated titles:
- Elden ring: Shadow of the Erdtree After the overwhelming success of Elden Ring, the anticipation of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is huge. FromSoftware promises a gigantic new world, new bosses and the usual sophisticated souls-like experience.
- Fable The return of a legend. <3 The new Fable, developed by Forza Horizon creators, has held fans' breath since the first announcement. While not much is known about the gameplay yet, I hope that at Gamescom we get a first glimpse of the fairytale Albion and the choices that shape our destiny.
- Star Wars Outlaws An open-world Star Wars adventure? Absolutely! Star Wars Outlaws promises to put us in the role of Kay Vess, a cunning shirkin looking for the ultimate coup in the galaxy. With stunning graphics and the freedom we've always wanted in a Star Wars game, this title will be an absolute highlight.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows Ubisoft dives into feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. With two playable protagonists – a shinobi and a samurai – the game promises variety and a gripping story. Gamescom is the perfect opportunity to try out the new assassination mechanics and beautiful surroundings.
- Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight The Dark Knight returns to the terminal block version of Gotham City. This open-world adventure can be explored in vehicles or gliding with the cape. The developers have used TT Games from several movies, comics and TV series. With the series-typical combat system, numerous gadgets and playable characters such as Catwoman and Batgirl This title will be released in 2026 for PC and consoles.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 The new Black Ops takes players to the year 2035, where a grim campaign awaits with geopolitical tensions. The title is intended to offer the classic ‘Black Ops’ experience with espionage, tactical action and cinematic staging, this time with some crazy levels.
Insider tips and/or genre highlights
- Metaphor: ReFantazio For all JRPG fans, ‘Metaphor: ReFantazio’ is an absolute must. The game comes from the creators of Persona and promises (through the gloomy and apocalyptic elements of the Megami Tensei Games – coupled with a visual novel), Atlus' distinctive style a unique blend of fantastic storytelling with a deep combat system. The game captivated me with its first glimpses.
- Arknights: Endfield For fans of anime and real-time strategy, ‘Arknights: Endfield’ is an absolute highlight. As a 3D RPG with strategic elements, the title promises unique gameplay. The game featured as a spin-off of the popular mobile tower defense game Arknights designed, lures with a fresh look, complex fights and an exciting science fiction world. Base building / resource management in factorio style is also on top.
- Ghost of Yōtei As a potential successor to ‘Ghost of Tsushima’, ‘Ghost of Yōtei’ is announced as an epic story full of exploration and revenge. The developers promise a new story with new characters and weapons that will continue the stunning graphics and deep history of its predecessor on PS5.
- Resident Evil: Requiem The popular horror franchise is also back. “Resident Evil: Requiem’ is set to continue the story with new, terrifying creatures and a fight for survival against the dark forces that have invaded the world. The focus is again on the classic survival horror and the scarce resource management.
My tip: The indie corners
Don't forget all the big names, a detour to the indie hall to do! The real gems are often hidden here – innovative ideas, unique gameplay concepts and a lot of passion. I will definitely spend some of my time here looking for the next big surprise hit.
I wish all of us a fantastic Gamescom! Whether you are there yourself, Watching videos diligently or enjoy the show in one of the many streams:
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