GamesCom 2025: A Recap
Our team is back from Gamescom 2025, and what a week it was! Once again, Cologne became the beating heart of global gaming, bringing together hundreds of thousands of fans, developers, and publishers to celebrate the future of gaming. From massive AAA reveals to indie gems, the halls were alive with energy, creativity, and fun.
As Lily Smart from our Direct Sales team put it:
“In all its craziness this year Gamecom was a blast! It felt busier than ever. The team and I thought it was great to see so many faces we know among thousands of outstanding booths.”
This year’s edition was record-breaking: the organizers confirmed it as the biggest and most diverse Gamescom yet, with 357,000 visitors from 128 countries and a digital audience that doubled last year’s reach—a staggering 105% increase in online viewership.
We were lucky enough to be right in the middle of it all. Here’s our recap.
Opening Night Live
The show kicked off with Opening Night Live, where Geoff Keighley unveiled some of the most anticipated titles in the industry. You can catch up on opening night, but here are some titles that have us excited:
Hollow Knight: Silksong
One of the biggest moments of Opening Night Live came when Team Cherry finally gave fans what they’ve been waiting for: Hollow Knight: Silksong is coming September 4, 2025. Taking on the role of Hornet, players will explore an entirely new kingdom teeming with deadly foes, intricate secrets, and beautiful hand-drawn environments. Combat has been reimagined to be faster and more acrobatic, giving players more mobility and tactical options than ever before. For fans of the original Hollow Knight, this sequel promises to expand not just the lore, but the scope of exploration and challenge, cementing its place as one of the most anticipated indie titles of the decade.
Call of Duty Black Ops 7
The blockbuster franchise is back, and this time it’s doubling down on cinematic intensity and co-op gameplay. Black Ops 7 offers a gripping campaign that can be tackled solo or with up to four players in online co-op. Beyond the campaign, fans can expect adrenaline-fueled multiplayer and a story that digs deeper into the Black Ops legacy, promising shocking twists and high-stakes espionage. Set for release on November 14, 2025, this entry aims to be both a love letter to longtime fans and a bold step forward for the series.
Lego Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight
Coming in 2026, the next Lego adventure puts a fresh spotlight on Gotham’s protector. Legacy of the Dark Knight celebrates Batman’s history, weaving together storylines and characters from the comics, animated series, and films. Players can expect the familiar Lego humor and puzzle-platforming, but with a richer narrative that pays homage to decades of Batman lore. Batman fans are in for a real treat—a joyful, nostalgia-packed adventure that captures everything we love about the Caped Crusader.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV
A new age dawns for real-time strategy fans. Dawn of War IV promises massive, large-scale battles where players can command iconic factions from the Warhammer 40K universe. Enhanced AI, refined tactical mechanics, and destructible environments aim to make every skirmish feel cinematic and unpredictable. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or completely new, the combination of immersive storytelling and strategic depth will provide countless hours of gameplay when it launches in 2026.
Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy XIV crossover
In a surprise crossover, two fan-favorite worlds collide this October 2025. Players will take on limited-time hunts against unique monsters inspired by Final Fantasy XIV, while also gaining access to crossover quests and special gear. This collaboration bridges communities from two of gaming’s most passionate fanbases, offering fresh challenges for Monster Hunter enthusiasts and new experiences for MMO adventurers.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom is reviving a classic, and fans couldn’t be more excited. Way of the Sword brings back the beloved Onimusha franchise, blending cinematic storytelling with fast-paced samurai combat. Rooted deeply in Japanese mythology, the game will challenge players with supernatural foes, intricate swordplay, and emotionally charged narratives. With its modern visuals and updated gameplay mechanics, launching in 2026, this revival is poised to introduce Onimusha to a whole new generation while thrilling longtime fans.
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle: The Order of Giants
Our favourite archaeologist returns on September 4, 2025 in an action-adventure that captures the spirit of classic Indiana Jones storytelling. Players will embark on a globe-trotting journey filled with puzzles, ancient mysteries, and pulse-pounding chases. With cinematic set pieces and the series’ trademark charm, The Great Circle looks to deliver the ultimate treasure-hunting fantasy.
Silent Hill f
The Silent Hill series continues its renaissance with Silent Hill f, launching September 25, 2025. This chilling new entry embraces psychological horror at its core, using disturbing atmospheres, unsettling sound design, and a fresh storyline set in a haunting new setting. Designed to keep players in constant suspense, the game promises to appeal both to horror purists and newcomers eager for an unforgettable scare.
Chronos: The New Dawn
Arriving September 5, 2025, Chronos: The New Dawn builds on the foundation of its predecessor, offering an action RPG with expansive worlds, time-shifting mechanics, and deeper puzzle-solving. Players will navigate a richly detailed universe where every choice impacts the flow of time and the fate of the story. Enhanced combat systems and world-building make this sequel a bold evolution of a cult classic.
Age of Empires IV
Launching November 24, 2025, the next evolution of Age of Empires IV introduces new civilizations, campaigns, and strategic layers that push the boundaries of RTS gameplay. With refined mechanics and expanded depth, the game aims to capture the grandeur of history while offering endless replayability. Whether you prefer building vast empires or engaging in tactical skirmishes, this update brings fresh energy to the iconic series.
World of Warcraft: Midnight (11th expansion)
Blizzard unveiled the MMO giant’s 11th expansion, Midnight, which will transport players to new zones, raids, and narrative arcs that push Azeroth’s saga into uncharted territory. Building on two decades of legacy, the expansion promises new ways to experience WoW’s world, making it a must-play for veterans and a great entry point for new adventurers.
Ghost of Yote
Set for release on October 2, 2025, Ghost of Yote captured attention with its striking art style and innovative mechanics. This original IP blends exploration, action, and atmospheric storytelling to create a world that feels alive and mysterious. The game’s combination of bold visuals and unique gameplay systems made it one of the standout surprises of the show.
Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom gave fans a first look at Resident Evil: Requiem, focusing on its protagonist Grace Ashcroft and her dark backstory. Building on the franchise’s survival horror roots, Requiem combines tension-filled exploration with modern horror storytelling. Scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, this next chapter aims to terrify a new generation while staying true to the series’ legacy of fear.
Publisher Collective at Gamescom
While we were psyched for the big reveals on opening night, we were really at GamesCom to connect.
Throughout the week, we met with partners, showcased our leading campaigns, and spent time with creators who are redefining storytelling, design, and gameplay. It was inspiring to see so many innovative voices shaping the future of gaming, and we were thrilled to be part of that journey.
Julian Castillo from Direct Sales summed it up perfectly:
“Gamescom proved to be equal parts impressive and productive. As a first-time attendee, I was impressed by the grandeur of the consumer displays and appreciated the industry-only spaces, which facilitated constructive conversations. Gamescom excels at fostering cross-collaborative partnerships between US, EMEA, and APAC teams/brands.”
Our direct sales team also met with brands eager to authentically engage with gaming audiences. With access to over 180 exclusive sites, we provide direct connections to passionate gaming communities, supported by data-driven strategies that deliver real results.
And to make the week even more impactful, we offered up to 25% off our High-Impact Packages, giving advertisers and brands the perfect opportunity to boost their campaigns during Gamescom.
Looking to connect with highly-engaged gaming audiences? Get in touch today.