The past two years have been a strange time for the video game industry, with many delays and disruptions due to the pandemic. Thankfully, though, there are still plenty of upcoming releases and announcements that are worth getting excited for.Gamescomreturns later this month and here’s everything we know so far, and what to get excited for when it comes toGamescom’s 13th annual show.
Last year’s Gamescom had to be switched to a virtual event last minute due to the pandemic outbreak, but this year organizers have more time to plan around COVID-19 related limitations. The plan was to make this a hybrid event, with some events online and some in person. However, the ongoing pandemic has meantthis year’s Gamescom will be fully digital. On a whole, conventions having to become fully virtual has been met with mixed reviews, but it is an unavoidable reality right now; the good news, though, is that there will be plenty of new trailers and gaming news regardless.
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Xbox
Microsoft fans can expect a number of announcements and teasers forgames coming to the Xbox Series X. Some of the Xbox showcase is expected to update previous announcements, following the company’s attendance at E3 this year. This could mean updates or new footage ofHalo InfiniteorForza Horizon 5, and hopefully some Bethesda news such as an update onStarfield.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft has a hefty calendar of releases coming upover the next couple of months and beyond, so its showcase should be chock full of game footage. In particular, it’s highly expected Ubisoft will hype upFar Cry 6which releases soon, and potentially some news on games likePrince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction, andJust Dance 2022.It’s possible there’ll be some new game announcements as well, though Ubisoft already has enough games coming soon to make for an exciting showcase.
Konami
Somewhat of a surprise is that Konami will be attending Gamescom this year. Konami has largely receded from the gaming industry over the past few years, following the departure of Hideo Kojima and the cancellation ofSilent Hills.The company has been focusing most of its energy on Pachinko machines, and so their appearance at Gamescom is curious. Konami’s own announcement of attendance promises news oneFootballand aYu-Gi-Oh!trading card game,and it would be worth a watch to see if they have anything else up their sleeves.
EA
Similar to Ubisoft, EA already has some big game releases lined up, so there’s plenty that the publisher could show. A lot of fans will be very eager for news on the next installments in theDragon AgeandMass Effectseries, as well as the upcomingDead Spaceremake. As is customary, EA may have also some sports games new, like an update on thesoon-to-be-releasedFIFA 22.Battlefield 2042can also be expected.
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Activision
As news ofthe harassment scandal at Blizzarddevelops, the current release lineup for Activision is very unclear. Obviously, Activision has some really big properties, likeCall of Duty, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Overwatch, and more, so news on any of those franchises is possible. However, it will certainly be of note to see how Activision conducts itself following the scandal and the implications that the lawsuit will have for the gaming world more broadly.
Bandai Namco
With excitement for the upcomingcollaboration between George R. R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazakireaching new highs, Bandai Namco may be another showcase well worth watching. Again though, Bandai Namco has a number of different properties, so there could always be unexpected news. However, fans will almost certainly get the chance to see something new forElden Ring.
Notable Absences - PlayStation And Nintendo
Those hoping for some updates onGod of War: Ragnorokor the nextZeldagame will be disappointed to hear there has beenno announcement of either a Sonyor a Nintendo showcase. All is not lost though, as both companies may do their own announcements ahead of the Fall season, with there hopefully being a State of Play and Nintendo Direct sometime soon. It’s also very possible for non-exclusive releases to be incorporated in the opening for Gamescom, which is hosted by Geoff Keighley.
Future Games Show
The special edition ofthe Future Games show, created and hosted by staff at GamesRadar, promises to feature more than 40 games from a variety of publishers. It’s the first time this show will be at Gamescom, and it will be presented by the voice of Lady Dimitrescu fromResident Evil: Village,Maggie Robertson. The voice of the Duke from the same game, Aaron LaPlante, will also appear. This showcase event previously debuted at E3 2020, and will definitely be an essential watch for those who want to see a variety of different publishers, genres, and game styles.
The Full Lineup For Gamescom 2021
The full lineup of all confirmed appearances at Gamescom 2021 is as follows:
Overall, Gamescom 2021 promises to have something for everyone, regardless of what console they have or their specific genre interests. With a real slowdown on gaming news due to pandemic-related delays, this will be a great opportunity to get excited about the future of gaming. Paired withthe rapidly approaching QuakeCon, the next few months are set to paint a picture of what 2022 will look like for the gaming industry. Although everyone is still suffering from the restrictions of the past two years, not to mention some industry scandals over labor practices, it looks like 2022 could be a great year for gaming. There are a bunch of great releases coming in the latter half of this year to be excited for, too. Ultimately, what may be the most reassuring piece of news from all of this is that new and exciting games are on the way.
