Gamescom 2024, held in Cologne, Germany, was a must-attend event for gamers and developers alike. As expected, this year's show had exciting announcements, jaw-dropping trailers, and hands-on demos.
Let's take a look at some of the standout titles that made waves at this year's event.
Blockbuster Sequels
Gamescom 2024 saw some exciting highly anticipated sequels. Borderlands 4, the latest installment in the beloved looter-shooter franchise, made its official debut with an interesting teaser. While gameplay details were scarce, the brief glimpse of Pandora hurtling through a crystal rift has opened speculations about what's to come next year.
The Call of Duty franchise showcased Black Ops 6, set against the backdrop of the Gulf War. The gameplay demo promised a thrilling single-player campaign filled with intense action sequences. With its "omnimovement" system and cinematic set pieces, Black Ops 6 promises to recapture interest in the series' storytelling.
For space exploration enthusiasts, Starfield: Shattered Space is just around the corner. This expansion to Bethesda's ambitious space RPG promises to go deeper into the mysterious House Va'ruun faction. Players will be invited into new worlds when it launches on September 30.
Reimagined Classics
While sequels dominated headlines, Gamescom 2024 also shone a spotlight on exciting new properties and reinventions of classic franchises.
Dune: Awakening caught the eye of many attendees with its promise of an open-world Arrakis to explore. Set for release in 2025, this ambitious title aims to bring Frank Herbert's sci-fi universe to life like never before, complete with sandworm encounters and factional politics. Joel Bylos, Chief Creative Officer of Funcom, emphasized the game's focus on political survival in a vast, hostile world.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle proved that the legendary archaeologist still has plenty of adventure left in him. The game promises to put players directly in Indy's well-worn boots as they crack whips, solve puzzles, and outrun boulders across the globe. It is set for release on December 9, 2024, for Xbox and PC (with a PS5 version coming in Spring 2025).
Surprise, surprise. The Mafia series will be taking players back to the turn of the 20th century with Mafia: The Old Country. This Sicilian-set prequel is going to explore the origins of organized crime, promising a deep, narrative-driven experience that fans of the series have come to expect.
Innovative Gameplay and New Technologies
Gamescom 2024 also showcased games pushing the boundaries of gameplay and technology.
Marvel Rivals is stepping into the hero-shooter arena with its roster of beloved Marvel characters. The promise of destructible environments and synergized ultimate abilities has many wondering if this could be the next big competitive multiplayer hit.
For those seeking a more cerebral experience, Civilization VII is evolving the legendary strategy series with a new approach to empire-building. The game is divided into three distinct ages and promises to keep players engaged throughout the centuries of play. It. launches on February 11, 2025, for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Virtual reality enthusiasts also have reason to celebrate with Batman: Arkham Shadow. This VR entry in the acclaimed Arkham series promises immersive detective work and bone-crunching combat. It is set to release this October for Meta Quest 3.
Indie Darlings and Unexpected Gems
While the AAA titles grabbed most of the headlines, the indie scene didn't come to play at Gamescom 2024. Well, practically, they did.
Monument Valley 3, now a Netflix exclusive, continues to push the boundaries of mobile puzzle design with its breathtaking impossible architecture.
Phantom Blade Zero turned heads with its stylish blend of wuxia swordplay and sleek, futuristic aesthetics. The fluid combat and stunning visuals have drawn comparisons to critically acclaimed titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Elden Ring.
Funko Fusion surprised many with its quality, proving to be far better than expected. This third-person action platformer brings beloved franchises like Hot Fuzz and The Umbrella Academy into the Funko world.
The First Berserker: Khazan impressed with its cell-shaded visuals and challenging gameplay, positioning itself as a strong contender in the hardcore action RPG genre. A closed beta is forthcoming in October.
Wrapping Things Up
The best games at Gamescom 2024 demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries, whether through storytelling, gameplay mechanics, or technological innovation. While we wait for releases, the titles showcased at this year's event promise to deliver experiences that will captivate, challenge, and inspire players around the world.