- The commencement of the video game event is marked by gaming-themed pyrotechnics.
The Gamescom commences on August 22nd at the Koelnmesse, welcoming all attendees. Prior to the global video game expo's commencement, the Opening Night Live event took place on a Tuesday evening. More than 5,000 journalists, content creators, and visitors were present on site. Over 600,000 gamers watched the show hosted by Geoff Keighley (45) via live stream. On stage, he and his companions unveiled fresh material from highly anticipated games such as "Monster Hunter Wilds" and "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle".
Kickstarting the event: Shooter sequences
Keighley moved swiftly, pleased that the first game of the night hadn't been leaked online beforehand: "Borderlands 4". Although a non-descript trailer without gameplay footage was displayed from the latest installment of the role-playing looter shooter series, enthusiasts were given the news that the title would hit the stores soon.
Transitioning from one shooter to another, the creators of Raven Software appeared on stage to share a brief clip from the campaign of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6". Surprisingly subtle content was shown for a game in this renowned series, centered around espionage, stealth, and infiltration. The shooter action made a brief comeback at the end, dazzling the audience with its stunning light and shadow effects and tactical finesse during the gunfight.
Cinematic journey: "Dune Awakening" presents sandworms
Opening Night Live then ventured into space with a new trailer for "Dune Awakening". This video game draws inspiration from Frank Herbert's novels but tells its unique tale. Fans were treated to an action sequence to start, followed by an explanation of the game concept. Players venture to Arrakis, a desert planet, and their goal is to survive. Players can team up with others to establish their own settlements or seize control of existing ones. By helicopter or by trading with rival factions, players can explore Arrakis further. The iconic sandworms eventually make their dramatic entrance, offering assistance in combat. The game is planned for release on PC in early 2025.
From the sandstorms, the focus shifted to "Monster Hunter Wilds". One of the producers took the stage, accompanied by an interpreter, and revealed a new Japanese trailer that offered a glimpse into the game's story. The footage featured a battle against a monster, highlighting the combat animals that gamers can bring along for monster hunts. Adding to the excitement, one of the popular cooking sequences was showcased, a signature element of the series.
Netflix unveils sequel to "Squid Game"
Netflix stunned the audience by announcing a sequel to the indie game series "Monument Valley". The streaming giant followed up by showcasing a game based on their hit series "Squid Game". The game retains the challenges from the series but amplifies the chaos. In "Squid Game: Unleashed", players must evade lava, cesarean sections, and fellow adversaries.
Moderator Geoff Keighley then invited Peter Molyneux (65), creator of "Black & White", to the stage. He unveiled "Masters of Albion" for PC, a project under development for the past three years by 20 developers. The video begins with a shaky camera ride through a medieval village. During the day, players can cook for the villagers, manage the village, or design buildings. At night, the villagers must fend off monsters and safeguard the village.
Superhero showdown: "Marvel Rivals" and "Batman: Arkham Shadow"
Superhero fans were in for a treat. A trailer for the hero shooter "Marvel Rivals" featured Captain America and the Winter Soldier facing each other off. Doctor Doom made a brief appearance, and it was announced that the game will be released on December 6. Another trailer revealed the VR game "Batman: Arkham Shadow" for the Meta Quest 3. The title allows players to slip into Batman's suit, glide through Gotham City, and engage villains in combat. Detective work figures prominently in the game, with Batman tasked with hunting down the notorious "Rat King".
"Deadpool" director gleans series based on video games
"Deadpool" director Tim Miller (59) achieved another shocker. He announced a series titled "Secret Level" in collaboration with Prime Video, set to debut on the streaming service on December 10. Consisting of 15 episodes based on various games, including "God of War", "Ghosts of Tsushima", "Armored Core", and the classic role-playing game "Dungeons & Dragons".
Just before the close of the Opening Night Live, an iconic figure from film history appeared on the screens: Indiana Jones. New game material was unveiled for the approaching game "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" - featuring fan-favorite elements from the film series, such as exploring ruins, collecting artifacts, or even fist fights. As expected, a rolling boulder, which the archaeologist must evade, appeared in the clip. The game will be released on December 9 for PC and Xbox platforms, with a PlayStation 5 version slated for release in the spring of next year.
The final announcement of the evening was a short trailer for "Mafia: The Old Country". The video revealed few details about the new installment of the "Mafia" series - set in Sicily in the 20th century.
Squid Game enthusiasts were thrilled when Netflix announced a sequel to their hit series, featuring similar challenges but amplified chaos in the game titled "Squid Game: Unleashed". The new game will test players' abilities to evade dangerous obstacles and adversaries.
In the realm of film adaptations, director Tim Miller (59) collaborated with Prime Video to produce a series titled "Secret Level", based on various popular video games, including "Deadpool" director's favorite, "Dungeons & Dragons".
