Gamescom 2025 Recap: 33 Things We Learned

I’m back from my first trip to Gamescom 2025 – a sort of pilgrimage to gaming makkah. Officially, I was attending the conference with JBL as they launched their new Quantum headsets, but I also got to wander the floors and taking in the other big news from the event.

The standout announcements from the show floor covered everything from highly anticipated sequels to surprising new IP. Here are the major game reveals that caught my attention:

Reanimal

I have no idea why this game wasn’t on my radar. Nor can I explain how, with just seeing the stand at Gamecom 2025 I knew it was my jam.

Reanimal is a coop horror (my other half will take some convincing) adventure game from Tarsier Studios, the developers behind Little Nightmares. Revealed at Gamescom 2024, Reanimal places you in the role of orphaned siblings journeying across a dark, nightmarish island to rescue their missing friends.

The gameplay alternates between land and boat exploration, pushing players to solve environmental puzzles, evade grotesque enemies, and uncover the island’s fragmented stories. Notable for its shared-camera system, the game intensifies claustrophobia and tension by ensuring both players must stick together, whether playing solo or online/local co-op.

Reanimal’s art direction is both haunting and beautiful, combining twisted monster designs with emotional, child-like protagonists whose troubled pasts influence the narrative and creature design. Tarsier’s story-driven touch ensures a world brimming with atmosphere, where hope flickers against overwhelming dread.

The game launches Q1 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC – you can wishlist now.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

The latest installment in the long-running franchise, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, was officially revealed at Gamescom 2025 with huge anticipation. The game features a co-operative campaign set in a dystopian 2035, offering players a blend of solo and squad experiences.

Trailers showed off mind-bending, Inception-inspired visual effects, such as highways suspended in midair and folded cities, hinting at surreal narrative twists and advanced technology in the campaign. Black Ops 7 introduces a major PvE multiplayer mode, allowing teams to explore expansive environments and complete objectives together.

Preorders are now open, with the Vault Edition including special extras. Further details will be announced at a dedicated Call of Duty Direct on September 30.

Ghost of Yotei Sequel

A major highlight was the announcement of the Ghost of Yotei, a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima – a game that utterly consumed my life for a time. Ghost of Yotei is set for release on October 2nd 2025, hopefully expanding on the critical success of its predecessor. The sequel promises a richer open-world experience with a unique blend of stealth and swordplay, inspired by Japanese folklore.

What appealed to me with the original is the storytelling and gaming play striking an symbiotic balance resulting in a wonderful experience.

The update revealed enhanced graphics and new gameplay mechanics, along with confirmation the returning Legends multiplayer mode scheduled for a 2026 launch. Fans of immersive, story-driven samurai action have a lot to look forward to as the series deepens its exploration of myth and history.

This is a top game for me in 2025.

JBL Unveils 5 New Audio Accessories, Including Gaming Headsets

New quantum headsets revealed on stage at gamescom

JBL’s Gamescom 2025 announcements include three new Quantum gaming headsets, all powered by the upgraded QuantumENGINE offering enhanced spatial audio and comfort-focused designs. The flagship Quantum 950 brings active noise cancelling, 3D head tracking, and a wireless base/charging dock. The Quantum 650 offers a strong mid-range wireless option, while the budget-friendly Quantum 250 keeps pro-level sound in a wired package.

Beyond gaming, JBL also introduced two new open-ear lifestyle headphones: the lightweight Soundgear CLIPS and the premium Sense Pro, both packed with advanced audio tech and long battery life. Most models will launch in a range of colors from autumn 2025. For in-depth specs and pricing, check the full Goosed.ie article.

Resident Evil: Requiem

Capcom returned to their horror roots with Resident Evil: Requiem, one of the most anticipated reveals at Gamescom. The Resi booth was stunning and you can just tell it’s one of the main things people had on their list to visit.

The atmospheric trailers introduced Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent grappling with her haunted past, with story cues involving family secrets and chilling supernatural threats. The game’s gripping setting and classic horror ambiance were showcased as Grace navigates mysterious phone calls, power outages, and enigmatic family members.

Scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Steam, Requiem looks set to deliver nerve-wracking tension and emotional storytelling in the Resident Evil tradition.

Black Myth: Zhong Kui

Game Science announced their follow-up to Black Myth: Wukong with Black Myth: Zhong Kui, based on the Chinese deity known as the “Demon Queller.” This supernatural action-RPG takes place in the underworld, where players control Zhong Kui as he maintains the balance between the mortal world and the realm of demons.

The combat system introduces possession mechanics, allowing players to temporarily control defeated demon enemies and use their unique abilities. The art direction is stunning, featuring traditional Chinese artwork brought to life with cutting-edge graphics technology. Early gameplay footage showed massive boss battles against creatures from Chinese mythology, each requiring different strategies to defeat.

I was in China earlier this year and can confirm this game is absolutely massive over there, with ever-growing popularity globally. This is right at the top of my list of games I know I need to check out.

Irish Games at Gamescom 2025

As is the tradition at any massive tech event, I found the Irish representatives. They are in the Indie Arena in Hall 10, under the umbrella of Northern Ireland Screen and well worth a visit with three games on show.

Mars Attracts

Outlier Games is an independent video game development studio based across both Dublin, Ireland, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. They were at Gamescom with Mars Attracts, an officially licensed theme-park manager game based on the Mars Attacks franchise.

I can’t explain why, but along with Reanimal, this game stood out to me, personally, as one I’m most looking forward to. But I shouldn’t be surprised given how much I loved theme park games back in the day.

Travel Pack

Travel Pack! is a light puzzle narrative game developed and published by family-friendly studio Blackstaff Games. It draws inspiration from tabletop board games and travel, centering on a young traveller venturing out into a pocket-sized world of tiles, terrains, and colorful characters.

The game combines elements of adventure, casual play, puzzles, and board game mechanics. It is designed to evoke the fun and portability of traditional travel game packs, but in a digital format. Travel Pack! is expected to launch in 2026. It’s colourful and playful, with one of the team behind the game telling me he even cut out physical tiles for play testing the game.

Smash and Grab

Smash ‘N Grab is a chaotic heist game developed by SLAP-BANG! Digital, an indie studio based in Belfast. The game stars a dynamic duo, Smash (a robot) and Grab (a raccoon)—who are literally tied together by a rope as they pull off explosive, high-energy heists.

Gameplay centers on fast-paced, destructive beat ’em up action: you can smash through breakable environments, toss Grab to reel in enemies and valuables, grapple across levels, take down guards, and find creative shortcuts. The more chaos you cause by smashing valuables, the more precious seconds you add to your time, speed and destruction are key!

The team brought a playable vertical slice to Gamescom 2025, hoping to attract players, feedback, and a publishing partner. The game features a striking art style with major inspirations drawn from titles like Sly Raccoon and Ape Out, and it’s actively being wishlisted on Steam.

Northern Ireland Screen is the national screen agency for Northern Ireland. Its main purpose is to promote and support the development of a sustainable film, animation, and television production industry within Northern Ireland.

Cronos: The New Dawn

Polish studio Bloober Team, fresh off the success of Silent Hill 2 Remake, is set to launch Cronos: The New Dawn, a sci-fi survival horror game inspired by the genre’s roots. Players control “The Traveler” of The Collective, facing intense resource management, brutal combat, and branching story choices while uncovering a dark mystery.

Dangerous creatures called Orphans can merge with fallen monsters, creating deadlier threats, players must use their arsenal, especially a flamethrower, to prevent this. Cronos: The New Dawn releases on September 5th, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

Lords of the Fallen 2

Hexworks revealed that “soulslike” Lords of the Fallen 2 will expand significantly on the dual-realm concept introduced in the 2023 reboot. The sequel introduces a third realm – the “Shattered Plane” – where pieces of both worlds collide in chaotic, ever-changing environments.

The new magic system allows players to manipulate the boundaries between realms, creating bridges, barriers, and even pulling enemies from one dimension to another mid-combat. The character progression system has been completely overhauled with branching class trees that adapt based on which realm you spend the most time exploring. Co-op functionality has also been expanded to support up to three players across all three realms simultaneously.

No date yet for this, just that it’s coming in 2026.

Ninja Gaiden 4

Team Ninja’s legendary action series returns with Ninja Gaiden 4, impressing Gamescom ONL viewers with a cinematic story trailer and high-velocity gameplay. This sequel brings back Ryu Hayabusa, introduces Yakumo of the Raven Clan, and showcases brutal, stylish combat that rewards mastery and quick reflexes. Set for release on October 21, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Ninja Gaiden 4 promises hardcore fans a worthy new challenge and instant access for Game Pass users.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

The buzz around this game is massive, possible because a little more news has emerged after six years of anticipation.

Team Cherry finally brought a demo and new trailer for Hollow Knight: Silksong to Gamescom 2025, confirming a Christmas release window. While the playable demo echoes one shown in 2019, it demonstrates how much the game has been polished and refined over time.

Players at the event praised its faster-paced action, expanded movement options, and lush new environment, Moss Grotto, where Hornet’s journey begins. The Gamescom reveal ended speculation and officially locked down Silksong’s launch for this year, much to the delight of Metroidvania fans worldwide.

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

A bit of a surprise entry was this complete LEGO celebration of Batman. The world premiere of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight unveiled an imaginative title covering all eras of Batman, blending TT Games’ signature Lego humour and accessible puzzles with deep cut references from decades of Batman comics, TV, and film.

The game promises open-world Gotham exploration, with switching playable characters and fan-favourite Bat vehicles. Notably, Matt Berry lends his voice as Bane, adding further charm to the roster of iconic villains.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 system, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store and you can wishlist now.

The Outer Worlds 2

Obsidian’s sci-fi RPG returns with The Outer Worlds 2, getting a grand showing at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025. The reveal highlighted new companions, the Arcadia star system, and a story rife with corporate overreach, space rifts, and competing factions. The trailer teased improved visuals, more player choice, and a sprawling adventure launching October 29 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with Game Pass access included at launch.

Fallout TV Series: Season 2

There’s more to Gamescom than “just” games as the event also played host to the premiere of the Fallout TV show’s Season 2 trailer. Naturally, it does make sense given this is one of the great game-cum-TV shows in history, drawing massive buzz from both gamers and streaming audiences.

The next chapter takes vault-dweller Lucy and the Ghoul to the Mojave, recreating the beloved New Vegas setting from Fallout gaming lore – where I fell in love with the franchise (I was late to it). The action escalates as Caesar’s Legion, Deathclaws, and the Brotherhood of Steel all appear, raising the stakes substantially. Iconic New Vegas character Mr. House joins the storyline, while Season 2’s move to weekly episode releases (starting December 17, 2025, on Prime Video) promises a more suspenseful viewing experience.

World of Warcraft: Midnight Expansion

Blizzard made headlines with the announcement of World of Warcraft’s next expansion, Midnight. The Onl deep dive showcased the return to Quel’Thalas, elven alliances, and the rise of the Void as a central threat. Player housing, new campaign zones, and sweeping PvE changes were demonstrated across live panels and cinematic reveals.

The expansion is scheduled for 2026, kicking off a new era in the MMO’s evolving narrative.


Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4

A huge announcement for strategy fans came at Gamescom ONL 2025 with the reveal of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4. This entry, developed by KING Art and published by Deep Silver, marks the franchise’s return to large-scale, base-building real-time strategy, now featuring four distinct factions, including the fan-favorite Adeptus Mechanicus.

Players will battle for the fate of Kronus in a campaign of more than 70 missions, with Last Stand, Skirmish, and robust multiplayer support. The launch trailer was packed with classic Warhammer grimdark action and larger-than-life battles poised to make 2026 a defining year for the series.

Monster Hunter Wilds x Final Fantasy XIV Collaboration

A major crossover surprised viewers at Gamescom ONL as Capcom and Square Enix announced Monster Hunter Wilds would host an expansive crossover event featuring Final Fantasy XIV.

Players will ride Chocobos, battle iconic Final Fantasy monsters, and enjoy Palico and Moogle cosmetics. The event, playable on all supported platforms, brings a fresh blend of two beloved universes for a limited run beginning late September 2025.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando

Horror icon John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando electrified the Gamescom crowd with its debut at ONL. This cooperative shooter thrusts players into a world overrun by mutated horrors, blending 1980s action and horror themes.

The gameplay trailer showcased vehicular combat, massive enemy hordes, and classes tailored for fast-paced co-op chaos. Toxic Commando is targeting an early 2026 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Death by Scrolling

Ron Gilbert created my favourite game of all time; Monkey Island. So it was music to my ears to hear he was at Gamescom 2025, even if he is offering something completely different in Death by Scrolling. This is a unique roguelike action RPG where players must race upward through a constantly vertically scrolling world set in a tongue-in-cheek vision of Purgatory. The screen never stops moving, and if you hesitate or fail to stay ahead, the Grim Reaper will catch up and end your run.

You’ll choose from multiple quirky playable characters, each with unique abilities and perks, tackling monsters and obstacles while collecting gold, your only way to pay the Ferryman and finally escape the afterlife. The pixel-art game features classic top-down combat reminiscent of Zelda, but with a heavy emphasis on speed, twitch reflexes, and strategic upgrades after each run. True to Ron Gilbert’s legacy, expect witty writing, plenty of puns, and playful subversions of roguelike (and afterlife) tropes.

The game is being developed by Terrible Toybox and published by MicroProse, with a release planned for late 2025 on PC.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Capcom revived its iconic samurai action series with the announcement of Onimusha: Way of the Sword at Gamescom ONL 2025. The world premiere trailer revealed a narrative that blends dark Sengoku era myth with supernatural enemies and lightning-powered swordplay.

Players can expect a return to puzzle-solving, atmospheric exploration, and brutal Genma demon combat, with new powers granted by the mystical Oni Gauntlet. Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Cinder City

NCSoft’s Cinder City made a strong debut at Gamescom ONL with an explosive trailer showcasing a tactical MMO shooter set in a post-apocalyptic metropolis. Combining mechs, futuristic soldiers, and destructible cityscapes, Cinder City looks to deliver squad-based action and grand-scale battles, both PvE and PvP.

Early impressions from gameplay footage highlight the game’s advanced graphics, futuristic arsenal, and team strategy—expected in 2026 for PC and consoles.

Project Spectrum

A standout new reveal, Project Spectrum is a PvPvE horror tactics shooter from the creators of Delta Force, shown for the first time at Gamescom ONL. The atmospheric trailer blended supernatural threats, squad strategy, and mysterious loss-driven storytelling—focusing on hunters and monsters in a landscape altered by violence.

Players can expect intense encounters and shifting gameplay roles between hunter and hunted as the project nears beta in late 2025.

Everwind

Everwind turned heads at Gamescom ONL 2025 with its ambitious vision of survival and adventure on flying island-ships. Players gather resources, craft gear, and explore a floating landscape filled with mysteries, enemies, and environmental challenges, all while building and customising unique homes atop their soaring vessels. Cooperative gameplay is at the core, letting friends team up for exploration and base-building above the clouds.

Everwind will launch first for PC, with more platforms possible down the line.

Enshrouded: Wake of the Water Update

Enshrouded showcased its “Wake of the Water” expansion at Gamescom ONL, introducing a massive new water biome and aquatic exploration to the early-access survival hit.

Players will dive beneath shimmering surfaces, explore caves, and harness new fishing and building mechanics. The update promises fresh threats, resources, and radically expanded possibilities for collaborative base-building. Wake of the Water arrves in October, further evolving Enshrouded’s world for newcomers and veterans alike.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault made its debut at Gamescom Opening Night Live, revealing a leap from pixel art to 3D and introducing a wide array of new dungeon biomes, enemies, and expanded shopkeeping mechanics.

The sequel retains its beloved “shopkeeper by day, dungeon-crawler by night” gameplay, adding new perspectives, customizable shops, and more complex town interactions. Early Access kicks off October 23, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Road Kings (Truck Simulator)

Road Kings rolled out at Gamescom ONL as the next-generation truck driving simulation from Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment. Players start as rookie drivers and progress to seasoned owner-operators, managing a haulage business across the richly detailed American South.

The trailer showed dynamic weather hazards, business management, and iconic branded trucks, all wrapped in a cinematic Americana road-trip style, a launch is set for 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. This game is set to whet the appetites of the ever-growing cohort of truck sim fans out there.

Sekiro: No Defeat

FromSoftware’s acclaimed action game is getting an anime adaptation, Sekiro: No Defea, announced at Gamescom ONL. Produced by Qzil.la Studios with direction by Kenichi Kutsuna and the game’s voice cast returning, the show will closely follow Wolf’s journey to protect the Divine Heir and topple Ashina’s threats.

The reveal trailer showed iconic boss duels and a lush, painterly art style. Sekiro: No Defeat will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll in 2026.

Written by

Marty
Martyhttps://muckrack.com/marty-goosed
Founding Editor of Goosed, Marty is a massive fan of tech making life easier. You'll often find him testing something new, brewing beer or finding some new foodie spots in Dublin, Ireland. - Find me on Threads

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