Gamescom 2024 is wrapping up. In other words, I’m wrapping up our observations and coverage of it with going over the ten most interesting games (in my humble opinion) from the exhibition.
Gamescom 2024 – what a time! Ranging from a couple surprise announcements and listening to some divisive comments about Xbox games’ future exclusivity, it’s been a fun time! While I wasn’t able to go in-person (maybe one day!), watching and absorbing the gaming content was satisfying enough.
Just when I thought my gaming list was long enough, there were a few surprise additions that actually made their way onto this list! Some games I anticipated would be great shows; one or two games, I actively didn’t care for (and really wasn’t going to even think about purchasing) until watching more footage from Gamescom. While Gamescom, and other similar shows, are large scale marketing events, they do a great job in giving exposure to so many games and not only large AAA games, but a plethora of indie games too (a couple are even on here!)
So without further ado, let’s dig into some of the most exciting games from Gamescom 2024!
10. Dune: Awakening
Release Date: TBA 2025
I won’t lie, Dune: Awakening wasn’t even close to my radar when I heard about it first. The Dune movies were interesting enough, but I didn’t think it warranted any modern games to spawn from the franchise.
I’ll admit I was wrong though!
Awakening looks to be in the same vein as Conan Exiles, which I found pretty decent fun. Set in an alternate universe where Paul Atreides never existed, Dune still has the core concept of having player hunt down and control spice. Survival games are plenty nowadays, survival MMOs a little less so. Awakening combines the survival MMO gameplay with a vast, living open world and really fantastic looking combat.
I’ve played Rust (especially in the early years of it), Exiles, Ark: Survival Evolved. They all brought a fresh coat of paint on the genre. However, Dune: Awakening looks to crank it to 11, and I really can’t wait to see more of it in the future.
9. Kingdom Come Deliverance II
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II was a little surprise in this showcase. I enjoyed the nuance of the first one, and medieval themed games, in my opinion, are pretty rad. So seeing this debut was a great treat.
Everything in this sequel looks incredible, from the graphical details to a robust looking combat system. New styles of gameplay have been introduced for weapons such as maces for crushing and crossbows for more ranged encounters. Even very early firearms will be used to change up gameplay. Quest design seems to have the same level of choice and detail as its predecessor too, which is great to see.
The story itself continues to follow Henry of Skalitz and his own personal journey to fight a new set of invaders to Bohemia. The developers, Warhorse Studios, are sure to provide a fantastical experience with a map that is reportedly twice as large as the original map. And personally, I can’t wait to explore in the next year or so.
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Alright, admittedly, I’ve tried to get back on the Call of Duty train on and off over the past decade. I stopped playing awhile after Black Ops 2 in 2012. Then, Modern Warfare (2019) got me back on for a period of time, Cold War kept be there a bit longer, and then I was lost afterwards.
Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 may just pull me back in. The new omnidirectional movement system looks like an actually game changer. For the uninitiated, this allows the player to sprint and dive in any direction instead of just forward.
Additionally, Zombies mode makes a return to round-based gameplay, which I have missed for awhile since Cold War. No official details have been disclosed for the multiplayer modes, but details and videos have leaked with gameplay.
Early Access for the Beta actually begins on August 30th to September 4th, allowing those who have pre-ordered and ANY GamePass holder automatic access to the Beta. Afterwards, an Open Beta will run from September 6th to September 9th. So really, we’ll have loads of details to talk about in the next couple weeks, and I’m looking forward to it.
7. Borderlands 4
Release Date: TBA 2025
Borderlands 1 and 2 have some of my favorite gaming memories of all time. I killed so much time with friends, even my dad, playing through them. But Borderlands 3 and The Pre-Sequel just didn’t do it for me for some reasons. I’m hoping Borderlands 4 can reignite that fire.
I will say, the timing of this announcement is either one of two things:
A) The developers, Gearbox, are tone deaf to the recent vehemently negative reception of the recent Borderlands movie
B) This game announcement is a Hail Mary to try and recoup some of the trust lost from the player base because of the movie.
Either way, this announcement seems either too ironic or too coincidental. Regardless, I believe it revolves around the movies one way or another.
There aren’t a lot of details on the newest entry quite yet, only a teaser trailer from Gamescom’s Opening Night Live. I’m (maybe foolishly) optimistic about Borderlands 4. Let’s just go back to basics, take a look at 1 and 2, and work from there. Focus having fun, engaging classes and gameplay and realllllly zany weapon drops.
Please, Gearbox, make us a good Borderlands game again.
6. Herdling
Release Date: TBA 2025
Herdling came as a really pleasant surprise in the Opening Night Live game showcase. The developer, Panic, also gave us games like Thank Goodness You’re Here, Untitled Goose Game, and Firewatch.
Now, this may be a guess, but I don’t think we’re looking at a game that captures the chaos of being a silly little goose. Instead, Herdling seems more akin to Firewatch, looking to be a more personal, quiet yet captivating journey. Add light puzzling and mystery to the journey of herding a bunch of large, furry creatures, and you’ve got a nice little story to tell.
There’s something about Herdling I enjoy watching. I think it’s just the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful art style and landscapes shown through the trailer. It looks simple but elegant, and probably a game which I’ll end up getting when I’m needing to wind down for the evening.
5. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Release Date: October 10, 2024
I’m an absolute sucker for Dragon Ball and its various forms of media. And I’ve played plenty of game entries ranging from The Legacy of Goku to each entry of Budokai, the Xenoverse games, all the way to FighterZ and Kakarot.
I can’t express how excited I am for Sparking! Zero. I came into Gamescom knowing this would still be a top game I’m looking forward to, and called it confirmation bias, but I was right. It’s been 15 long years since the last Budokai Tenkaichi game, widely regarded as the best of all of the Dragon Ball games; Sparking! Zero is essentially the sequel to this particular series.
Sparking! Zero is build on Unreal Engine 5, giving way to incredibly great looking assets, highly destructible environments, and very responsive combat systems. An Episodes mode allows players to play through each of the Dragon Ball sagas (except original Dragon Ball – maybe DLC?) and have alternate events occur too. Instead of Goku and Gohan doing the Father-Son Kamehameha against Perfect Cell…what if it’s Future Trunks and Vegeta?!
It’s small “what if” things like that Dragon Ball fans have been wanting for some time in these games. I’ll need to exercise a LOT of patience for this one, because I’m chomping at the bit for this one!
4. Civilization VII
Release Date: February 11, 2025
I’ve spent over 100 hours (which pales in comparison to some) on Civilization V. I love the game, I just have 400+ other games on a backlog on multiple systems. I failed to get into Civilization VI due to the base game, upon release, being less strategic than V. I’ve heard that since its initial release, the DLC have made it much more engaging with new systems. What I hope is that Civilization VII has this complexity baked into the base game, and then grow further from there.
Gone are the needs for micromanaging workers per city and citizen management. Ages change the pacing of the gameplay, making each phase almost a short game in itself. Everything seems to be a bit more engaging. There’s a bit of division though, as it seems like civilizations can have a leader from any other civilizations. I think it’s a neat change up and can provide some more unusual mixes of gameplay styles between leader and civilization, but we’ll see what happens.
If anything, Civilization VII is making me want to get into Civilization VI, which will consume even more of my life. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but it makes me want more Civ in general.
3. The First Berserker: Khazan
Release Date: TBA 2025
The First Berserker: Khazan was an absolute surprise, and a welcome one. I’m about already sold with the protagonist, Khazan, being voiced by Ben Starr, who most recently voiced Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI (and did such a phenomenal job).
The combat in Khazan looks meaty and full of impact and grit. It’s actiony but also strategic as any action-RPG could be. The art style is colorful, yet grim and dark. The cel-shading in this kind of dark fantasy background makes everything have a certain pop to it, and I’m all for it.
Not a whole lot is known about the game just yet, but I think this might be one of my most anticipated games coming out of Gamescom. A technical closed beta will run from October 11-19, so sign up now for it if you want a chance to try out Khazan before anyone else does.
2. Path of Exile II
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Here’s the deal: I LOVE loot in games (when it’s balanced right). Diablo. Borderlands. Destiny. I love it. Path of Exile II does more than just give loot; it gives an experience. Similar to the Diablo series, Path of Exile is an isometric dungeon crawler ARPG with lots of customization on character skills and abilities.
From what we’ve seen, there’s a few differences between the original Path of Exile and the sequel. For starters, there’s a little less emphasis on plot and story and much more emphasis on class/skill building. With a total of 12 different classes, and each class being able to wield a multitude of weapons, the combinations are endless. If you want a Shapeshifting Druid, you could also make it utilize arrows to supplement it’s ranged capacity. IT’s really nice to have near absolute flexibility on your build.
Diablo 4 is in a decent place now with the upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion; however, if you feel like the overall customization is still a bit lacking (it is), then Path of Exile 2 may be what you need. It’s a little more complex but worth tackling the learning curve.
1. Monster Hunter Wilds
Release Date: TBA 2025
Essentially the winner of Gamescom 2024 (and my heart) is Monster Hunter: Wilds. In no form or capacity do I consider myself a Monster Hunter fan; but everything I saw coming from this game is calling to me. I love good boss battles; I love a strategic combat system. And this game has each of these in spades. The loop is still the same as previous entries; kill monsters, craft gear from their carcasses, kill stronger monsters, craft stronger gear.
Everything about Wilds seems like a step up from Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter: Rise. Transitioning from area to area is seamless, making load times minimal, and each locale looks stunningly varied and beautiful. The new grappling hook mechanic and Focus Mode make the game even more accessible to newer players and old players alike.
With 14 weapons to choose from, play styles of all sorts can be created. If you enjoy up close and personal, you can go classic Great Sword or the versatile Charge Blade. If you prefer to slay monsters from a distance, you could access to the hybrid Gunlance or any variety of bows and crossbows. The options are near endless. Personally, I can’t wait to try them all out as soon as the game drops.
And that’s the list! What were some of your favorite games showcased in Gamescom 2024? Any ones make it on here? Feel free to comment below or join the fun on X! Happy Gaming!
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