Over the last few decades, the gaming industry has grown exponentially. From home consoles to the PC market and even mobile gaming, the industry continues to push its boundaries. As it does, more high-profile events like The Game Awards crop up, each of which announces a slew of new experiences. While it may not be the oldest convention, Gamescom is certainly one of biggest.
In 2022, Geoff Keighley hosted his own Summer Games Fest event and Gamescom Opening Night Live, with plans to host his Game Awards at the end of the year. His Gamescom opener was a packed two-hour live event full of new game reveals and looks at some highly anticipated titles. From reveals like Atlas Fallen to long-awaited titles such as Hogwarts Legacy, Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022 seemingly had something for everyone.
Everywhere
The first Gamescom World Premiere came in strong with an ambitious title called Everywhere. After a vague trailer, the game's director hinted that the game may be like a Dreams-esque, GTA-inspired experience that mixes a variety of different genres.
Dune Awakening
Another World Premiere, Dune Awakening had an impressive-looking cinematic trailer, capturing the same lofty aesthetics of the recent Dune movie. The final title card read that Dune Awakening will be an open-world survival MMO, which suits the sci-fi saga perfectly by presenting an explorable universe with Sandworms and Freemen throughout.
The Callisto Protocol
Though The Callisto Protocol has had a few trailers so far, this latest one was by far the most impressive, showing a new feature called "Mutations" in which the game's monstrous foes can transform into even worse abominations if the player doesn't dispatch them fast enough. While Dead Space DNA is very much present, this trailer showed more unique mechanics like a stealth takedown, and more of an emphasis on melee combat - including a dodge mechanic. If this trailer is anything to go by, it seems like The Callisto Protocol may have some more cinematic sequences, most of which will likely end in viscera being strewn across the screen.
The Lords of the Fallen
The first Lords of the Fallen was one of the earliest, and arguably one of the most disappointing Soulslikes. While it may have dropped the number from its title, this new Lords of the Fallen is certainly a sequel, though the cinematic trailer doesn't give a great indication as to what's changing.
Moving Out 2
A sequel to one of the most chaotic co-op games in recent years, Moving Out 2 looks to be upping the ante and providing even more wild environments for players to move furniture through. For any fans of Overcooked, Moving Out is certainly a series worth checking out.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy received a new trailer in which players got a good look at the Forbidden Forest, as well as some new mystical creatures. It was also confirmed that the unforgivable curses, along with some other dark magic spells, will be in the game, with the player-character choosing to either learn the Cruciatus curse or have it used on them. The long-rumored Thestral mount has also been confirmed, along with a slew of other pre-order bonuses.
New Tales From The Borderlands
In a controversial move, Randy Pitchford took to the stage to announce the upcoming New Tales From The Borderlands, a narrative-driven series originally helmed by Telltale. An October 21 release date was provided for the game, which sees a new group of three loudmouthed misfits attempt to break into a Vault - the usual Borderlands fare.
Dying Light 2 - Bloody Ties
Dying Light 2's first paid story DLC showed off a new gladiatorial-like arena. A few creatively chaotic weapons were also on display, and the DLC received a release date of October 13, fitting Techland's five-year roadmap well.
Sonic Frontiers
The rather divisive Sonic Frontiers got a trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022. This trailer looked significantly more colorful than the last few, with some vibrant environments being showcased, most of which made the odd floating platform design look relatively normal. A November 8 release date for Sonic Frontiers was also finally confirmed.
Under The Waves
A new game published by Quantic Dream, Under The Waves is yet another narrative-driven adventure revolving around an underwater deep diver, set against the backdrop of a 1970s techno-futuristic environment. As players explore the wrecks and caves underneath the ocean, they'll learn more about main character Stan's grief.