Europe’s biggest video game convention begins tomorrow in Cologne, Germany, and it is shaping up to be a truly buzzworthy event. While Gamescom traditionally never had scheduled keynotes by major companies as E3 does, developers often take advantage of the spectator hype and sheer numbers in attendance by planning noteworthy reveals, offering tantalizing first-looks, and showcasing highly anticipated demos. This year is no exception; it actually looks to be one of the biggest years for the convention yet.
Nvidia started the week off with a huge bang, announcing – to nobody’s surprise – its next-generation RTX 2000 line that boasts capabilities far beyond its predecessors. Prominent upcoming titles such as Metro: Exodus, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Sekiro, and Life is Strange 2 have also made their splash with official Gamescom trailers in preparation for the festivities to come. Taking a page out of the Video Game Awards book of nonstop reveals, Gamescom has announced that the Opening Ceremony Tuesday morning will largely consist of special world premieres by notable companies.
THQ Nordic is planning to unveil a new title, while Blizzard Entertainment has something new up its sleeve as well. Though Square Enix has released the trailer for Life is Strange 2 a day early, its presentation will hopefully give a first look at some meaty gameplay footage. Bandai Namco and Deep Silver have also teased plans to reveal brand new content, with the latter planning a much anticipated, and long overdue, look at Shenmue III. Alongside a playable demo for Devil May Cry 5, Ubisoft has also thrown its hat in the Opening Ceremony ring with a global premiere of its own. As if the first day weren’t packed enough, Microsoft will be broadcasting a special “Inside Xbox” stream that morning, while CD Projekt Red will give an update on its surprise E3 reveal, Cyberpunk 2077.
Gamescom will kick off Tuesday, August 21 at 11 a.m. CEST, or 2 a.m. PDT/ 5 a.m. EDT.