Recap of a Record Breaker: Gamescom 2024

The biggest gaming convention in the world just got even bigger. More than 335,000 visitors streamed through the doors of Gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany in search of excitement, innovation, and interaction with the latest and greatest in gaming. A further 310 million engaged online. Now that we’ve touched down after a mind-expanding, wishlist-enhancing experience, we want to share with you the most-anticipated titles coming your way.

Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy fans have been on tenterhooks ever since a very subtle hint was dropped by voice actor Stewart Clarke that something would happen at Gamescom, and that something was widely thought to be that FFXVI might finally be confirmed for PC. Well, we’re not calling it manifesting, but that’s exactly what did happen. Square Enix announced a September 17 release date for Deliverance, the first fully fledged action RPG in the mainline series. War is coming; you must make ready. 

Pre-purchase Final Fantasy XVI on Steam

Watch the new trailer

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

You built an empire, you forged alliances, you went into the past and beyond earth, and you weathered a few revolutions along the way. Are you ready for the next stage? Developer Firaxis chose Gamescom as the perfect place to announce Civilization VII. Additions include new Tribe and Plague systems, an enhanced combat system, and World Congress (more of a much-wanted return). For the first time, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization—imagine the possibilities of that, ancient leaders with modern technologies, or vice versa. Firaxis say the release date is February 11, 2025. There’s never been a better time to build something you believe in.

Pre-order Sid Meier’s Civilization VII on Steam

Redacted

You think you’ve developed every possible defense against a zombie outbreak? Well, what if one happened in a max-security facility? On another planet? Yep, you’re locked down in The Callisto Protocol’s Black Iron Prison, and there’s one remaining escape pod. You have to navigate not only a containment unit bursting with zombies, but your fellow uninfected who are just as desperate to get out. And you may even run into a zombie version of yourself. As developers Striking Distance Studios said here about the game: “Death is the opportunity to come back stronger.”

Redacted official gameplay

Dune Awakening

Gamescom was the site of the world premiere of gameplay footage from Dune Awakening, via developer Funcom. Those familiar with Frank Herbert’s source-novel Dune will understand right away why there are two methods of harvesting flower sand; one quieter than the other. Hint, you don’t want to waken those pesky sand worms. Both faithful and innovative, this is a reinvention that draws on classic lore and also welcomes new converts with open arms. As they say: “The path is yours to choose.” Spice up your life from early 2025.

Dune Awakening Gameplay Footage at Gamescom 2024

Gori: Cuddly Carnage

Angry Demon Studios brought their killer kitty to Cologne and got voted best game in the Home of Indies area at Gamescom 2024 for the trouble. It’s no surprise to us that the twisted toy story about a murderous cat on a death-dealing hoverboard went over big; Gori: Cuddly Carnage has been generating buzz since its 2023 demo, and we highlighted its exhilarating gameplay and razor-sharp design just last month. Cologne saw the frenzied feline come of age and collect some silverware, so check out this color-drenched, mayhem heavy, fun ride that carries the Gamescom seal of approval.

Purchase Gori: Cuddly Carnage on Steam

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred

The first expansion for Diablo IV is released on October 8, 2024, and game director Brent Gibson was at Gamescom to introduce it, and the features that challenge “everything you know about combat in Diablo“. Meet the Mercenaries—your companions in battle, customizable companions in fact, so no matter your class or build, you get a mercenary that’s just right for you. There’s also a new region—the vast jungle Nahantu, where fearsome new enemies await—and an original, multi-faceted dungeon addition that requires players to team to beat it, and promises unique challenges, and rewards.

Pre-purchase Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred on Steam

FragPunk

Punk is all about disruption, and Bad Guitar Studio aims to achieve just that with FragPunk, which introduces what they described at Gamescom as a unique shard card system designed to bend the rules of combat. Bad Guitar say that no two rounds of FragPunk are ever the same, with the 70+ Shard Cards creating new and unique combinations for infinite possibilities. You might, they suggest, amplify your jump height, reverse the roles of attackers and defenders, engulf your bullets in flame or turn them into chain lightning, and perhaps even resurrect you and your team. Don’t accept what you’re given; make your own rules.

Watch the FragPunk trailer

Dungeon Stalkers

Game director Dae Hoon Han was at Gamescom to gather feedback for this PvPvE, described as an extraction game with a difference. This has been building buzz for a while, with players keen to see how developers Action Square achieve their aim to make this “hardcore” genre accessible to casual gamers. Any fighter has to train, and that’s where this combination of PvE and PvP comes into its own—you fight other players when you’re ready. And when are Action Square ready to unleash this on the public? Keep watching this space.

Dungeon Stalkers Gameplay Trailer

Delta Force

Delta Force: Hawk Ops is now Delta Force, but still a free-to-play tactical shooter that’s in development for PCs, console and mobile. Developers Team Jade teased some news prior to Gamescom, and with the title in closed alpha testing for months, speculation was rife. Not only did Gamescom viewers get a glimpse of gameplay; it was announced there that the title will be part of October’s Steam Next Fest. The force will soon be with you!

Delta Force Official Trailer

That’s it from Gamescom 2024 from us, for now. Another stellar year, another gathering full of passion, creativity, and community. Roll on 2025.