Gamescom Opening Night Live kicked off with Geoff Keighley making a statement that hit home: “E3 isn’t dead, it just moved to Germany.” As E3 slowly faded, Gamescom emerged as the new European gaming event that brings huge gaming news and offers a refreshing successor to the iconic show. This annual event welcomes both press and public, and it’s clear that its offerings rival the glory days of E3. While game shows like IGN Live and Summer Game Fest have filled the void left by E3’s absence, Gamescom stands as the true contender with reveals that leave us hyped for the upcoming video game releases this holiday season and beyond.
Looking back at the event, the trailers shown at Gamescom were definitely some of my favorite moments. The show managed to deliver content that recalled the best of E3, while positioning Gamescom as an exciting event for the future of gaming. Whether you were there in person or tuning in from home, it’s clear that Gamescom’s new role in the gaming world is essential. If you missed it, these are the trailers you need to see.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
Among the highlights of Opening Night, few moments stood out as much as the reveal of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Building on the success of Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, the franchise has greatly expanded the scope of what a game can be. This upcoming open-world adventure doesn’t just rely on nostalgia but adapts iconic moments from beloved films, weaving them into a fresh experience with the familiar Lego charm fans adore.
What excites me most is how this growth continues, taking the best of the past and aiming for a bold future. With a release set for sometime 2026, the anticipation is real, and the Dark Knight’s journey promises to blend innovation with legacy. Having witnessed how The Skywalker Saga pushed boundaries, I can’t wait to see how Batman elevates the formula once more.
Ghost of Yotei: Legends
The Gamescom trailers shown during Opening Night gave fans one of the most thrilling announcements of the year: PlayStation’s big 2025 release, Ghost of Yotei. As a sequel to the sensational samurai saga Ghost of Tsushima, the reveal carried immense excitement, blending cinematic beauty with gripping gameplay. Sony officially confirmed that the game would deliver an open-world adventure set in ancient Japan, promising a deeply immersive story fueled by action and fantasy. For long-time players, the showcase was more than an announcement—it was a celebration of innovation in console entertainment.
Adding to the gaming buzz, Ghost of Yotei: Legends was unveiled as a free multiplayer mode, set to arrive coming soon after launch. This expansion invites players into a cooperative RPG experience, where teamwork and strategy elevate the adventure beyond a solo journey. Having seen how intriguing modes can extend replay value, I find this addition particularly meaningful—it enhances the experience while keeping the story alive for longer. The showcase captured the essence of what PlayStation does best: creating unforgettable worlds that leave a lasting mark on the gaming community.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui
Among the standout reveals, Black Myth: Zhong Kui captured attention as more than just another epic Chinese action game. Following the success of Wukong, this is no one-off affair, but rather an ambitious project from Game Science that allows players to control a powerful god. The ghost-busting deity Zhong Kui brings a refreshing mythological depth, positioning the title as one of the most exciting showcases of Opening Night.
While a release date has yet to be announced, the buzz surrounding this new entry suggests that anticipation is already sky-high. Personally, what excites me most is the way it blends cultural storytelling with gameplay innovation, proving that myth-inspired worlds have the potential to redefine modern gaming experiences.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
When it comes to unforgettable Gamescom reveals, one of the biggest highlights was the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The iconic publisher Activision confirmed the release during the Opening Night showcase, reminding fans why this legendary game franchise continues to stand out in the competitive shooter space. As someone who has followed the series since the seventh title, I can confidently say this entry brings an intense freshness to the crowd of blockbuster titles.
The story-driven campaign promises a dark, paranoid, and gripping techno-thriller steeped in conspiracy, while also offering thrilling co-op missions to enjoy with friends. What excites me most is the upcoming open beta, which drops in early October, giving us all a chance to test the new mechanics before launch. In a pack of flashy announcements, this trailer made a strong case for why Black Ops remains one of gaming’s most compelling sagas.
Fallout Season Two
At Gamescom, the opening night delivered some unforgettable trailers, but few matched the buzz around the highly anticipated Fallout show. The second season of the Amazon Prime Video hit is set to arrive in just a few months, and the latest teaser truly promises more than just nostalgia. Packed with backstory, lore, and terrifying creatures straight from the games, the footage makes fans feel like they absolutely need to see what’s coming next.
For longtime players who know the game inside out, this new look feels both fresh and authentic. The teaser drops hints of survival challenges, even showcasing the fearsome Deathclaw, one of the franchise’s most iconic monsters. As someone who’s followed every entry closely, it’s exciting to witness how the world is being pulled together for television without losing its gritty edge. The show not only honors its roots but also builds anticipation for what might come in another chapter beyond Season Two.
La Divina Commedia
Among the best Gamescom trailers revealed during Opening Night, one of the most striking moments came from the showcase of La Divina Commedia, a gritty action game deeply inspired by a centuries-old biblical poem. Created by Jyamma Games, the Italian team also behind Enotria: The Last Song, this project stands as a unique and creative presentation, balancing between the themes of Hell and Paradise. Watching it felt like reliving that first thrill of discovery when you see a trailer that instantly becomes a central focus of the event.
The content flowed with personal touch, and while playing is still reserved for an announced future time, the anticipation has already been built. As someone who values experience and draws on personal expertise, I find this article a chance to reflect on how a showcase can shift perspectives. The flow of excitement was logical, grounded in key points, yet still carried a perspective that made the subsection of La Divina Commedia stand out.
Death by Scrolling
When it comes to classics, few creators stand out like Ron Gilbert, whose works such as Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island defined the spirit of adventure games. While those were lighthearted and at times hilarious, they weren’t exactly fast-paced. That’s why his new game, Death by Scrolling, feels like such a bold departure. The idea that you die the moment you stop moving adds a thrilling twist, making the journey through purgatory both unpredictable and addictive.
What’s fascinating is how it blends roguelike mechanics with vertical shmup gameplay, wrapped in a terminally online attitude that mirrors the chaos of our digital lives. With no confirmed release date, the anticipation continues to grow. As someone who has followed Gilbert’s work for years, this feels like not just another title, but a sharp reminder that the world of games still has space for creativity that shocks, challenges, and delights in equal measure.
Time Takers
Among the trailers revealed at Gamescom, Time Takers stood out as one of the most intriguing. This free-to-play multiplayer shooter shifts the spotlight away from traditional money systems, making time the ultimate resource. Players must spend it to grow stronger, or save it to survive, creating an experience where every decision feels weighty. Even teammates come from different points in space, adding layers of unpredictability that spark genuine excitement.
While many speculated about a connection to TimeSplitters, the developers have carved out something truly unique. The game radiates its own energy, leaving players curious for what’s next, though the absence of a release date keeps us waiting. This balance of tension and anticipation makes Time Takers one of the must-watch highlights from Opening Night.