Gamescom 2025: Highlights from Cologne’s loud, lively show floor
Last week, the world’s biggest gaming event returned to Cologne, Germany. The five days drew over 370,000 people and more than 1,500 exhibitors. It was a steady stream of big names and bold ideas, with Xbox, Nintendo, Capcom and Ubisoft all making a strong showing. I was at the show for two full days plus a little extra, taking in a wide mix of titles. I didn’t get to everything I hoped to see, but I did catch a solid lineup. Here are the standout moments that stuck with me.
Hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally family
Thanks to Asus Canada, I got a close look at both the Xbox Ally and the higher-end Ally X. The pair left a strong impression, especially the Ally X with its beefier guts. It can handle big games like Gears of War: Reloaded, Hogwarts Legacy, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without breaking a sweat. These handhelds support Xbox’s own store and third-party sites like Steam, which adds real flexibility. Canadian pricing hasn’t been shared yet, but Asus confirmed they’ll launch worldwide, including Canada, on October 16. I’ll be first in line for a unit. For now, my full hands-on notes on the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are a good read if you’re curious about what mobile play could become.
Crimson Desert hints at a colossal fantasy world
Pearl Abyss surprised me with Crimson Desert, a title I knew little about before the show. After a near hour with the demo, I walked away impressed. The game promises a massive open world you can glide through, in a way that feels almost Batman-like in motion. The visuals are striking, with characters that look incredibly lifelike. Combat looks deep too, with a mix of weapons and spells you can blend. Will it all come together? Time will tell, but the ambition on display is clear and exciting.
Keeper from Double Fine: a quiet, wondrous voyage
Double Fine’s newest project, Keeper, is set for Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 17, 2025. Tim Schafer spoke about the game's creative approach, but the real star is the art. Led by Lee Petty, the team pushes a dialogue-free story told through movement and dazzling visuals. It draws on dreamlike influences, with a vibe some described as “weird but chill.” If this is a peek at what Double Fine does best, Keeper could be another memorable entry from a studio that thrives on playful risk.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight sparks a bat-powered return
Traveller’s Tales is revisiting Batman with Lego in a big way. Legacy of the Dark Knight blends classic Lego charm with free-flow combat and stealth, all wrapped in a large open world that you can explore via the Batmobile. It taps into a long history of Batman games, including Arkham titles, which fans have missed since 2015. The demo showed off a bold, Arkham-inspired feel with a Lego twist. A 2026 release is planned for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC, with more hands-on time to come.
News Tower flips the script on publishing games
News Tower by Sparrow Night made a strong impression on concept alone. This Rotterdam-based studio builds a publisher sim that drops you into running a newspaper in the 1930s. The twist is how the game probes the tug of war between press, power, and public trust. It looks minimalist in style, but deep in its systems. The early access is live now, with a full PC release slated for November 4, 2025. If you’re into how news is made and the craft of reporting, this one’s a standout.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword keeps the series tight and focused
Capcom’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword stands out for its lean approach. It’s mostly linear and zeroes in on quick, precise combat. The Edo-period setting feels rich without sprawling open worlds getting in the way. The action promises to be snappy and satisfying, a welcome change for fans tired of endless systems checks. Look for a 2026 release window on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Pragmata brings a fresh sci-fi pulse to Capcom
Capcom’s Pragmata stands out as a new IP with a strong sci-fi flair. The game follows Hugh, a spacefarer, and his android friend Diana as they navigate an AI-controlled space station and try to reach Earth. The blend of real-time gunplay and puzzle-like hacking gives it a unique rhythm. The hacking minigames aren’t just gimmicks; they unlock new ways to weaken foes. Capcom aims for a 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Resident Evil Requiem adds fresh dread to the series
Capcom capped off my show with Resident Evil Requiem, a standout among the many Capcom demos. The protagonist Grace Ashcroft brings a relatable sense of fear as you run from a towering stalker. The game hints at big story threads, including ties to Raccoon City and a nod to fan-favorite Leon Kennedy. February 2026 can’t come soon enough for RE fans. The demo’s tension and sharp design show why this could be a major entry in the line.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds shifts racing into a playful new gear
Sonic Team’s CrossWorlds blends tight, quick racing with lively character crossovers. It adds rival racers and a stage-altering CrossWorlds feature for a fresh twist on speed games. Updates post-launch, including some free ones, should keep the action lively long after release. A wide platform spread helps it reach many fans, with September 25, 2025 as the main release date—Switch 2 gets a later window.
What games stood out to you at Gamescom? Tell us in the comments and share your early favorites.
Image credit: Twin Sails Interactive
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