Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live: Every Big Reveal and Announcement

Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live:
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    Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live, Image credit: PC Gamer

    Gamescom 2025 has officially kicked off in Cologne, Germany, and as always, the event begins with Geoff Keighley hosting Opening Night Live. The showcase this year is packed with reveals across blockbuster franchises, brand-new IPs, surprising crossovers, and even adaptations that take games beyond the console.

    From Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 to a new Fallout season, here’s the complete breakdown of everything announced.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Pushes the Franchise in New Directions

    The showcase opened with a bang, the first cinematic trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

    Set in 2035, the game explores a world torn apart by terrorism. Players will fight across familiar but twisted landscapes, from Los Angeles and Tokyo to Angola, Alaska, and a new environment called Avalon, described by developers as a “living, breathing space that evolves with the player.”

    What makes this entry stand out is the freedom it offers. For the first time in the series, the campaign can be played completely solo or with up to three other players in co-op. Developers emphasise flexibility, in narrative choices, gameplay systems, and even movement.

    The trailer also teases Arcade Zombies, a spin on the series’ beloved Zombies mode. Instead of the usual first-person experience, this version is top-down and action-RPG inspired. Players take on the role of returning protagonist David Mason, who teams up with a tech-startup-inspired faction called the Guild, presented as humanity’s “last stand.”

    More details will be revealed during Call of Duty Next on 30 September. The game launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 14 November 2025.

    Lords of the Fallen 2 Promises a Darker, Faster Sequel

    Hexworks and CI Games confirm Lords of the Fallen 2 with a dramatic cinematic trailer.

    Set a century after the events of the first game, the sequel explores a world where the boundary between the living and the dead is collapsing. The trailer depicts a heavily armoured knight facing off against an angelic foe in a ruined medieval landscape.

    Developers promise that the sequel will be “bloodier, faster, and more brutal than ever,” hinting at a combat overhaul. Extended gameplay is scheduled for later this year.

    Sekiro Expands into Anime with Sekiro: No Defeat

    Fans of FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice received unexpected news, the game is being adapted into an anime series.

    Titled Sekiro: No Defeat, the show is directed by Kenichi Kutsuna, with character design by Takahiro Kishida. It will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll. The creators describe the project as a “monumental task,” aiming to bring the game’s striking landscapes and intense combat to life in a new medium.

    The adaptation is pitched as something that will appeal both to dedicated fans of the game and to newcomers experiencing Sekiro’s world for the first time.

    Lego Batman Returns in Legacy of the Dark Knight

    TT Games announces the return of the Lego Batman franchise with Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

    Unlike previous instalments, this game covers Batman’s entire career, drawing inspiration from comics, films, TV shows, and games. The reveal trailer teased appearances from Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, and Bane, reportedly voiced by Matt Berry.

    Players can also explore an open-world Gotham and drive different versions of the Batmobile. True to Lego’s style, the game is filled with Easter eggs and humour. A demo is available on the Gamescom show floor, but no release date has been confirmed.

    Dawn of War 4 Strengthens Warhammer’s Gaming Presence

    Relic Entertainment debuts Dawn of War 4, the next entry in the long-running Warhammer real-time strategy series.

    The cinematic trailer showcases the Blood Marines as they face Orks and Necrons in the franchise’s signature grimdark setting. With the Warhammer universe already thriving thanks to Rogue Trader and Space Marine 2, this announcement solidifies the IP’s growing presence in gaming.

    The game is scheduled for PC release in 2026.

    Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy 14 Collaboration Confirmed

    Capcom and Square Enix reveal a major crossover between Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy 14.

    In Monster Hunter Wilds, players can equip chocobo skins for their Seikret mounts. The game also introduces Omega Planetes, a new mechanised monster modelled after a recurring Final Fantasy villain.

    On the other side, Final Fantasy 14 players will see Arkveld, MH Wilds’ endgame monster, introduced as a raid encounter. Additional crossover features include Seikret mounts in FF14 and cosmetic options such as turning Palicos into Cactuars.

    Onimusha: Way of the Sword Reveals Combat

    Capcom also brings Onimusha: Way of the Sword to the stage.

    The trailer focuses on combat, showcasing swordplay, bow-based attacks, and boss encounters. Mechanics emphasise parries and precise timing, appealing to fans of skill-based action games. More in-depth previews are expected following the event.

    Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion Demo Released

    Marvelous surprises audiences by releasing a free demo of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion.

    Available now across all platforms, the demo covers the first nine chapters of the story and includes open-world exploration. Progress carries over to the full game, which launches on 5 September 2025. The announcement also confirms full support for the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Fallout Season Two Travels to New Vegas

    Amazon Prime Video shares new details about Fallout Season 2, which premieres on 17 December 2025.

    This season takes Lucy and the Ghoul to New Vegas, introducing iconic characters such as Mr. House (in his human form) and featuring new threats including Deathclaws. The story will also explore Maximus’ journey as he grows into his role with the Brotherhood of Steel.

    The trailer includes nods to the games, such as VATS-inspired slow-motion combat sequences.

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Coming to Switch 2

    Bethesda confirms Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.

    The game, originally released on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, expands its reach to Nintendo’s next-generation console. Additionally, new DLC titled The Order of Giants is scheduled for release in September 2025.

    Quick-Fire Announcements Midway Through the Show

    A flurry of announcements followed mid-event, including:

    • Deadpool VR launches on Meta Quest 3 in December 2025.
    • World of Tanks 2.0 arrives in September 2025 as the franchise’s largest update yet.
    • John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is set for release in early 2026.
    • Ron Gilbert reveals Death by Scrolling, a vertically scrolling RPG-roguelike blending influences from Vampire Survivors, Enter the Gungeon, and Zelda. Players can choose from five unique characters, each with their own perks, as they try to stay ahead of the Grim Reaper.

    ZA/UM Reveals Zero Parades

    Studio ZA/UM, creators of Disco Elysium, present Zero Parades, described as an “espionage RPG.”

    Players step into the role of Hershel Wilk, also known as Cascade, who is dispatched on a mysterious mission at the “end of history.” The reveal trailer combines concept art, a glimpse of gameplay, and a moody voiceover that reflects ZA/UM’s trademark style.

    Although most of the original Disco Elysium team has since left the studio, the tone of Zero Parades suggests an attempt to carry forward the same narrative depth and experimental design.

    The game is available now to wishlist on Steam.

    Ninja Gaiden 4 Story Trailer Unveiled

    Platinum Games reveals a new story trailer for Ninja Gaiden 4.

    The footage showcases fluid and brutal combat, emphasising cybernetically enhanced ninjas and enemies. While the action is the main highlight, the trailer also teases deeper story and lore elements than previous instalments.

    NCsoft Introduces Time Takers and Cinder City

    NCsoft closes the show with two projects.

    Time Takers is a team-based third-person shooter that brings together rogues from across history to correct their past mistakes. Gameplay combines elements of hero shooters like Overwatch with battle arenas similar to Apex Legends.

    Cinder City, meanwhile, is an MMO confirmed for release on 21 October 2025.