Over 40 trailers, teases, updates, a Pokémon concept car, and a Hideo Kojima podcast announcement were featured at the Gamescom 2022 Opening Night Live event hosted by Geoff Keighley.

Most of the 2-hour runtime was updates on already announced titles, but there were a number of surprises sprinkled in througout the show. Here are the highlights from Gamescom 2022’s showcase.

One of the surprises of Gamescom 2022: Where Winds Meet, an open world wuxia title that looks extremely promising

Everywhere

Planned for a 2023 release, the trailer revealed very little about what this game actually is, but developer Build A Rocket Boy suggests it is an open world sandbox.

Dune: Awakening

There is a Dune game coming, and it is an open world survival MMO. The CG trailer looked really pretty, but we will have to wait and see what the final product will be. Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The Lords of the Fallen

The sequel to CI Games’ 2014 action-RPG Lords of the Fallen. Coming to Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Moving Out 2

DevM Games and SMG Studio’s co-op moving simulation game sequel got a trailer, and it looks pretty fun. Will be releasing on all consoles in 2023.

 

New Tales from the Borderlands

A sequel to the Telltale-developed 2014 adventure game Tales from the Borderlands. Gearbox brought on board former Telltale devs to bring this about. Coming October 21, 2022, on all consoles and PC.

Under the Waves

An undersea exploration narrative experience developed by Parallel Studio and published by Quantic Dream. Looks pretty. Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, PS4, and Xbox One.

 

Moonbreaker

This is a weird one. Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s anticipated next IP after the critically acclaimed Subnautica is a digital miniatures, turn-based sci-fi game. The developer partners with bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, who has created a whole new universe setting for the game. You engage in combat, but you also can customise and paint your pieces in the game. Releases on Steam Early Access on September 29.

Stranded: Alien Dawn

Crash-land and survive on an alien world in this mix of resource management sim and fortress defence game. Coming to Steam Early Access on October 2022.

Atlas Fallen

A fantasy action RPG by Deck13 Interactive, published by Focus Entertainment, coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC next year.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game

Because we clearly need more multiplayer horror games. This is an adaptation of the cult classic 1988 horror comedy movie from the executive director of the Friday the 13th game and developer Teravision Games. Play as the Klowns or as the survivors. Coming to PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia and PC.

Scars Above

From Mad Head Games, a third person action adventure sci-fi shooter where you must explore and fight to survive.

Where Winds Meet

This looks really cool. The gameplay could use a bit more polish, but this open-world Wuxia game set in medieval China looks incredible. No release date yet and no confirmed platforms.

Dead Island 2

Saved for last – Gamescom 2022 gave the new Dead Island a date, a CG trailer, and a gameplay reveal trailer. Coming February 3, 2023 to PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox X|S, and Stadia. It has been in development for 4 years. The action (and anarchy) will be set in LA.

Some of the oddities of the night:

  • PlayStation introduces the Dual Sense Edge customisable wireless controller. In an opening event where people are set for game footage and reveals, most were probably dumbfounded by the need to showcase a fancy new controller.
  • A Pokémon Aceman concept electric car. In a partnership between Mini and the Pokémon Company, you can now hook up your console, project and play your games on any exterior surface.
  • Hideo Kojima is starting a podcast. Called Brain Structure, it will simultaneously release in Japanese and English. The maestro himself will shed light on his creative process while at the same time bringing in names and faces from different fields. It will be available on Spotify, with the first episode dropping September 8.