Gaming fans were treated to a weekend full of exciting announcements during the Summer Game Fest. Despite concerns about the industry’s future, the event showcased a variety of new titles and updates that left gamers buzzing with excitement.
Microsoft stole the show with its impressive lineup, including the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, set in the 1990s. The game will be the first in the series to be available on Xbox Game Pass, offering players a new way to experience the popular franchise. Microsoft’s showcase also featured other big titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, Warcraft, Diablo, and Elder Scrolls Online, as well as fan-favorite franchises like Gears of War and Fallout 76.
While some critics felt that Microsoft’s showcase leaned heavily towards open-world action, RPGs, and first-person shooters, fans appreciated the diverse range of games on display. Many titles featured female protagonists and characters from ethnic minorities, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in gaming.
The Summer Game Fest also highlighted the growing success of indie games, with breakout hits like Palworld and Helldivers II coming from smaller studios. Indie developers had the chance to showcase their creations in dedicated streams, providing a platform for lesser-known titles to shine. Among Us developer Innersloth announced a new funding project, Outersloth, to support indie developers in bringing their games to market.
While some rumors and predictions leading up to the event didn’t come to fruition, fans were still treated to exciting announcements like the arrival of Valorant on consoles, a new Harry Potter Quidditch Championship game, and a collaboration between Sony and Lego based on the Horizon series. The event also featured a star-studded trailer for Killer Bean and new titles from horror studio Blumhouse.
Overall, the Summer Game Fest delivered a mix of big reveals, indie showcases, and updates on popular franchises that left gamers eagerly anticipating the future of gaming. With more showcases on the horizon, including one from Ubisoft, the excitement of the weekend’s events is sure to continue as new titles and updates are unveiled.