Gamescom 2024 in Cologne once again captivated the global gaming community. In a year lacking major console launches and amid industry challenges, the event delivered much-needed excitement. The spotlight was on upcoming games and significant announcements that could shape the gaming landscape in 2025.
By John Adams
Borderlands: A New Chapter Unveiled
One of the biggest surprises at this year’s Gamescom was the announcement of a new installment in the popular Borderlands series. Despite the harsh criticism of the recent Borderlands movie adaptation starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, the game franchise remains unaffected. The new game, set to release in 2025, promises to continue the series’ iconic comic-book style. While specific platforms have yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and the latest Xbox consoles.
Call of Duty: Back to the Gulf War
Activision provided a first look at the upcoming “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” which is set during the 1990s Gulf War. The reveal included a thrilling single-player mission featuring high-speed chases and intense close-quarters combat, fueling anticipation for the title. Notably, this will be the first Call of Duty game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass from day one. Xbox players can access it through their subscription at no additional cost, while PlayStation owners will need to pay around $90.
Indiana Jones: A Long-Awaited Release Date
Bethesda, renowned for the Fallout series, made headlines with the announcement of the release date for the highly anticipated “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” Xbox and PC players can embark on this adventure starting December 9, 2024, just in time for the holiday season. PlayStation 5 users will have to wait longer, with a version for Sony’s console expected in spring 2025.
Amazon Enters the Multiplayer Arena
One of the most unexpected announcements at Gamescom was “King of Meat,” a co-op combat game from Amazon Games and indie studio Glowmade. Contrary to what the title suggests, it is not a cooking game but a fresh take on the dungeon crawler genre, where players must survive in a twisted reality show competition. The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, marking Amazon’s continued expansion in the gaming industry.
Gamescom 2024 clearly demonstrated the diversity of the gaming world. From established franchises like Borderlands and Call of Duty to new surprises like “King of Meat,” the event set the stage for the industry’s future. These announcements highlight the growing importance of cross-media projects and the continued integration of gaming into mainstream entertainment.
Based on content from www.bbc.com and additional research.