West's Gamescom 2025: No Fresh Reveals on Horizon
Gamescom 2025, the most significant gaming event in the Western Hemisphere, took place in Cologne with a record-breaking attendance of 335,000 visitors and millions of global streaming viewers. The event spanned over 233,000 square meters, hosting more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 70 countries.
The event was not just a celebration of gaming, but also a platform for supporting charities. The Wizards Rally, a part of the journey to Cologne, was a spectacle that also supported GamesAid, a UK games industry charity.
Anime-inspired titles dominated the scene at Gamescom 2025. Numerous "Genshin-like" RPGs and Japanese IPs like Ghost of Yōtei and Silent Hill highlighted the influence of anime aesthetics on global gaming. One Piece conquered the stage with a Lego crossover, inspired by the success of the Netflix series and as a playful reminder of how deeply anime has penetrated mainstream gaming culture.
The event showcased several highly anticipated games. Highlights included the unveiling of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Resident Evil: Requiem, Silent Hill f, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, World of Warcraft: Midnight, and new gameplay material from Hollow Knight: Silksong. Sony presented Ghost of Yōtei, while China's Black Myth: Zhong Kui caused a stir with its surreal, tiger-riding ghost hunter god.
In the hardware sector, Microsoft unveiled the ROG Ali Xbox, a device that challenges Steam and runs Forza smoothly, powered by an optimized Windows 11 OS that makes the boundary between console and PC ecosystems visibly blur.
The trade visitor area of Gamescom focused on financial discussions about monetization, long-term sustainability, and the growing financial pressure in the industry. To be globally competitive, Europe needs stable frameworks that enable studios to scale and achieve sustainable growth. Venture capital is becoming scarcer, with investors acting more cautiously, particularly in mobile gaming, leading studios to prioritize monetization and user acquisition from the start.
Regulatory changes in Europe are strengthening the trend towards fairness, transparency, and user wellbeing in the digital ecosystem. In-app purchases must be clearly communicated, refund processes are being simplified, and manipulative "dark patterns" are increasingly restricted.
The founder of Clair Obscur's studio, Sandfall Interactive, which developed the successful game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is Guillaume Broche. Long-term success depends on building a loyal user base and securing sustainable revenue streams through subscription models, in-game advertising, and transparent in-app purchases.
The event had its share of surprises too. Ron Gilbert, creator of Monkey Island, surprised with his quirky new shooter Death by Scrolling. Horror fans got goosebumps with Bloober Team's Cronos: The New Dawn, while retro enthusiasts welcomed Ninja Gaiden 4 and the long-awaited Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2.
Despite the industry's financial pressure, there is optimism that creativity, fair business models, and reliable structures will ensure Gamescom's continued success as a Western flagship event and a defining place for the future of global gaming. Gamescom 2025 attracted a significant international audience, transforming Cologne into a gaming-branded city with numerous side events.
