The Rise of Gamescom: A New Era for Gamers

With E3's departure from the spotlight, Gamescom has claimed its throne as the premier video game expo on the calendar. Every year in Cologne, Germany, this five-day extravaganza attracts over 350,000 enthusiasts—ranging from gamers to cosplayers, and industry insiders—who eagerly navigate the buzzing Koelnmesse venue. Stuffed to the brim, visitors wish for cooler air and fresher scents as they immerse themselves in a world of digital entertainment.

Games, Brews, and Networking

The marathon days last 11 hours on weekends, but the fun doesn’t end there! After hours, Cologne’s atmospheric beerhouses overflow with revelers indulging in refreshing K2lsch beer. Here, friendships blossom and critical business partnerships are forged, shaping the gaming landscape for the next year.

Breaking Barriers: IGN Japan Goes Live!

Exciting news came from IGN Japan, making its debut in Gamescom’s official livestream—a first for the event! For the 2025 edition, they rolled out a Japanese version, allowing gamers back home to experience the thrill. The two-hour simulcast of Geoff Keighley's Opening Night Live was packed with exclusive announcements, including the unexpected sequel to Black Myth: Wukong and juicy updates on Ghost of Yotei and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

Original Shows and Engaging Content

But that's not all! IGN Japan produced two original 90-minute shows brimming with developer interviews, captivating gameplay footage, and engaging hands-on impressions of titles like Resident Evil Requiem and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. They also shared highlights from IGN's English livestream enriched with Japanese subtitles, ensuring no fan was left behind.

Interactive Experiences: The Games People Can't Stop Talking About

Among the many games showcased, Resident Evil Requiem stood out. Our editors dove into a demo, navigating an eerily abandoned hospital while avoiding a grotesque creature. The tension heightened as protagonist FBI agent Grace Ashcroft relies on stealth—experience reigns supreme as one wrong move could spell doom!

Nintendo made a splash with its first major presence in years. Pokémon Legends: Z-A promises a significant evolution in gameplay, while retro favorites like Metroid Prime 4 also shined in hands-on demonstrations.

The Long-Awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong Finally Revealed

In the indie spotlight was Hollow Knight: Silksong, a sequel fans have eagerly anticipated since its announcement in 2019. With a release date set for September 4, it’s poised to steal the show just like Grand Theft Auto VI in the indie world! IGN Japan's Noguchi braved a two-hour wait to demo the game, praising its pixel-perfect visuals and challenging gameplay.

Suda51's Latest Masterpiece Shocks and Delights

For me, the gem of the show was Romeo is a Dead Man, from the legendary Goichi Suda, better known as Suda51. Here, players step into the shoes of Romeo Stargazer, an FBI Space-Time special agent. The game bursts with vibrant, chaotic visuals and a heavy dose of pop culture references, leaving us wanting more with its thrilling, action-packed narrative.

Diving into Indie Delights

Outside the big names, Gamescom featured a dynamic indie zone teeming with creativity. Though time was limited, I caught glimpses of captivating titles like Grim Trials, the heavy metal action roguelite, and the charming Cat Me if You Can, which invites players to step into a feline photography adventure.

A Season of Growth and Learning Ahead

Gamescom posed new challenges for IGN Japan, but we’ve emerged victorious! As the event season heats up with the Tokyo Game Show just around the corner, we’re ready to leverage our experiences and deliver even more thrilling content. Stay tuned!