Gamescom 2014 is almost upon us. While E3 remains the main draw for major announcements and reveals; Gamescom has become the largest gaming convention in Europe.
Each year the convention grows in significance and this year is shaping up to be bigger than ever. A projected 340,000 visitors will descend on Cologne, Germany to witness the wares of the 600+ exhibitors. The past week has seen a number of teasers and trailers for what’s in store between the 13th and 17th of August. So just what have we got to look forward to?
Each year the convention grows in significance and this year is shaping up to be bigger than ever. A projected 340,000 visitors will descend on Cologne, Germany to witness the wares of the 600+ exhibitors. The past week has seen a number of teasers and trailers for what’s in store between the 13th and 17th of August. So just what have we got to look forward to?
Microsoft
Microsoft
The Redmond giant kicks off a flurry of press conferences on Tuesday 12th at 1pm.
Take care not to spill your lunch all over your keyboard as Microsoft have been teasing some “big surprises” they have in store for this year's event. They have already announced the surprise TV Tuner accessory, yet the rumour mill continues to turn with debunked whispers of another price cut and reports of a general release for the white edition of the console currently only in the hands of Xbox launch team members.
Take care not to spill your lunch all over your keyboard as Microsoft have been teasing some “big surprises” they have in store for this year's event. They have already announced the surprise TV Tuner accessory, yet the rumour mill continues to turn with debunked whispers of another price cut and reports of a general release for the white edition of the console currently only in the hands of Xbox launch team members.
On the games front Remedy will be making good on their promise to reveal some of Quantum Break’s “time bending gameplay”, 343 Industries will be putting Halo 2: Anniversary in the hands of the lucky attendees and have also promised new announcements, presumably regarding the imminent Master Chief Collection announced at E3. Playground Games has mentioned a demo for their upcoming open world racer Forza Horizon 2, and could possibly use Gamescom to announce it.
Sony
Sony
The big blue’s media briefing takes place on the Tuesday 12th at 6pm
On the hardware front, although Sony has ruled out a 2014 launch, Project Morpheus will most likely be in attendance. Some super cryptic teasers and a quickly yanked list on Sony’s website point to the the re-emergence of Until Dawn which was announced 2 years ago at Gamescom. A horror action title developed by Supermassive Games which “would be a good fit” for Morpheus according to Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida.
On the hardware front, although Sony has ruled out a 2014 launch, Project Morpheus will most likely be in attendance. Some super cryptic teasers and a quickly yanked list on Sony’s website point to the the re-emergence of Until Dawn which was announced 2 years ago at Gamescom. A horror action title developed by Supermassive Games which “would be a good fit” for Morpheus according to Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida.
From Software is bringing it’s “not a sequel to Demon Souls” third person action RPG Bloodborne in a playable form along with its polar opposite from Sumo Digital; LIttleBigPlanet 3 introduces several cute playable characters for grandmas across the land to add to their list of knitting projects.
Both Driveclub and The Order 1886 are slated to appear but the bigger questions are will Uncharted 4 make an appearance in gameplay form? Will Sony issue details on a revised price structure for Playstation Now after the beta feedback and in light of the EA Access announcement?
Both Driveclub and The Order 1886 are slated to appear but the bigger questions are will Uncharted 4 make an appearance in gameplay form? Will Sony issue details on a revised price structure for Playstation Now after the beta feedback and in light of the EA Access announcement?
Nintendo
Nintendo
Historically Nintendo tends to have a low key presence at Gamescom, maintaining their strategy of forgoing the traditional press conference and with no media events planned the only hope lies in the stable of games slated to be on show including Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros for Wii U, Hyrule Warriors, Yoshi’s Woolly World and Mario Party 10 on the Wii U. While the 3DS will host yet more Smash Bros for 3DS, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and Sonic Boom Shattered Crystals.
If you gotta catch 'em all Junichi Masuda will be appearing in an exclusive video message about the latest Pokemon games Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
If you gotta catch 'em all Junichi Masuda will be appearing in an exclusive video message about the latest Pokemon games Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
EA
EA
Electronic Arts joins the party bright and early on Wednesday 13th at 9am. Thier press briefing promises to showcase existing titles such as FIFA 15, the recently delayed Battlefield Hardline, The Sims 4, Dragon Age Inquisition and Dawngate.
The thing everyone will be watching for here though is Bioware’s new title which Peter Moore has promised will come out of hiding after a week of incredibly vague teaser trailers. If the file name of a leaked image is to be believed Shadow Realms is almost upon us. But what is it? Horror game, super hero MMO, live action QTE machine? More importantly will it have Renegade and Paragon interrupts?
Mirrors Edge 2 would be a welcome addition to the roster, there is only so many times we can re-watch that 60 second teaser from this years E3!
The thing everyone will be watching for here though is Bioware’s new title which Peter Moore has promised will come out of hiding after a week of incredibly vague teaser trailers. If the file name of a leaked image is to be believed Shadow Realms is almost upon us. But what is it? Horror game, super hero MMO, live action QTE machine? More importantly will it have Renegade and Paragon interrupts?
Mirrors Edge 2 would be a welcome addition to the roster, there is only so many times we can re-watch that 60 second teaser from this years E3!
Activision
Activision
Top of the list for Activision's Gamescom lineup is Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare which will be revealing it’s multiplayer component for the first time on Monday 11th at 6pm and will offering visitors a chance to get hands on and decide for themselves whether this can save the flagging franchise.
Destiny will be present but with no new information teased, Bungie are presumably happy to bask in the glow of its recent beta success.
Skylanders Swap Force will be holding down their plastic accessory front, showcasing it’s brand new feature of dynamic swapability which people will be able to experience first hand.
Destiny will be present but with no new information teased, Bungie are presumably happy to bask in the glow of its recent beta success.
Skylanders Swap Force will be holding down their plastic accessory front, showcasing it’s brand new feature of dynamic swapability which people will be able to experience first hand.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft
Ubisoft will be arriving with all it’s usual suspects in tow, Assassin's Creed Unity, Just Dance 2015 and The Division form their stable of "look but don’t touch" offerings (starting to doubt we will ever be able to close that car door in The Division...), meanwhile the masses will be getting hands on time with Far Cry 4, The Crew and their newly announced game for XBox 360 and PS3 Assassins Creed Rogue.
CEO Yves Guillemont also pledged that brand new PC, mobile and digital titles will also be announced, lets see if they can keep their download streak of Child of Light and Valiant Hearts going.
Rainbow Six: Siege is notably missing and, after the big E3 and subsequent gameplay reveals, more information seems unlikely.
CEO Yves Guillemont also pledged that brand new PC, mobile and digital titles will also be announced, lets see if they can keep their download streak of Child of Light and Valiant Hearts going.
Rainbow Six: Siege is notably missing and, after the big E3 and subsequent gameplay reveals, more information seems unlikely.
Best of the rest
Best of The Rest
Konami will be demonstrating “the versatility and power of Kojima Production’ Fox Engine” with both PES 2015 and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The former will be playable on next gen consoles whilst the latter will have new details revealed.
Deep Silver will be on standby with over 150 gaming setups for players to get their hands on a range of titles, topping the billing is Dead Island 2 which will be playable for the first time. Metro Redux, Risen 3 and Titan Lords will be among the others on show.
Square Enix is travelling light this year with a selection of Final Fantasy and Dragon’s Quest content and will provide hands on time with Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris
Deep Silver will be on standby with over 150 gaming setups for players to get their hands on a range of titles, topping the billing is Dead Island 2 which will be playable for the first time. Metro Redux, Risen 3 and Titan Lords will be among the others on show.
Square Enix is travelling light this year with a selection of Final Fantasy and Dragon’s Quest content and will provide hands on time with Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris
AVForums will have agents on the ground with Manny Brown and James Thomas braving the lines, body odour and sensory overload in Cologne to bring you their thoughts and experiences. Are you attending? Is there anything else you are looking forward to this year? Lets us know and enjoy Gamescom!.
To share your thoughts on the above, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.