August 22, 2023, 12:22 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
It’s that time again! In Cologne, everything related to video games is gathering once more for Gamescom 2023. TECHBOOK will also be on-site–here’s what we expect from the gaming convention and what we’re most excited about.
At Gamescom 2023, one of the world’s largest gaming conventions, there are many exhibitors and games to see. Additionally, the organizer is promoting other offerings such as a dedicated cosplay area, the retro area, and much more. TECHBOOK provides an overview and will report from the event in the coming days.
Overview
What We Generally Expect
In August, the who’s who of the gaming world will gather in Cologne again. Europe’s largest gaming convention, Gamescom 2023, takes place from August 23 to 27. The event will once again be traditionally opened with the Opening Night Live on Tuesday, August 22, 2023–TECHBOOK will also be on-site to report.
Overall, the convention is expected to be larger than last year. Some bigger names are announced for Gamescom 2023, although it’s worth noting that the indie area was a huge success last year. We’re looking forward to it again this year.
Otherwise, several major exhibitors have already confirmed their presence on-site. Some new games that can be checked out there are also already known. However, surprises are not expected for this year’s event.
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The Key Exhibitors at Gamescom 2023
As mentioned, more of the larger studios are participating this year. After Gamescom 2022 struggled a bit with the shift to digital due to the pandemic, this year’s list of exhibitors (hall in parentheses) is impressive.
- Aerosoft (8.1)
- Astragon (6.1)
- Bandai Namco (6.1)
- CI Games (9)
- Frontier Development (6)
- Giants Software (6.1)
- HoYoverse (6.1)
- Level Infinite (6.1)
- Microsoft/Xbox (8.1)
- Nintendo (9.1)
- Plaion (9.1)
- Sega (8.1)
- Ubisoft (6.1)
In addition to the big names mentioned, numerous smaller indie studios are, of course, also participating this year. So, if you prefer to explore beyond mainstream titles, you should check out the Indie Arena Booth.
It’s notable that Sony and Electronic Arts will be absent from Gamescom 2023. However, Microsoft has already hinted that it plans to fill this gap with a particularly comprehensive booth.
Games to Keep an Eye On
Visitors can expect over 150 game titles at Gamescom. To help you keep track of this sheer number, we’ve highlighted some of the standouts.
Astragon:
- Construction Simulator: Airfield Expansion
- Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop: Official School Bus Expansion
- The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone
- Police Simulator: Crime Scene Update
Bandai Namco:
- Sand Land
- Tekken 8
HoYoVerse:
- Genshin Impact
Level Infinite/Tencent/Ubisoft:
- Assassin’s Creed: Codename Jade
Microsoft/Xbox/Bethesda:
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Forza Motorsport (presentation only, not playable)
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Overwatch 2
- Stalker 2
- Starfield (presentation only, not playable)
- Towerborne
Nintendo:
- Fae Farm
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Sega:
- Endless Dungeon
- Total War: Pharaoh
Starfield
Gamers are eagerly anticipating “Starfield”–Bethesda’s first new game franchise in 25 years. The action RPG is set in the year 2330 in the “Settled Systems”–an area about 50 light-years from our solar system. About 20 years before the story begins, a bloody war occurred between the largest factions over the colonies in the Settled Systems. Although the United Colonies and Freestar Collective are at peace, life remains dangerous with mercenaries, pirates, spacers, and religious fanatics making space unsafe.
As one of the newest members of the “Constellation” organization, players must uncover the galaxy’s secrets. More than 1,000 planets, along with additional moons and space stations, are available for players to explore–most of which are procedurally generated. The game creates a planet’s flora and fauna based on the system’s sun and atmosphere. While exploring the galaxy, players encounter NPCs they can recruit as crew members.
As is typical for an RPG, the character is customizable–both in appearance and abilities. One of the three pre-made backgrounds sets the starting skills, in which players can unlock new abilities with accumulated experience. Additionally, players can establish outposts on planets to extract resources. They can also install labs there to develop new items or upgrades.
Purchasing or constructing spaceships is also part of the game mechanics. Ships can be modularly expanded in spaceports–with additional rooms and facilities, as well as weapons. Even boarding and taking over–or destroying–enemy ships is possible in the game.
Due to the sheer scope of the game’s content, “Starfield” promises to be one of the biggest titles of the year. It is set to release on September 9 for Xbox and PC. You can read all the Gamescom news about the game on TECHBOOK.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Ubisoft is one of the big names at this year’s Gamescom. And one of the studio’s most well-known series is, of course, “Assassin’s Creed.” The series currently includes 14 titles, which have shaped the stealth genre like few other franchises. With “Assassin’s Creed Mirage,” the aim is to return to the roots after recent entries in the series were set in different regions and times. The story is set in 9th-century Baghdad.
While “Odyssey,” set at the start of the Peloponnesian War in Greece, was a major success, and “Origins,” set in Ancient Egypt and dealing with the founding of the Assassin Brotherhood, is considered one of the best AC games ever, the somewhat new old setting has been welcomed by much of the community.
Remember, the first part of the series, released in 2007, was set in 12th-century Jerusalem. The much-praised second part, along with its expansions, was set in 15th-century Italy. What these two parts have in common is a focus on meticulously designed cities. This allows for a different handling and emphasis on various stealth mechanics. The later open-world titles with large maps had other advantages.
“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” aims to more closely align with the early parts of the series. This should also bring the main story of the game more into focus, with the number of side quests likely reduced. Given the planned smaller scope, we’re particularly eager to see the impressions of the game that Gamescom 2023 will hopefully provide. Despite the reduced scope in terms of map and playtime, Ubisoft is unlikely to lower the price of the title, which is set to officially launch on October 5, 2023.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
After a rocky start in 2020, “Cyberpunk 2077” has moved much closer to the developer CD Projekt’s original vision through numerous patches, updates, and free DLCs like “Edgerunners.” However, “Phantom Liberty” is the first major expansion for the base game in three years on the market. For this, the studio is charging for new content for the first time since the franchise’s launch. The game can be pre-ordered for just under 30 euros.
The expansion adds an entirely new district to Night City: Dogtown. It also includes a new campaign that apparently involves the president of the NUSA, whose Air Force One crashes in Dogtown–did we mention that V has a ticking time bomb in their head and there’s only one person who can save us?
At least “Phantom Liberty” is expected to improve on several aspects compared to the base game. These include significantly revamped police chases and underwater mechanics. Another piece of good news: Along with the expansion, the base game will also receive the revamped skill tree and other improvements from the expansion.
Only about a month before the launch on September 26, we’ll likely get a good look at how the finished expansion will turn out at Gamescom. We’re definitely curious about the actual scope and what improvements CD Projekt will bring to the base game.