It’s that time of year when Europe’s premier video game convention is back. Gamescom 2025 is one of the most influential events in the gaming industry. With the promises of cinematic trailers, blockbuster reveals, and indie surprises. The excitement has already begun for the convention that kicks off in Cologne, Germany, on August 20, 2025.
If you need to stay on top of every Gamescom presentation that’s going on, this guide is for you. Where to watch, viewing options, and what to expect will be included to ensure you do not miss a thing. Strap yourself in for a full rundown of Gamescom 2025’s events.
The Escapist recaps
- Gamescom 2025 will run between August 20 – August 24, with some events around the show starting as early as August 1.
- The line-up includes THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, Future Games Show, and Gamescom Opening Night Live, with the addition of further partner streams that could still be announced.
- Every featured showcase will be streamed for free on Twitch and YouTube.
- During Gamescom, there are bound to be many previews, interviews, and news, so it’s worth being aware of the show, even after it’s finished.
- Livestreams and grassroots activations could occur closer to the show, so keep tabs on the social media accounts of big publishers.
How to Watch Every Gamescom 2025 Presentation
Below is an essential guide to every major Gamescom presentation this year, with everything you need to know so you do not miss a thing.
August 1 – THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2025
12 pm PT / 3 pm ET / 8 pm BST
Streaming on YouTube and Twitch
What to expect from the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase
THQ Nordic’s introduction to Gamescom 2025 is generally smaller, but the publisher always has the chance to surprise. THQ is well-known for its breadth of franchises under its roof, which extend pretty far these days. While not home to the biggest franchises in gaming, there is a host of recognisable franchises that could turn up here.
The trailer for the event gives some indication as to what will be shown, which you can watch to get some hints. It seems very likely Gothic will be there, alongside games like Wreckfest 2.
This is looking to be a strong kick-off to Gamescom, and going by the comments on the stream, players are very hopeful for Darksiders 4 to show up. Will it? We will have to wait and see.
August 19 – Gamescom Opening Night Live
11 am PT / 2 pm ET / 7 pm BST
Streaming on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, X, and Facebook
What to Expect from Opening Night Live
This is considered to be the crown jewel of Gamescom 2025; Opening Night Live will be hosted by The Game Awards’ own Geoff Keighley. This is where we will get announcements from big-budget AAA studios that will make the biggest waves. If you intend to watch one show, make it this one.
As always, speculation is already running wild with the Fable reboot, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and Borderlands 4. We know that Blizzard will likely show off its next WoW expansion, Midnight here, so any players should be tuned in. Expect to hear news from Ubisoft, Capcom, Bandai Namco, and more here, as all the big publishers will be out.
This has been, and will probably continue to be, the “blockbuster moment” of Gamescom. You’re going to want to watch it. To find out what happens, be sure to check it out.
August 20 – Future Games Show @ Gamescom
11 am PT / 2 pm ET / 7 pm BST
Streaming on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, X, and Facebook
What to Expect from the Future Games Show
Publishing giant Future will be running back their mid-sided show over in Germany, too. Many creative AAA, AA, and indie games will be shown, bringing some games that might not get the spotlight into the foreground.
Generally, this show highlights interesting projects and AA games, so if you’re looking for something away from the big stuff, this is a great place to find it. Last year, games like Once Human, a Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 update, Goat Simulator 3, and more were shown off. So, it really can be a great place to scout interesting projects.
If you are looking for something new to delve into or you simply crave some unique design, this is the Gamescom showcase for you.
What is Gamescom?
Self-described as the “heart of gaming”, Gamescom was launched in 2009, succeeding the Games Convention, which was previously held in Leipzig, Germany. It has since become the largest gaming convention in the world, with over 335,000 visitors (and more than 32,000 trades) seeing over 1,400 exhibitions encompassing more than 60 countries as of last year. In other words, it’s the games convention, so we’re expecting big things from the presentations broadcast from the show floor this year.
Ask The Escapist
Gamescom 2025 will start officially on August 20 until August 24, while digital events like THQ Nordic will occur earlier in the month.
Participants that are confirmed include Sony, HoYoverse, Sega, CD Projekt, Capcom, Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, Blizzard, Microsoft/Xbox, THQ Nordic, and plenty more. Cologne’s halls will be filled with over 1,400 exhibitors, who will be represented through some form of announcement or stream.
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