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Everything you need to know
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

Geoff Keighley, host for Opening Night Live 2025. Image credit: Gamescom

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

The Future Games Show returns this year at Gamescom. Image credit: GamesRadar / Future PLC

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

When is Gamescom?

Gamescom 2025 will start officially on August 20 until August 24, while digital events like THQ Nordic will occur earlier in the month.

What companies are going to be at Gamescom?

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.

References
1. https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/exhibitors/exhibit/facts-figures
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30/07/2025
Everything we know about the FromSoftware game
Image credit: Nintendo / FromSoftware

Sam Smith

and

Patrick Dane

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Published: Jul 20, 2025 07:00 am
⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.

The Duskbloods is an upcoming multiplayer Souls game by FromSoftware that has a lot in common with Bloodborne. The game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 and was originally revealed during April 2025’s Nintendo Direct presentation, to a lot of hype from fans of the genre.

Below, we’ll reveal everything there is to know about The Duskbloods, including when we think its release window is likely to be, what the game is about, and if it’s a traditional Souls adventure, or something new. We’ll also address whether or not it’s connected to any other Soulsborne game.

The Escapist recaps
- The Duskbloods is a Soulslike adventure coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- The game will be a Switch 2 exclusive.
- The Duskbloods will be focused on PvP and PvE multiplayer.
- It is not connected to Bloodborne, despite sharing some visual similarities.
- The Duskbloods release date will be sometime in 2026.
When could The Duskbloods be released?

The Duskbloods is set to be released at some point during 2026.

Nintendo hasn’t revealed a Duskbloods release window yet, but we’d expect the game to come out at some point during the second half of 2026.

So expect The Duskbloods‘ release date to be sometime between summer and the winter holiday season of 2026. Of course, the release date is likely to be revealed well before then, and we’ll confirm it here once it is.

Are The Duskbloods pre-orders and price live?

No, the storefront for The Duskbloods pre-orders is not live yet.

It will likely be updated when the game’s release date is revealed. While we don’t have any concrete information from Nintendo as to when that will be, expect The Duskbloods pre-orders to go live anytime between now and early 2026.

Regarding The Duskbloods‘ price, Nintendo hasn’t revealed it yet. However, based on current pricing for brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 games, we’d estimate that price point will be approximately £64.95 / $69.99. We’ve seen this most recently with the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza, which forgoed the higher asking rate of Mario Kart World.

The Duskbloods platforms

The Duskbloods will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, with the trailer saying, “Only on Nintendo Switch 2” at the end.

It won’t be released on the original Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles.

The game is also unlikely to be released on PC, unless Nintendo permits it at a later date. However, this isn’t something Nintendo typically does with its first-party games.

The Duskbloods trailer & gameplay analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niKHDEKQ7xA

At first glance, The Duskbloods gameplay looks a lot like Bloodborne, with the trailer showing a dark world that’s overrun by monsters that need hunting down. These will include some massive and terrifying boss encounters, something FromSoftware is well known for.

The Duskbloods trailer showed some of these monsters, and as the game is primarily a multiplayer experience, players will likely need to work together to take down these mighty beasts.

The trailer also shows an art style that’s reminiscent of Code Vein, with the player characters being creatures similar to vampires. It also made a point of showing off some character examples, confirming that players will be able to make a variety of builds that are associated with the Souls games.

Players will be able to make strength-focused warriors in heavy armor, to lighter, more dexterity-focused characters like gunslingers, and many more. The game is also likely to have builds suited to casters, just like previous FromSoftware games have.

What is The Duskbloods about?

Like many of FromSoftware’s other games, The Duskbloods is set in a bleak, decaying world that has fallen on hard times, but could be revived by a hero. The gothic world is eerily similar to the one seen in Bloodborne and is also based on a dark interpretation of Victorian Europe.

The game’s story is focused on a group of warriors known as the “Bloodsworn,” who are taking part in a forbidden hunt known as the “First Blood”, now that the “Twilight of Humanity” has begun.

Having been given superhuman powers by their blood, the Bloodsworn must go out into the night and face down the hellish creatures that have started infecting the world. Each player will assume the role of a Bloodsworn as they battle against the darkness – and each other.

Ask The Escapist

Is Duskbloods a Switch 2 exclusive?

Yes, The Duskbloods is only going to be available on Nintendo’s Switch 2 console.

Is The Duskbloods a sequel to Bloodborne?

No, The Duskbloods is not a sequel to Bloodborne.

However, it will be a spiritual successor to Bloodborne in many ways, featuring a similar dark style and art design. The world that The Duskbloods is set in looks reminiscent of Yharnam, with the buildings, weapons, and even clothing of the characters resembling those from Bloodborne.

The game’s trailer also reveals that The Duskbloods shares themes with Bloodborne, such as the moon, and that blood contains both power and a curse. These were both key elements in Bloodborne’s story, and the trailer confirms that The Duskbloods will continue to explore such ideas.

Is The Duskbloods going to be open world?

FromSoftware hasn’t confirmed if The Duskbloods is going to feature an open world or not.

It’s more likely that The Duskbloods will feature a smaller but interconnected world like the ones seen in the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne, rather than a fully open world like the one seen in Elden Ring.

Is Duskbloods made by Miyazaki?

Yes. The Duskbloods developer and director will indeed be Hidetaka Miyazaki.

So, expect the game to feature his usual grimdark style, and for it to have some elements in common with his previous games, such as Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne.

We also put money on the character Patches showing up at some point in the game, as he did in so many other Souls games directed by Miyazaki.

Is Duskbloods a Soulsborne game?

Yes, The Duskbloods trailer reveals that it will contain many gameplay elements, especially the combat, that mark it as a Soulsborne title. However, the game will focus on multiplayer over single-player exploration.

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20/07/2025
Everything to know about the anime soulslike sequel
⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.

Code Vein 2 is the sequel to the Soulslike game that saw a group of vampires hack, slash, and bloodsuck their way through a post-apocalyptic sci-fi wasteland. Much like last time, they’re going to slay monsters and save the world in style, but as with any game that’s inspired by Dark Souls, things aren’t going to be easy.

Below, we’ll gather all the Code Vein 2 news in one place, including the game’s most likely release window, what you need to know about the gameplay, and what platforms it will be released on. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about Code Vein 2, such as addressing if it’s part of the God Eater franchise or if it’s just an anime Dark Souls game.

The Escapist recaps
- Code Vein 2 is an anime Soulslike game coming sometime in 2026.
- There’s no official Code Vein 2 release date as of yet.
- The game will feature a deep character creation system.
- The AI partner system will return from the first game.
- Code Vein 2 will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
When could Code Vein 2 be released?

No official Code Vein 2 release date has been confirmed yet by Bandai Namco, but the game is slated to be released in 2026.

While the developers haven’t confirmed when in 2026 the game will be released, we’d estimate that the Code Vein 2 release window is likely to be during the second half of the year, between June and December 2026.

Are Code Vein 2 pre-orders and price live?

No. Code Vein 2 pre-orders are not yet available on any of the digital storefronts.

However, this is likely to change soon after Bandai Namco, the Code Vein 2 developer, announces an official release date.

We’ll also most likely learn about the different Code Vein 2 editions, too, when this happens, such as if there will be a limited or collector’s edition of the game.

As for the Code Vein 2 price, this also hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, we can take an educated guess based on what new games are going for currently. So, we’d estimate that Code Vein 2 will cost approximately $59.99 / £64.99.

Of course, this price isn’t set in stone until it’s confirmed by Bandai Namco.

Code Vein 2 platforms

Code Vein 2 is set to be released on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.

There’s been no word on a PS4 or Xbox One version as of yet, but as the game is releasing in 2026, a last-gen version may be unlikely.

While Bandai Namco hasn’t announced Code Vein 2 for Switch 2, the company’s relationship with Nintendo means one isn’t out of the question, at least eventually.

Code Vein 2 trailer & gameplay analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdD6dEhhges

The Code Vein 2 trailer shows the new protagonist killing a creepy figure made of wax and candles, only for her to transform into a more ordinary-looking vampire (on account of her red eyes). This figure then extends her hand to the protagonist, and they leave together.

This, and some of the gameplay footage, suggests that Code Vein 2 features the partner system from the original game, allowing players to explore and take on bosses with an AI ally.

This mechanic makes the Code Vein 2 gameplay less punishing than other Soulslikes, but the sequel is still likely to be very challenging, just like the first game could be in spots.

The trailer shows both figures going back in time and suggests that history could be changed to save the world from ruin. So, we expect that this will play into the death and rebirth mechanic that Soulslike games often have, explaining why characters can continuously die and try again.

Finally, the trailer shows some epic new boss encounters, which fans of the first game are likely very keen to take on in battle.

How is Code Vein different from other Soulslikes?

Code Vein is a traditional Soulslike experience and is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls games, but it also borrows from Bandai Namco’s anime franchise, God Eater, particularly its art style and several gameplay mechanics.

The first Code Vein game allowed players to explore and take on bosses with an AI ally, something that eliminated the need for co-op multiplayer if players wanted to roll solo, but it also made the game less difficult than games like Dark Souls or Nioh.

The original game also didn’t feature any PvP multiplayer, like an invasion mechanic, something that has become synonymous with Soulslike games and adds to their crushing difficulty. While co-op play is likely to return in Code Vein 2, PvP is unlikely to be added, unless the developers say otherwise.

Ask The Escapist

Will Code Vein 2 have character creation?

Yes. Code Vein 2 will feature a deep character creation system that expands on the one from the first game.

So players can look forward to making their own unique vampire and letting them loose on the post-apocalyptic world.

Players will be unable to create their own AI partner, but they will be able to customize a range of existing NPC characters that will fight alongside them.

Is Code Vein a sequel to God Eater?

No. While the Code Vein and God Eater franchises are both developed by Bandai Namco and feature a similar art style, each is set in its own distinct continuity.

However, don’t be surprised to see ideas, items, and characters from God Eater potentially pop up in Code Vein 2 as playable skins and upgrades. This is something Bandai Namco often does between its IPs.

Is Code Vein a spin-off?

No. Code Vein is an original franchise, developed by Bandai Namco, that features a group of vampires trying to survive in a ravaged post-apocalyptic version of Earth.

The game has a lot in common with other Soulslike games and action adventures like God Eater, but Code Vein is its own unique franchise and not a spin-off of any other.

Is Code Vein just anime Dark Souls?

While Code Vein is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s Souls series, and is absolutely a Soulslike game, it’s much more than just anime Dark Souls.

Its anime art style gives it a very different and less gritty feel than Dark Souls games have. While Dark Souls is often subtle, understated, restrained, and grimdark, Code Vein is flashy, loud, colorful, and overtly stylish.

In truth, Code Vein often has more in common with games like Devil May Cry and Nioh than it does Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Elden Ring. Code Vein 2 gameplay is also likely to reflect this.

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20/07/2025
Everything we know about the upcoming soulslike
Team Ninja’s devilishly difficult samurai souls-like is back, and it’s bigger and bloodier than ever. Revealed during PlayStation’s June 2025 State of Play, the Nioh 3 announcement confirmed what many hoped was coming: a brutal, faster, and more ambitious sequel. PS5 players even got hands-on time via a limited-time demo.

While that has now passed, the Nioh 3 news cycle is just getting started. Nioh 3 introduces open-field zones, dual-style combat stances, and new yokai-related hijinks. Whether you’re here for the masochist punishment or the Japanese folklore setting, the next in the franchise promises a defining step forward in Team Ninja’s samurai saga.

The Escapist recaps
- Nioh 3 release window is set for early 2026.
- PS5 demo ran June 4–18, 2025, but it is now now offline.
- Dual-style combat: Samurai & Ninja stances.
- Open-field exploration replaces linear maps.
- The game will launch day one on PS5 and PC (Steam).
When could Nioh 3 be released?

The Nioh 3 release window is officially confirmed as early 2026, according to the PlayStation Blog and the June 2025 State of Play event.

That places the Nioh 3 release date somewhere between January and March, barring any major delays. From what was observed by the state of the demo, it’s not hard to speculate that a Q1 launch seems highly likely.

While it’s not clear when Nioh 3 will get a more specific release date, Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show are likely candidates. Given Team Ninja’s tight marketing windows in the past, expect a steady rollout of more content and previews over the coming months.

Nioh is full of surprising enemies, meaning you never know what you’ll see when you round a corner. Image credit: Team Ninja

Expected Nioh 3 Price & pre-orders

Nioh 3 pre-orders aren’t live yet, but they will likely appear when the game receives its full release date..

Completing the demo (now expired) rewarded players with a special Crimson Kabuto Helmet, which will be available in the full game. Whether there will be more demos or chances to get the cosmetics in the future is not currently known.

Expect various editions, with collector’s bundles and digital bonuses, especially if Koei Tecmo repeats its strategy from Nioh 2’s launch. With that in mind, we expect this to be a full-priced $69.99 release.

Nioh 3 Platforms

Confirmed Nioh 3 platforms on day one are PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. This is a first for the series—Nioh 1 and 2 both launched on PlayStation first before trickling over to PC months later. There’s no PS4 version planned, and Team Ninja hasn’t announced any plans for an Xbox release either.

Nioh 3 trailer & gameplay breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXGm-JaxY54

The official Nioh 3 trailer set the tone perfectly: fast, vicious, and stylish. Combat has evolved with a new dual-style system, letting you switch in real-time between a heavy, defensive Samurai stance and a fast, evasive Ninja stance. This gives players more tools than ever to control the pace and flow of each battle.

The transition to open-field zones is another big shift. Gone are the segmented, mission-based maps. Instead, Nioh 3 offers larger, interconnected areas filled with side paths, minibosses, yokai ambushes, and hidden gear

The demo also gave players a taste of the character creator, with promises of full customization at launch. All of these points suggest a faster, more flexible, and even deadlier evolution of the classic Nioh formula, especially with the inclusion of a double-jump, giving Nioh 3 some serious Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice vibes.

What is the Nioh series about?

Nioh is an action RPG series developed by Team Ninja and set in a dark, mythologized version of Japan’s war-torn Sengoku era. The games blend the historical with the supernatural, pitting players against legendary samurai and grotesque yokai.

The gameplay is known for being brutally difficult. You’ll need to master parries, Ki (stamina) management, and weapon stances to survive. Nioh has always rewarded patience, precision, and planning. With each entry, Team Ninja has expanded on that core, adding more weapons, systems, and now—in Nioh 3—more space to explore and fight.

Nioh (2017) had you play as real-life Englishman turned samurai, William Adams. You were in pursuit of an evil sorcerer, all while fighting off hordes of yokai in a fictional retelling of Adams’ involvement in the unification of Japan before the Edo period.

Nioh 2 (2020) was set earlier in Japan in the late 1500s, acting as a prequel to some of the events of Nioh, where you play a Hidechiyo, a half-human half yokai, who can be customized by the player, trying to uncover the secrets of their past.

You’ll be able to embody a Ninja – or a Samurai – in Nioh 3. Image credit: Team Ninja

Ask The Escapist

Is Team Ninja making Nioh 3?

Yes. Team Ninja—the original studio behind Nioh and Nioh 2—is developing Nioh 3, once again led by director Fumihiko Yasuda. It’s a proper sequel with all the original DNA intact, not a reboot or spin-off.

Is Nioh 3 open world?

Not quite. While it’s not a seamless open world like Elden Ring or Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh 3 uses an “open-field” structure. Think larger, interconnected areas with multiple objectives and plenty of reasons to explore. It’s a step up in scale and freedom compared to the mission-based zones of previous entries.

Will Nioh 3 have multiplayer?

Yes. Multiplayer is returning in Nioh 3, including co-op features like Visitor Summons and Expedition Missions. Team Ninja hasn’t detailed PvP yet, but given past games, it’s very likely. Whether helping friends or summoning assistance, multiplayer remains central to the Nioh formula.

Is there a Nioh 3 demo?

There was, for a limited time. The Nioh 3 demo was available exclusively on PS5 from June 4 to June 18, 2025. It offered early access to new mechanics, an open-field zone, and a character creator. Completing the demo unlocked a reward for the full game. No second demo has been announced, but a wider beta before release isn’t out of the question.

References
1. https://blog.playstation.com/2025/06/04/nioh-3-announced-for-ps5-limited-time-demo-available-today/
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19/07/2025
Everything We Know About Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 So Far

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Published: Jun 9, 2025 02:55 pm

At the end of the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft surprised gamers with the debut teaser for the latest Call of Duty. While official information is still scarce, here’s everything we know about Black Ops 7.

Setting and Story

While the last several Call of Duty games have elected to stick to historical or modern settings, Black Ops 7 is heading back to the future. Despite being numbered to follow 2024’s Black Ops 6, the latest CoD actually has way more in common with the classic Black Ops 2.

Like Black Ops 2, 7 will take players a decade ahead of the game’s release and predict a near future full of technology which revolutionizes the way wars are fought. Black Ops 7 takes place in 2035, with characters from Black Ops 2 returning in the form of David Mason, Menendez, and Harper. The announcement blog further teases the setting as a “world on the brink of chaos, ravaged by violent conflict and psychological warfare”.

While story details are still being kept classified, the cryptic teaser does give fans a taste of what to expect. That trailer is filled with surreal, mind bending environments which confirm the spirit of Black Ops as a trippy espionage thriller is still alive and well. Several of these aforementioned locales allude back to classic characters and missions from early Black Ops campaigns. Most notably, David Mason confronts Raul Menendez in a recreation of the room has father was interrogated in over the course of the original Black Ops story.

Multiplayer, Zombies, and More

As exciting as a new Black Ops Campaign can be, Call of Duty’s suite of multiplayer modes is what keeps players hooked all year. That being said, the Campaign does actually fit in here, too. Perhaps whats most exciting about Black Ops 7’s story is that fans will be able to experience it with others. In a rare move for the franchise, this year’s campaign is confirmed to be playable co-op or solo, allowing fans to play the narrative out together for the first time in a decade.

For fans of Call of Duty’s PvP offerings, Black Ops 7 is expected to have the classic Multiplayer modes, as well as some new ones. Black Ops 7 will continue the trend of a direct sequel to a previous Call of Duty entry in an odd numbered year; just as Modern Warfare III followed up II the year before it. However, unlike MWIII, Black Ops 7 is confirmed to have several brand-new Multiplayer maps at launch, rather than just a collection of remasters.

The seasons of Warzone content to follow the Black Ops 7 launch seem to feature a new large-scale map called Avalon. Several prominent CoD content leakers have claimed Avalon was originally set to release with Black Ops 6, but was delayed too make room for the re-introduction of Verdansk. Several of the Black Ops 6 Multiplayer maps take place in or around Avalon, and the surrounding area matches up with some brief looks at gameplay in the first Black Ops 7 teaser.

A brief look at this year’s Zombies offering was also shown. Black Ops 7 will once again feature the classic Round Based Zombies mode. Our first look at the horde mode this year shows a group of zombies being alerted by the turning on of headlights in a rural environment. Many fans believe this could be some sort of remake or reimagining of Tranzit, the launch map for Black Ops 2 Zombies, as the teaser images seem to include that map’s Farm locale and bus. Fans have long wanted a reinvention of the controversial map on new hardware, and with Black Ops 7 being a direct sequel to 2, the time may finally be right.

A full reveal of Black Ops 7 is promised for this summer. In the meantime, you can play Black Ops 6 & Warzone on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Black Ops 7 will be available on all those platforms as well. It is unknown if and when the game will come to the Nintendo Switch 2.

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10/06/2025
Playtesting & Playtesters – everything you need to know — Pine Island Games

Bringing a game to market is an expensive and time consuming proposition (follow along as we take Froggy Bazaar from an idea to publication & beyond). It’s easy to over-estimate the value of your game idea, and underestimate the value of the rest of the process of bringing a game to market.

In short, even if your game rocks it isn’t worth it for anyone else to steal it.

Stealing a game would also come with a lot of risk. The indie design community is small and close-knit. And indie game consumers likely wouldn’t be forgiving towards a publisher who stole another designer’s game.

You do occasionally see successful games re-implemented like Cards Against Humanity broadly re-implemented Apples to Apples with NSFW content. But, I don’t know of any instances where an indie design was ripped off especially before publication.

So, get to playtesting!

Where to Find Playtesters

I like to think of playtesting in a couple of categories each with a different audience, and with different goals. Where you go to find playtesters in each stage will vary. And, as you playtest more you’ll be sourcing playtesters more broadly outside of your immediate circle.

Early Stage

The earliest stages of playtesting you’ll be figuring out whether your game is fun and functional. This will mostly be playing by yourself and roping family and friends into games while you iterate on rules.

Where to find early stage playtesters:

Mid Stage

As your game progresses you’ll be focused on developing the game, balancing it, and finding your audience. In some playtests you’ll be focused on getting feedback on specific mechanisms or interactions, in others you’ll want broad feedback, and in others you’ll be focused on what gamers your game gels with.

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25/04/2025
For Everything There is a Season: The Origin Story of Combat Commander: Vietnam – InsideGMT

Note: All of the images depicting game components in this article show early concept or playtest art.

A Time to Plant.

It was 18(!!) years ago that Chad and I started talking about designing a Combat Commander: Vietnam game together. Of course, Chad was the master crafter of Combat Commander and knew the CC design a bazillion times better than I did, but he didn’t really know anything about Vietnam. I probably know more about that war/period than I know about any other in military history, and I love Combat Commander, so a co-design with Chad and myself seemed like a good fit. But we both were really busy with other projects, so we decided to work on CC: Vietnam in the margins, not caring if it took even a decade to get to our game tables in finished form.

So we went slowly but had a ton of great conversations as we crafted the project—and I learned even MORE about the genius of Chad Jensen when he sent me his master CC spreadsheets to adapt for CC: Vietnam. Wow. Over time, we honed the design document, unit spreadsheets, and scenario scope, and I finally put together a very ugly test CC: Vietnam map that we used to maneuver and “fight” our imaginary battles. Here you can see both that original map and Chad’s enormously better version of that map at right, which depicts mountainous jungle terrain that we envisioned as a base map for an “Assault on a US Fire Base” scenario, Marine defenses of a hilltop position, and US assaults (mini-Hamburger Hills) on dug in NVA/PLF forces.

Gene’s playtest map (left) vs. Chad’s playtest map (right). Yeah, I know… 😊

As most of you know, Chad’s design plate was continually busy during those years. There wasn’t a time I can remember when Chad didn’t have a couple games on our P500 list and a few more in his head. Here’s an ad we did back around 2015 that showed just a few of the Family Games that Chad had completed or in the works:

So Chad was busy. And starting around 2014, I got into serious development and testing on the game I’d wanted to do forever, Mr. President. So both of our design time for CC: Vietnam was minimal, but we kept honing the design document and both thought it was coming together and that we’d do it “someday.”

A Time to Weep.

Sadly, we were wrong. Even 5 ½ years later, I still have trouble thinking and talking about that incredibly heart-wrenching period of Chad’s sickness and passing. I lost a good friend, Kai lost the love of her life, and the gaming world lost an absolute rock star designer. So gaming-wise inside GMT, everything Chad-related just stopped while we all grieved his passing.

A Time to Build Up.

Probably a year later, allowing some time to pass and the hard edges of grief to soften a bit so we could get through a phone conversation without crying, Kai and I began to talk about finishing Chad’s unfinished or unpublished designs. And he had a bunch of them. Honestly, I didn’t think at that point that CC: Vietnam would be one of them because, frankly, I didn’t want to design it without Chad (and there was STILL Mr. President dominating my design time). And so we did other games instead—games that either Kai or I had a team in place or recruited to finish. Of all those games we talked about and have worked on, I’m especially happy that John Butterfield volunteered to finish Downfall with Kai. And it won the CSR Game of the Year last year! What a tribute to Chad, and to John, a forever friend to Chad and Kai.

In 2022, Kai and I began to seriously discuss the Combat Commander series and agreed to create an Anniversary Edition of the CC: Europe/CC: Med. games which was packaged as Chad originally intended, in one big box. And we had designers ask us about taking the CC game to other theatres and periods. But no movement for CC: Vietnam. Until there WAS!!!

A Time to Seek.

Two of our newer GMT designers whose work I’m really excited about are Non-Breaking Space (NB) and Stephen Rangazas. NB created Cross Bronx Expressway (nearing heading to the printer now) and Stephen designed The British Way. Both have other designs on P500 now and also on the design table. Well, in the fall of 2023, NB came to our Weekend at the Warehouse and showed a couple games to Jason, Kai, Rachel, Mike Bertucelli, and me. I liked his games, but more importantly, I liked HIM. After the weekend, we were all excited about working with NB—I heard several “he fits with us” comments (and he DOES!)—on various projects. And Stephen’s The British Way and The Guerrilla Generation demonstrated both his design skill and the depth of research that he puts into game design. I was particularly impressed with the way he engages with customers online: he communicates clearly and humbly and is open to feedback and other interpretations while being committed to making the best product that he can.

So, at that warehouse meeting, being really impressed with NB, I mentioned in passing that I’d really love to find a team to get the Combat Commander: Vietnam project moving forward. NB surprised us with “I need to make a phone call.” That call was to Stephen (they often work together in a design partnership). NB has since told me that it was Stephen’s background in Vietnam research that prompted the call. Stephen’s design of Sovereign of Discord, the expansion to our hit COIN game Fire in the Lake, already benefited from his depth of knowledge (and I would note here that your work has to be pretty impressive to get Mark and Volko to sign off on doing an expansion for one of their best-selling games!). After the call, NB told us something along the lines of “We’re interested, but it’s a divergence from the path we are on right now. So we need to take some time to think about it and discuss it in depth before we give you an answer.”

Fast forward to January of 2024. NB contacted me and Jason and let us know that he and Stephen were definitely interested in working on a Combat Commander: Vietnam game! We had an online meeting a week later where they walked us through a slide show of how they intended to move forward with the design, assuming we approved it. Here are a few of the slides from that meeting:

Stephen and NB’s scoping of the Factions that they proposed including in the game.

NB and Stephen’s early overview of Faction Deck Force Composition and Timelines

It was a really good meeting. We had a lot of questions, and NB and Stephen answered them with skill, honesty, and transparency and were not shy to share what their research showed. I liked that when they hadn’t figured something out yet, they said so. It was clear to me that they had the chops to research, design, and deliver a new Combat Commander: Vietnam that aligned with Chad’s and my vision for the game but was not limited by it. I left that meeting IMPRESSED. And we gave them the go ahead to push forward into the “create the physical game” stage, which they proposed to have to show us by the Fall 2024 Weekend at the Warehouse.

A Time to Dance.

We didn’t hear much from Stephen and NB from January to September. We just left them alone, knowing that what they were creating was a huge task. Occasionally they’d have a question, but mostly they just worked away on their own, sculpting what we all hoped would become a masterpiece.

Then, just before the Weekend at the Warehouse, NB sent us the image below and told us he’d have the playtest kit ready for the Weekend. We were so excited!

At the Weekend, we were all really happy about where the design was and ready to move forward to getting it ready for P500. I was thinking it might be ready to go on the P500 list in a year. Then NB said, “Please give us a deadline. We work better that way.” So I said, “April 2025.” NB didn’t blink, so that was our target date.

Then, in January, Stephen and NB informed us that they had EIGHT maps (pictured below) they were now testing on and anticipated they’d double that within a month.

They also included a Map of Vietnam with a Scenario and Reference guide for all the planned Battles (below).

And then they COMPLETELY blew me away. They built a campaign system! WHAT??!!??

Campaign Scenario Generator (left) and the CC: V scenario it generated (right)

They then noted that they thought they’d be ready for a MARCH P500 addition instead of April. Looking at the quality and completeness of their work (I’ve shown just a fraction here), I had no problem giving them the March slot. So here we are, with Combat Commander: Vietnam hitting the P500 list with this week’s customer newsletter. I hope you’ll order yours now!

I hope this article gives you all some insight into how Combat Commander: Vietnam has come to exist. What a long journey this has been. I am HUGELY excited about what NB and Stephen have created and how they’ve taken Chad’s system and our vision and combined it with their own research and added so much that we probably wouldn’t ever have thought of. I still can’t believe we’re going to have a Campaign System for CC: Vietnam!!!!!!

I believe (and hope) that the Combat Commander community will be blown away by how cool this game is and by the amount of value they’re going to get in this big box of Combat Commander love. And I know Chad would be SO happy to see this game that we planted the seeds for finally come to fruition. As with everything in the Combat Commander world, every time I play this, I’ll be thinking of Chad. And I’ll always be thankful that NB and Stephen took up this challenge and have honored Chad with the care, attention to detail, and general awesomeness that they’ve created for us to enjoy as we play Combat Commander: Vietnam.

– Gene

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20/04/2025