E3 has faded into the annals of gaming history, and the annual June showcase of video game announcements has evolved into the Summer Game Fest, a term that has become synonymous with excitement and anticipation. Spearheaded by Geoff Keighley, this event encompasses a live showcase, an in-person media gathering dubbed “Play Days,” and a plethora of other June gaming presentations. This year, the Summer Game Fest livestream is set to air on Friday, June 6 at 2 pm Pacific on YouTube, with additional coverage of the weekend’s events, including the PC Gaming Show on Sunday.
New developers with unrevealed games
This year’s Summer Game Fest boasts a diverse lineup of partners, including intriguing newcomers whose projects remain shrouded in mystery. Among them:
- Raw Power Games: Hailing from Denmark, this developer is crafting a vast medieval sandbox experience set in Europe, promising an immersive battle experience. The game, which is currently untitled, will debut on PC and features notable designers, including a former lead designer from Cyberpunk 2077. Interestingly, the studio is also exploring the potential of generative AI in its development process.
- Soft Rains: Founded by Joel Burgess, known for his work on titles like Oblivion and Skyrim, this new studio is developing a single-player sci-fi action game that has yet to be revealed.
Big studios and publishers
The Summer Game Fest is also set to feature prominent studios and publishers, each with the potential to unveil exciting new titles or updates on anticipated projects:
- 505 Games: Likely to showcase Wu Chang: Fallen Feathers, first revealed in 2021.
- 2K Games: Speculation suggests a reveal for Mafia: The Old Country, alongside possible news on Borderlands 4.
- Bandai Namco: Expected to present upcoming titles such as The Blood of the Dawnwalker, Little Nightmares 3, and Shadow Labyrinth.
- Capcom: While Resident Evil 9 may not be on the agenda, fans are hopeful for surprises.
- CD Projekt: Though it may be early for The Witcher 4, the studio recently showcased a tech demo that could hint at future plans.
- Embark: Known for The Finals, the studio is also working on Arc Raiders.
- IO Interactive: Following the reveal of its 007 game at Sony’s State of Play, further updates may be forthcoming.
- Square Enix: Anticipation surrounds potential announcements beyond its involvement with the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set.
- Techland: Following last year’s announcement of Dying Light: The Beast, further details are expected.
- Xbox: With its own showcase on Sunday, Microsoft may tease upcoming titles such as The Outer Worlds 2 and Fable.
- PlayStation: Aside from Death Stranding 2, a variety of PS5 exclusives could be on display.
- Epic Games: With a publishing arm now in place, the company may have more to share than just Fortnite news.
- Pearl Abyss: The developer of Black Desert Online is set to unveil its new action RPG, Crimson Desert.
- Sega: Speculation suggests discussions around the Switch 2, with potential surprises in store.
- Steam: While major announcements may not be expected, updates on SteamOS or the Steam Deck could be revealed.
Even more big and small SGF partners
The breadth of this year’s Summer Game Fest partners is impressive, encompassing both established names and emerging studios:
- 1047 Games: Known for Splitgate 2.
- Amazon Games: Expected to showcase King of Meat among its MMO offerings.
- Annapurna Interactive: Anticipated to present various upcoming titles.
- Atari: Reviving its legacy with new game publications.
- Bellring Games: Developing Mistfall Hunter, an “extraction RPG.”
- Blumhouse Games: A source of horror-themed gaming experiences.
- Coffee Stain: Recently involved in restructuring news within Embracer.
- Devolver Digital: Hosting its own event focused on Ball X Pit.
- Dotemu: Known for reviving classic franchises while also announcing original titles.
- Dreamhaven: The new publisher founded by Blizzard co-founder Mike Morhaime.
- Enhance: Recognized for its innovative experimental games.
- Focus Entertainment: Recently published RoadCraft.
- Frontier: Creators of Planet Coaster 2 and Elite Dangerous.
- Funcom: Preparing for the launch of Dune Awakening.
- iam8bit Presents: Known for collector’s editions and merchandise.
- Kakao Games: Publisher of MMOs like Chrono Odyssey.
- Kinetic Games: The team behind Phasmophobia.
- Kuro Games: Developers of Wuthering Waves.
- Level Infinite: Working on the upcoming extraction shooter Exoborne.
- Magic the Gathering: Featuring a new Final Fantasy set.
- Megabit: A publisher with multiple upcoming titles.
- Meta Quest: Focused on VR headsets and games.
- Mundfish: Developer of Atomic Heart.
- NCSoft: Publisher of Guild Wars 2 and other MMOs.
- Nekki: Promising “gun fu” in the upcoming Spine.
- Neowiz: Potentially showcasing Lies of P DLC.
- Netmarble: Recently released a Game of Thrones game.
- Nexon: Working on Vindictus: Defying Fate.
- Niantic: The studio behind Pokémon Go.
- Nintendo Switch 2: Launching on June 5.
- Nuverse: Publisher of Marvel Snap.
- Playstack: Known for excellent titles, including Balatro.
- PlaySide: Developing Mouse: PI for Hire, an FPS inspired by 1930s cartoons.
- PM Studios: With several upcoming games in the pipeline.
- Razer: Renowned for gaming peripherals.
- Supermassive Games: Set to release Directive 8020 in October.
- Xsolla: A fintech company likely to keep a low profile during the event.
- Yacht Club Games: The creators of Shovel Knight, with their next title, Mina The Hollower.
The anticipation surrounding the Summer Game Fest is palpable, with a wealth of potential announcements and trailers on the horizon. Notably, developers not officially sponsoring the event may still showcase their games, adding to the excitement. Among these is an “intense body horror” game titled ILL, which has already generated buzz. Additionally, viewers can expect beta access to Soulframe, the latest offering from the creators of Warframe, available through Twitch drops during the stream. Hideo Kojima’s presence at the event is also confirmed, further solidifying the festival’s status as a must-watch for gaming enthusiasts.
