This week in PC games: Gamescom and GTA 6 fight for our attention, but don’t forget Folk Emerging, MGS4 and the horror game about balancing a cake
August 24, 2026
Hello everyone! This week, the atmosphere is charged with excitement as the Maw is in an unusually buoyant mood. From my vantage point above north London, I can see its scales shimmering with a flirtatious glow, reflecting the distant skyline of Canary Wharf. The Maw’s crimson coral coils and verdigris fins dance among the late summer clouds, creating a surreal backdrop that hints at the thrilling events unfolding below.
Gamescom Week: A Feast for Enthusiasts
This week marks the arrival of Gamescom, a time when the gaming world comes alive with news and announcements, providing ample fodder for those who thrive on headlines. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated documentary on GTA 6, set to stream on August 27th via Rockstar and Netflix. This will undoubtedly spark a flurry of articles, including whimsical explorations like “50 individually rendered breakfast cereal shapes you missed from the all-new Vice City.” But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; a plethora of exciting new PC releases is also on the horizon. Here’s a curated list of noteworthy titles:
Burned Horizons (early access): A hard-hitting military simulation and squad tactics game set against the backdrop of a fictional 2002 war in Europe. Developed by a team spanning Ukraine, the UK, and the USA, it serves as a poignant commentary on imperialism, encapsulated in the developers’ assertion that “monsters like him don’t stop – until someone stops them.”
Money for Girls: Amortized: A horror detective visual novel crafted by the acclaimed hypertext designer and former RPS columnist Porpentine.
1666: Amsterdam (early access): A time-bending witch ’em up from Patrice Désilets, the creative mind behind Assassin’s Creed. This project has seen a tumultuous journey through various developers, reflecting the ongoing saga between Désilets and Ubisoft.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2: A thrilling cooperative experience for 1-4 players, set to deliver a dose of xenomorphic action while fans await the more refined Alien: Isolation 2.
Astral Court DX: A bullet hell game set in a celestial realm where players navigate platform challenges to avoid execution, boasting an impressive 189 levels.
Blood Dungeon: A frantic platformer that combines elements of bullet hell, developed by the creators of Nidhogg, featuring a protagonist whose panic is almost palpable.
Sokogram: A unique hybrid puzzler that melds sokoban mechanics with paint-by-numbers gameplay, catering to a very niche audience.
Western Rye (early access): A survival game that combines cowboy simulation with base construction and zombie encounters, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare.
the cabin game (early access): A multiplayer experience where players are trapped in a haunted cabin, adding rooms while simultaneously worsening their predicament.
Lou’s Lagoon: An adventurous platformer set on a vibrant archipelago, inviting players to explore at a leisurely pace.
Star Wars: Zero Company: A squad tactics game set in the Ahsoka era, developed by veterans from the XCOM franchise.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2: A remastered package featuring MGS4 and Peace Walker, along with archival materials from the series.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy: This installment takes players to an island caught between the Middle Ages and ancient Minoan times, filled with light-based puzzles and mysterious creatures.
Captain Tsubasa: A return to the beloved football franchise, promising an escape from the constraints of realism.
Don’t Drop The Cake: A whimsical game where players balance a tray while navigating a chaotic environment filled with conveyor belts and quirky characters.
Alice’s Gaze: A unique blend of autobattling and spooky mansion exploration, inviting players to “experience the deepest chills in the laziest way.”
A Little Age: A laid-back city-building game that offers a relaxing conclusion to the week.
This year, we’re adopting a fresh approach to Gamescom coverage. Instead of liveblogging the Opening Night Live event, we aim to take our time, focusing on the games and stories that truly deserve attention. Our team, including James, Julian, and a Mysterious Surprise Guest, will be on-site in Cologne, engaging with developers and experiencing demos firsthand. Meanwhile, Mark and I will be holding down the fort at home, with Oisin covering evening news shifts as usual. Our guides writers will continue exploring alternate gaming universes, from Roblox to Mortal Shell 2. As for you, feel free to share what you’re up to this week—even if it’s stepping away from video games entirely; moderation can be refreshing.
This week in PC games: Gamescom and GTA 6 fight for our attention, but don’t forget Folk Emerging, MGS4 and the horror game about balancing a cake
Hello everyone! This week, the atmosphere is charged with excitement as the Maw is in an unusually buoyant mood. From my vantage point above north London, I can see its scales shimmering with a flirtatious glow, reflecting the distant skyline of Canary Wharf. The Maw’s crimson coral coils and verdigris fins dance among the late summer clouds, creating a surreal backdrop that hints at the thrilling events unfolding below.
Gamescom Week: A Feast for Enthusiasts
This week marks the arrival of Gamescom, a time when the gaming world comes alive with news and announcements, providing ample fodder for those who thrive on headlines. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated documentary on GTA 6, set to stream on August 27th via Rockstar and Netflix. This will undoubtedly spark a flurry of articles, including whimsical explorations like “50 individually rendered breakfast cereal shapes you missed from the all-new Vice City.” But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; a plethora of exciting new PC releases is also on the horizon. Here’s a curated list of noteworthy titles:
This year, we’re adopting a fresh approach to Gamescom coverage. Instead of liveblogging the Opening Night Live event, we aim to take our time, focusing on the games and stories that truly deserve attention. Our team, including James, Julian, and a Mysterious Surprise Guest, will be on-site in Cologne, engaging with developers and experiencing demos firsthand. Meanwhile, Mark and I will be holding down the fort at home, with Oisin covering evening news shifts as usual. Our guides writers will continue exploring alternate gaming universes, from Roblox to Mortal Shell 2. As for you, feel free to share what you’re up to this week—even if it’s stepping away from video games entirely; moderation can be refreshing.