Gamescom 2026 kicks off with Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, Witcher 3 DLC, and Fable gameplay
Gamescom 2026 is set to be the biggest year yet for the Cologne-based expo, which has cemented itself as the leading summer gaming event following the decline of E3. With Opening Night Live kicking off the festivities, the show promises a packed schedule of reveals, playable demos, and hands-on experiences across multiple showcases. Among the most anticipated titles are Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, and a live gameplay debut for Fable, alongside a host of other heavy hitters.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation takes centre stage
Following its reveal at Summer Game Fest earlier this year, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will feature prominently at Opening Night Live. Director Naoki Hamaguchi is set to share more details about the trilogy’s concluding chapter. Fans are speculating that a playable demo may be available on the show floor, though this has not been confirmed. Many are hoping for a firm release date for 2027 to be announced during the presentation.
The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past gets a deeper look
CD Projekt Red has confirmed it will reveal more about The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, a surprise DLC for the decade-old RPG that is scheduled for next year. The announcement has left many wondering whether the studio will also offer a new glimpse of The Witcher 4, though a teaser is considered unlikely based on current expectations.
Fable to show live gameplay
Xbox is looking to regain momentum after a turbulent summer marked by mass layoffs and studio departures. Much is riding on Fable, the revival of the beloved RPG series by Playground Games, which was originally slated for this year but is now set to launch on February 23. The show will feature the first live gameplay demonstration, giving audiences a clearer picture of how the project is shaping up. Microsoft is also bringing Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons 2, Alien Isolation 2, and other major titles to the event in an effort to reinvigorate fan interest.
Metro 2039 returns to the series' roots
After a detour into virtual reality, the Metro series is making a comeback with Metro 2039, set to release in February. Developer 4A Games will have a dedicated booth on the show floor, complete with hands-on demo stations and photo opportunities, making it one of the larger presences at the expo.
Persona 4 Revival and more
Alongside the buzz around Persona 6 following its teaser earlier this summer, Persona 4 Revival is generating significant excitement. The remake is expected to be a major draw at the show, though further details remain under wraps.
Future Games Show lineup revealed
The Future Games Show at Gamescom 2026 will air on Wednesday, August 26 at 10 am PDT / 1 pm EDT / 6 pm BST, hosted by Resident Evil actors Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant'Albano. The showcase will feature over 40 games, including 13 world premieres, exclusive reveals, and developer deep dives. Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at Tides of Annihilation from Eclipse Glow Games, and a closer peek at Onimusha: Way of the Sword from Capcom. Other titles set to appear include a new trailer for the comedy adventure game Trees Hate You and a developer diary from Maverick Games for its open-world action-driving game Clutch.
How to watch and what follows
The Future Games Show will stream internationally on Twitch, YouTube, Steam, X, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, GameSpot, and ESR Gaming Network. UK viewers can also watch on Ginx TV, while Chinese audiences can tune in via Bilibili, KuaiShou, WeChat, Weibo, Huya, Douyin, Zhihu, and Poizon. Coverage and announcements will be shared across GamesRadar+, X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Immediately after the main showcase, FGS Live from Gamescom will air, hosted by channel presenters Nathan and Jules. This segment will bring additional premieres and exclusive content direct from the Koelnmesse convention centre, including Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 and Nivalis Nights. Finally, FGS Best of Gamescom will return on Sunday, August 30 at 10 am PDT / 1 pm EDT / 6 pm BST, recapping the week's biggest announcements.
With a lineup that spans major RPG revivals, surprise DLC, and a host of world premieres, Gamescom 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for the summer gaming calendar.