Buckle up, gamers—Gamescom 2024 just hit us with another wave of excitement, courtesy of the Future Games Show, presented by none other than Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. Hosted by the charismatic duo Ned Luke (GTA V’s Michael De Santa) and Alex McKenna (Red Dead Redemption 2’s Sadie Adler), the showcase was broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok, GamesRadar, and BiliBili on August 21, and gave us a sneak peek at over 50 upcoming titles.
The Future Games Show is known for its blend of AAA blockbusters and indie gems, and this year’s Gamescom edition was no exception. From world premieres to exclusive demos, the event had something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane action racers or looking forward to the next big strategy game, this Future Game Show edition had it all, and it was all wrapped up with plenty of gameplay, developer insights, and tantalizing trailers.
As the dust settles on this jam-packed autumn showcase, let’s dive into the full rundown of everything announced. From the biggest titles to the hidden indie gems, here’s your guide to all the major reveals from the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024.
Mars Attracts: Kicking off the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024, Mars Attracts is a theme park builder set in the zany universe of Mars Attacks. Slated for release in 2025, this game lets you step into the shoes of mischievous Martians, building a twisted amusement park where you abduct historical humans to display in bizarre, customizable enclosures. Create your brand of entertainment, whether by observing human quirks or crafting diabolical experiments.
Spine – This Is Gun Fu: Spine – This Is Gun Fu: Unleashing a thrilling gameplay trailer at the showcase, Spine – This Is Gun Fu brings high-octane gunfights to life with a cyberpunk twist. Scored by Le Castle Vania, known for his work on John Wick, this single-player action game is set in a dystopian future and lets you dive into the gritty world of rebellious street artist Redline and her sentient combat implant, Spine as they defy the autocratic AI regime to rescue Redline’s brother.
The Explorator: Dive into the vibrant world of The Explorator, where hand-crafted 2D animation meets lush 3D environments for a unique shooter experience. Set on the perilous island of Ospolis, you’ll face goblins and monsters as you explore a city shrouded in the legend of ancient Atlantis. With its nod to classic FPS games and unique cell-shaded art, this game invites you to unravel the mystery behind a sudden goblin invasion and rescue stranded explorers. Eager to test your mettle? Get a taste of the adventure with the demo now available on Steam!
Civilization VII: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, arriving on February 11, 2025, promises a fresh strategic experience with new gameplay features and narration by Gwendoline Christie. Shape your empire’s destiny as legendary leaders, expand through technological innovations, and conquer or collaborate with rivals in this highly-anticipated next chapter of the iconic 4X series.
Black Myth: Wukong: Black Myth: Wukong is a visually breathtaking action RPG that draws deep inspiration from Chinese mythology. Unveiled during the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024, the game is now available on PC and consoles, offering players an epic journey through the legendary tale of Journey to the West. As the Destined One, you’ll face fierce challenges and unravel the hidden truths behind an ancient, glorious legend. Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that blends rich storytelling with intense, soullike combat.
Croak: From the creative minds behind Cuphead and Rick and Morty comes Croak, a quirky, cartoon-style platformer that’s set to challenge even the most skilled players. In this precision-based adventure, you’ll guide a nimble frog prince through a series of hand-crafted rooms, using his innovative tongue-grapple mechanic to dash, bounce, and manipulate the environment. Each distinct biome you explore brings new gameplay twists and formidable bosses. Coming soon to PC, Croak is ready to leap onto your radar!
Monaco 2: Get ready to reassemble your crew for the ultimate heist in Monaco 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine. This sequel introduces a brand-new roster of crafty thieves, each with unique skills perfect for pulling off high-stakes heists. Dive into procedurally generated 3D environments where strategy meets chaos, offering endless stealthy thrills and frantic improvisation. Coming soon to PC, Monaco 2 promises to deliver the same adrenaline-pumping fun that made the original a hit—only bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable!
Ravenswatch: From the creators of Curse of the Dead Gods comes Ravenswatch, an exhilarating cooperative action roguelike set to launch out of early access on September 26, with a console release in the Fall. This top-down adventure blends fast-paced real-time combat with intricate gameplay, offering endless replayability. Whether you tackle the corrupted world solo or team up with up to three friends, Ravenswatch promises a fresh and thrilling experience from the masterminds at Passtech!
Zero Space: Dive into Zero Space, a cinematic real-time strategy game crafted with insights from Starcraft professionals. Set to launch soon on PC, this epic sci-fi adventure lets you shape the galaxy’s destiny with every decision. Command diverse factions, deploy mercenaries, and strategize with heroes in dynamic battles where no two games are alike. Challenge friends in co-op or 2v2 modes, and experience the thrill of a galaxy where your choices matter.
Will: Follow The Light: The Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024 unveiled Will: Follow The Light, a gripping narrative adventure set against a backdrop of harsh, weather-beaten landscapes. Launching on PC and consoles in 2025, this game puts you in the shoes of Will, a seasoned sailor braving stormy seas and rugged Nordic shores in search of his missing son. Navigate icy waters with a yacht designed in collaboration with arctic explorers, solve real-world-inspired puzzles, and traverse snow-covered trails by dog sledge. Experience an emotional journey that delves into the bond between father and son, as you face nature’s fury and uncover poignant truths about love and family.
Greedfall 2: The Dying World: Dive back into the rich universe of Greedfall with its expanded sequel, The Dying World. Unveiled at the Future Games Show during Gamescom 2024, this open-world RPG promises deeper exploration and intrigue. Launching in Steam early access on September 24, the game invites you to traverse new territories, from the starry city of Olima to the shores of Uxantis. Create your character, build relationships, engage with diverse factions, forge alliances, control your team in combat, and navigate their complex schemes. Every choice you make influences your journey, blending diplomacy, strategy, and combat for a truly immersive RPG experience.
Akimbot: Launched on August 29 on PC and consoles, Akimbot is a high-octane buddy cop platformer reminiscent of Ratchet and Clank. This 3D action-adventure game lets you join Exe, a rogue robot, and his quirky sidekick, Shipset, as they blast through robotic enemies, pilot spaceships, and navigate a sci-fi universe teeming with explosive action. Gear up for a galactic adventure packed with non-stop mayhem and daring escapades!
Phantom Line: Antistatic Studios rocked the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024 with a thrilling look at Phantom Line, a co-op anomaly-hunting game with a creepypasta twist. Coming soon to PC, you play as an OPERATOR for Mortfield Industries, sent to investigate a research facility in the conflict-ridden IRON CORRIDOR. With nuclear war erupting, you’ll face rifts in space-time and monstrous threats. Can you and your team survive the chaos against the clock and complete your mission?
Caravan Sandwitch: Get a glimpse of the Provence-punk sci-fi universe in the exclusive gameplay trailer for Caravan Sandwitch. This upcoming PC adventure from Studio Plane Toast lets you traverse a mesmerizing world of Cigalo in your trusty van while unravelling the mystery of your missing sister. Interact with quirky communities, tackle engaging tasks, and explore at your own pace—no combat, no death, just a chill journey through a richly crafted world.
Rogue Waters: Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure with Rogue Waters, a tactical rogue-lite from Tripwire Interactive. Set sail on September 30 and command a ragtag crew in a cursed pirate world. Recruit legendary mythic beasts, navigate an ever-shifting game world, and engage in tactical turn-based combat both on land and sea. The Kraken and your crew await—are you ready to conquer the seven seas?
Dwarven Realms: The Dwarven Realms gameplay trailer showcases intense mob battles and colossal boss fights in this upcoming 3D ARPG. Available in early access now, with a full launch on September 27, the game promises unparalleled mob density and chaotic combat. Harness epic abilities, craft your ultimate build, and immerse yourself in a world brimming with action and endless adventure.
Dimensionals: Dimensionals bursts onto the scene with a Saturday morning cartoon vibe, offering a roguelike deck builder packed with comic book cutscenes. Assemble a party of three from a roster of dimensional heroes, each with unique skills for epic combo creations. Dive into a turn-based RPG adventure, complete with voice-acted comic book storytelling, and battle to save the multiverse from an army of nefarious villains.
DFUSE: Get ready for DFUSE, where FPS meets MOBA in a high-octane showdown! With a fresh trailer showcasing its intense action, this game promises strategic warfare reminiscent of Counter-Strike. Master realistic military gear, outsmart opponents, and dive into quick-fire matches. Closed Alpha kicks off in October—gear up and get ready to dominate the battlefield!
Bloomtown: A Different Story: Step into the eerie charm of Bloomtown: A Different Story, a narrative-driven JRPG blending turn-based combat, monster taming, and social RPG elements. Set in a deceptively cosy 1960s Americana, this pixel-animated adventure challenges you to help Emily and her friends protect their town from demonic forces lurking within its residents. Get ready for a unique mix of mystery and nostalgia when it arrives on PC and consoles this September!
All On Board!: Elevate your game nights with All On Board, the revolutionary VR tabletop platform hitting SteamVR and Meta Quest soon! Dive into a virtual world where you can enjoy classic board games with friends, featuring intuitive controls and lifelike interactions. With an ever-growing library of favourites, it’s bound to become your new go-to for unforgettable VR gaming fun!
Exoborne: Unleash violent chaos in Exoborne, an open-world extraction shooter set in a climate-ravaged U.S. Revealed at the Future Games Show, this game by Sharkmob blends intense tactical gameplay with extreme weather events. Battle through a dynamic landscape fraught with hostile factions and treacherous environments. Coming soon to PC and consoles, you can sign up for future playtests on the official website. Gear up and dive into a world where survival means scavenging, crafting, and fighting for your life!
Lost Skies: Lost Skies by Bossa Studios takes co-op survival to new heights—literally. Set on a series of floating islands, this sky-faring adventure has you exploring the ruins of ancient civilizations. Use their advanced tech to navigate storm-ravaged lands and face the massive creatures that once led to humanity’s downfall. Get ready to soar into this breathtaking world on PC soon!
Maui the Shapeshifter: In this vibrant action platformer, you’ll play as Maui the demigod on a quest to save his island from an encroaching darkness. Transform into powerful animals, encounter the spirit of Aumakua, and explore stunning hand-painted biomes. With epic bosses and cunning foes to defeat, this 2D open-world Metroidvania is coming soon to PC!
Atomfall: Atomfall is a gripping FPS adventure set in 1950s Yorkshire, five years after a nuclear disaster. Inspired by real events, this survival-action game throws you into a fictional quarantine zone where you’ll scavenge, craft, and fight your way through a countryside teeming with strange characters, cults, and rogue agencies. From the creators of Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall challenges you to unravel the dark secrets behind the catastrophe when it launches on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox in 2025.
Worshippers of Cthulhu: Step into the dark world of Worshippers of Cthulhu, where you lead a cult bent on awakening the Great Old One. Launching October 21, this eldritch cult simulator challenges you to manage cities across islands, perform dark rituals, and harness supernatural powers. Expand your territory by converting or sacrificing non-believers, uncovering hidden resources and exploring mysterious lands, all while balancing Cthulhu’s patience with your cult’s fanaticism.
The Spirit of the Samurai: Unveiled at the Future Games Show 2024, The Spirit of the Samurai is a hand-crafted action-adventure steeped in Japanese mythology, arriving on PC in Fall 2024. You’ll step into the shoes of Takeshi, a samurai defending his village from an Oni’s undead army and engage in fierce battles against tengu, Jorogumo, and other mythological creatures in a stunning stop-motion cinematic style. Explore beautifully crafted environments, from haunted cemeteries to eerie mountain caves, in this brutal and captivating adventure.
Starship Troopers: Extermination: Starship Troopers: Extermination cranks up the action with its intense co-op FPS gameplay. Joining the elite Deep Space Vanguard, you’ll battle relentless swarms of Bugs across vast, detailed maps, each packed with unique zones and endless replayability. Arm yourself with the trusty Morita Assault Rifle and team up with fellow troopers to reclaim Bug-infested planets. Rebuild bases, set up refineries, and complete strategic objectives to ensure humanity’s survival. Already in early access on PC, this adrenaline-pumping shooter lands on consoles on October 11.
Los Pingheros: Get ready for frosty chaos in Los Pingheros, a penguin party brawler from Hectiq, supporting up to 8 players. Whether online or local, dive into wild battles across various modes and aim to be the ultimate Pinghero by flinging your opponents out of the arena.
Bionic Bay: Bionic Bay thrusts you into a mysterious biomechanical world where a scientist armed with a teleportation device must navigate treacherous puzzles and uncover hidden secrets. Set against a backdrop of gritty pixel art and haunting soundscapes, this 2025 PC release promises a thrilling adventure through imaginative technology and ancient mysteries. Prepare to dive deep into a world where danger lurks in every corner and every discovery brings you closer to escaping this enigmatic realm.
Echoes of Mystralia: Unveiled in a thrilling world premiere trailer, Echoes of Mystralia is the highly anticipated sequel to Borealys Games’ Mages of Mystralia. This action roguelike for PC lets you master a modular spell crafting system, allowing for endless tactical combinations. As Mazarim, a guardian of the Cycle of Memories, you’ll journey through the enchanting world of Mystralia, face the haunting Shadows of the Past, and battle the looming threats of Oblivion. Your path, your spells, your destiny—crafted entirely by you!
Nightmare House: Reimagined: Brace yourself for Nightmare House: Reimagined, a 2025 PC remake of the popular Half-Life 2 mod. This standalone horror game expands the original haunted house into a full adventure with new rooms, secrets, and lore. Equipped with an axe, you’ll face terrifying challenges as you explore. The original mod will also be available for free on Steam. Ready to uncover the darkness?
God Save Birmingham: Step into the gritty, undead-ridden streets of 14th-century Birmingham in God Save Birmingham, a hardcore open-world survival game. With only your wits and fists at your disposal, you’ll battle hordes of shambling zombies while facing medieval challenges like hunger, thirst, and harsh terrain. Can you survive the apocalypse and navigate this historical nightmare? Get ready to test your survival skills—coming soon to PC!
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch: The gameplay trailer revealed this new rogue-lite tactical RPG will hit Early Access in November 2024, with a demo available on Steam. Stranded on a mysterious island with fragmented memories, you’ll recruit allies and fight to survive, battling through perils and countless deaths to reclaim your lost past. Get ready for an epic adventure where every death brings you closer to the truth!
Section 13: Get ready for Section 13, a twin-stick roguelike shooter set in a top-secret facility crawling with menacing creatures. Dropping in early 2025 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, this game combines sci-fi intrigue with intense action. Choose your load-out, collect upgrades, and navigate a labyrinthine, ever-changing base during an interdimensional crisis.
The Stone of Madness: Step into the eerie confines of an 18th-century Spanish monastery in The Stone of Madness, a real-time stealth tactics game. As one of five inmates, you’ll need to use your wits and teamwork to overcome fears, fend off madness, and unravel the monastery’s dark secrets. Can you escape before insanity claims you?
Beyond Galaxyland: Get ready for a cosmic adventure with Beyond Galaxyland, hitting PC and consoles on September 24. This retro-futurist RPG follows Doug, a high school student who’s transported to the vibrant, zoo-like Galaxyland just before Earth’s destruction by a cosmic force called ‘The End’. Explore diverse planets, from neon cities and cybernetic casinos to desert ruins of starships, as Doug and his eclectic crew embark on a quest to uncover Galaxyland’s secrets and find a way to save Earth.
Steamworld Heist 2: Thunderful sent over the launch trailer for Steamworld Heist 2, the turn-based steampunk battler with an upgradable ragtag crew. It’s out now on PC and consoles.
Sunset Hills: Embark on a globe-trotting adventure in Sunset Hills, where you play as character ‘Nico’, a novelist pup on a post-army journey. The game, which just shadow-dropped during the show, is now available on PC with a console release on the horizon. This hand-drawn, novel-style narrative puzzle game takes you through various cities as Nico reunites with old comrades. Solve engaging puzzles, uncover the mysteries of Nico’s past, and discover the deeper meaning behind his travels.
PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant: Get ready for PVKK, a bunker simulator that puts you in control of a planetary defence cannon. Set for a 2025 PC release, you’ll pilot a massive cannon from a retro-tech cockpit, managing energy, scanning for enemies, and calculating firing trajectories. As an elite pilot for a strict regime, your strategic skills will be crucial in fending off an interplanetary invasion. Dive into this immersive experience where every button, lever, and dial matters!
Squirrel With A Gun: Get ready for some nutty chaos in Squirrel With A Gun! This absurd sandbox shooter lets you wreak havoc as a crime-loving rodent in pursuit of golden acorns. With a blend of sandbox mayhem and puzzle-platforming action, fight your way out of secret facilities and battle Agents. Coming to PC on August 29, with console releases later this year!
One-Eyed Linkho: A chilling trailer for One-Eyed Linkho immersed viewers into the dark world of this greyscale psychological horror experience. It’s coming soon, so wishlist it on Steam.
Retrieval: Experience the terror of Retrieval, 333 Studios’ cinematic horror adventure. Stranded on the distant planet Ryhalian, you play as Hana Loshe, uncovering dark secrets in a retrofuturistic subway base. Face chilling adversaries and navigate a world where survival is everything!
Survival Machine: The Future Games Show Expansion Pack kicked off with the thrilling Survival Machine gameplay trailer. In this unique adventure, team up with friends to fend off zombie hordes and build a mobile fortress on the go. Get ready for survival mayhem—coming soon to PC!
Truckful: Get ready to navigate treacherous terrain in Truckful, a driving simulator that puts your physics skills to the test. Set in an ancient forest, this game challenges you to master weight distribution as you tackle tough, physics-driven obstacles. With its distinctive chunky art style, Truckful is rolling onto PC soon—are you up for the challenge?
Memoriapolis: Unveiled at the Future Games Show 2024, Memoriapolis is an immersive city-building simulator blending culture, constructing awe-inspiring wonders, and transforming your city into the world’s most magnificent capital.
Skydance’s Behemoth: Prepare for heart-pounding VR action in Skydance’s Behemoth, as the latest trailer unveils a thrilling showdown with a colossal, horned beast. Get ready to face the behemoth yourself when the game launches on November 14!
Nikoderiko: The Magic World: Leaping into the spotlight during the Future Games Show 2024, Nikoderiko: The Magic World is a vibrant mascot platformer featuring a soundtrack by Donkey Kong Country’s legendary composer, David Wise. Get ready to dive into this magical adventure when it lands on consoles this October!
Wardens Rising: Wardens Rising by Big Moxi Games is an adrenaline-fueled ARPG shooter that seamlessly blends MOBA and tower defence gameplay. Set in space, this genre-defying adventure is coming soon to PC and consoles—get ready to defend your territory in epic battles like never before!
Mandragora: Unveiled with a haunting new trailer, Mandragora is a side-scrolling souls-like that pits you against nightmarish enemies in a dark, immersive world. Set to launch on PC and consoles later this year, it promises to test your mettle in ways you won’t soon forget.
Post Trauma: Dive into Post Trauma, a Silent Hill-inspired psychological horror from Red Soul Games. With its atmosphere dialled to eleven, this chilling adventure hits PC and consoles on October 29.
Metaphor Refantazio: Metaphor Refantazio plunges you into the chaos of Euchronia, where a royal tournament and dark magic force you to seek alliances, uncover secrets, and reclaim the throne. Unite with the fairy Galica on a journey to break a curse and save the kingdom.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Monster Hunter Wilds takes you into the heart of the Scarlet Forest, where the terrifying Lala Barina lurks. Hunt colossal foes in the seamless Forbidden Lands, whether solo or in a group and experience the freedom of the untamed wild.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard: In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, rise as Rook, leading a team of seven unique companions in a battle against gods. Shape your destiny, unite the Veilguard, and defy the divine in this immersive single-player RPG.
Fable: In Fable, the fate of Albion is in your hands. As dark forces gather, your choices will shape the land’s future, defining what it truly means to be a Hero.
Endzone 2: Endzone 2 fuses survival and city-building, letting you create and manage multiple settlements in a harsh, ever-changing world. Gather resources, establish trade routes, and thrive against the odds.
Tormenture: Tormenture throws you into a retro-inspired labyrinth, where eldritch puzzles, shadowy figures, and pixelated horrors await. Uncover the secrets of this twisted world and discover multiple endings—if you survive.
Swap/Meat: In Swap/Meat, become a ‘Meat Scientist’ and experiment with bizarre alien body parts on dangerous planets. Up to four players can swap limbs, adapt playstyles, and face off against outlandish bosses in a quest to extract meat cores.
Sea Power: Naval Combat in the Missile Age: Command NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in Sea Power, a modern naval combat sim. Utilize advanced weaponry and tactics in tense campaigns where air and naval supremacy are on the line.
Stormforge: Stormforge blends survival crafting with fantastical elements, drawing inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons and Stormlight Archives. Brave magical storms that reshape the world, offering both danger and opportunity in a graphic novel-style adventure.
Dark Sky: Dark Sky mixes deckbuilding with turn-based tactics in a sci-fi RPG. Customize your deck, master strategic combat, and unravel the mystery behind a planetary catastrophe.
SteamWorld Heist II: Captain Leeway and his crew of Steambots face a deadly water crisis in SteamWorld Heist II. Customize your crew, strategize in battles, and uncover the threat in the mysterious Great Sea.
Indie Elevator Pitch
Projected Dreams: Projected Dreams is a cosy puzzle game where you create shadow plays using toys, uncovering family histories as the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
Haunted Paws: In Haunted Paws, play as adorable puppies on a mission to save their human friend from a haunted mansion. Explore spooky environments, defeat evil creatures, and enjoy a cosy co-op horror adventure.
Necro Story: Necro Story lets you wield the power of a necromancer in a creature-collection RPG. Summon undead, capture souls, and forge demonic pacts to build your ultimate team and conquer your enemies.
Swordai: Swordai is a multiplayer sword-fighting game where you and your friends climb a treacherous tower filled with monsters, traps, and treasure. Master fast-paced combat, navigate massive dungeons, and escape with your loot.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.