With E3 now a distant memory, Gamescom reigns supreme as the premier global gaming event. It’s a vibrant hub where gamers, developers, and media converge to celebrate the very best the industry has to offer.
Beyond the impressive cosplay and must-have merchandise, Gamescom provides an exclusive glimpse into the future of gaming, showcasing the most eagerly awaited titles on the horizon.
I journeyed to the Koelnmesse, logged countless steps, and had the opportunity to experience an array of exciting games poised to capture our attention in the coming months.
While it’s impossible to discuss every title, I’ve curated a list of ten exceptional games that truly stood out at Gamescom 2025.
Having recently attended SGF, I opted to skip some titles, including upcoming Capcom releases. Also, the list includes games with extended hands-off previews.
10
Nutmeg
Unbelievable, Jeff!
My personal interest in a particular niche might influence this selection, but with that being said, I believe this football-themed card game warrants wider attention.
Nutmeg cleverly combines football management simulation with addictive deck-building mechanics. Picture Panini sticker-inspired cards that allow you to dominate the midfield, outmaneuver your rivals, and ultimately achieve victory.
It’s a nostalgic journey back to the pre-Premier League era of English football, filled with delightful details that will resonate with football enthusiasts of all ages.
However, it’s more than just a simple card game. It’s a surprisingly deep management sim, masterfully balancing strategic planning with accessible arcade gameplay. Be warned, this game has the potential to steal hours of your time, and I’m eager to return for more.
9
A Storied Life: Tabitha
Your Life In Boxes
Fans of the soothing item sorting gameplay of Unpacking will find themselves drawn to A Storied Life: Tabitha. This game presents a similar experience, tasking you with packing up the possessions of someone who has recently passed away.
Like Unpacking, the game unfolds a narrative through the objects you encounter. You must decide whether to sell, keep, or discard each item. While this may seem simple, the emotional attachments we form with our belongings make the process surprisingly challenging.
Combine this with a Resident Evil-esque grid-based packing system and a Mad Libs memoir mini-game to expand upon Tabitha’s story, and you have a game that is both compelling and emotionally resonant.
If you enjoy cozy games and seek a new experience, A Storied Life: Tabitha is definitely one to add to your wishlist.
8
Cronos: The New Dawn
Such Is Our Calling
Of all the games featured in this Gamescom roundup, Cronos: The New Dawn will soon be available.
I had a chance to preview this ambitious horror game, and I was impressed. Cronos presents a mysterious world, delivering a palpable atmosphere that maintains a constant sense of tension as you explore its confined spaces and decaying ruins. Action horror fans will also appreciate the Dead Space-inspired combat.
This isn’t a game where you can run in guns blazing. Resource management is key, and you must carefully utilize the environment to survive each encounter.
Furthermore, it’s essential to ensure enemies are truly eliminated, as they can merge, evolving into stronger variations that can quickly turn the tide of battle. This represents Bloober Team’s biggest project since The Medium, and it shows the potential to be their best work yet.
7
Tides of Tomorrow
Life in Plastic, It’s Fantastic
I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of narrative-driven games with branching paths and minimal gameplay. However, I am always open to being proven wrong, and Tides of Tomorrow looks set to do just that.
While numerous recent games have addressed the imperative to protect our oceans, Tides of Tomorrow goes above and beyond. It immerses you in a world where microplastics are so prevalent that you must find a cure to avoid becoming part of the polluted environment you inhabit.
The search for this cure drives the narrative, but the asynchronous multiplayer component is the most intriguing aspect. The decisions of those who play before you can significantly impact your experience in this vibrant, dreamlike world.
Tides of Tomorrow offers a player-driven story where your choices and actions will influence the world for subsequent players. In a game about ocean pollution, this is a powerful way to underscore the message.
6
Valor Mortis
Napoleon Dynamite
I confess that I struggled with Ghostrunner, and I was content to stumble through it with terrible times just to reach the credits. So, when I heard that the developers were making a Soulslike, I was concerned it would be another uphill battle.
However, after playing the opening hour, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the gameplay is more deliberate, methodical, and undeniably Soulslike, while retaining the reactive and fast-paced elements of Ghostrunner. It truly blends the best of both worlds.
The first-person perspective is not merely a gimmick, it enhances immersion and intensifies the action, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
There are moments where it feels more akin to BioShock than a Soulslike, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Experiencing a glimpse of this game has only increased my appetite for more.
5
There Are No Ghosts At The Grand
Who You Gonna Call?
Occasionally, you encounter a game that combines elements in a way you wouldn’t have considered, and once you try it, you can’t imagine gaming without it.
For me, There Are No Ghosts At The Grand was that game at Gamescom. It’s a quirky and humorous blend of House Flipper and PowerWash Simulator, with a touch of musical theater.
The delightfully bizarre writing immediately captures your attention. Before long, you’ll be renovating, decorating, and transforming The Grand and its surrounding town to your liking.
The portion I played didn’t involve much ghost-busting, but I understand that when you aren’t restoring the hotel to its former glory, you’ll be using your versatile vacuum to capture ghosts. If spontaneous musical numbers aren’t your thing, this may not be for you. However, if you appreciate a good sing-along, this is a must-play.
4
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Wipe The Clown Make-up Off
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