What To Expect From Summer Game Fest 2024

Summer Game Fest 2024 promises a plethora of reveals and announcements, a significant alternative to platform-holder-centric showcases. This year’s event, with a wide range of developers and publishers, offers a glimpse into the diverse world of gaming, from major AAA releases to smaller indie projects. Let’s delve into the potential highlights.

The Big Three

While Sony and Xbox are confirmed attendees, substantial reveals from the platform holders are unlikely. Sony’s State of Play and Xbox Showcase are likely to dominate their own dedicated presentations, saving any big surprises for those events. We might see some DLC for Spider-Man 2, further details on Astro Bot or Concord, or even a teaser for the rumored LEGO Horizon Adventures. As for Xbox, expect updates on existing partnerships, and perhaps some new crossover announcements.

Nintendo, true to form, will likely hold off on any major announcements, reserving them for their own dedicated streams. Steam’s presence suggests potential updates or accessories, but not a new game release.

AAA Major Players

• 2K Games: Predictions point to a new entry in one of their top franchises. BioShock or Borderlands sequels are likely candidates, with a new Civilization installment also a possibility given its long history and enduring popularity.
• Atlus: Expect new information on Metaphor: ReFantazio, a project from the Persona 5 director, Katsura Hashino and Shigenori Soejima.
• Capcom: Monster Hunter Wilds is a likely focus, with a new trailer and monster reveal anticipated. DLC for existing games, such as Street Fighter 6 or Dragon’s Dogma 2, remains another plausible avenue.
• Electronic Arts: A new Battlefield game and EA Sports FC 25 are expected, but a reboot of the Skate franchise is a strong possibility that EA is hinting at. The return of Dragon Age is a major hope.
• Riot Games: A trailer for Arcane season 2, or a substantial update on 2XKO, the fighting game, are strong possibilities.
• Ubisoft: While a large reveal is less likely given Ubisoft Forward’s proximity, smaller games like BattleCore: Arena could be showcased.
• Warner Bros. Games: Expect a new character or update for MultiVersus, a possible look at Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League season 2, or even a news update on the long-awaited Wonder Woman game.
• Deep Silver/Koch Media: A new trailer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, another potential look at Metro Awakening.
• Remedy Entertainment: Alan Wake 2 is expected to get a significant reveal.
• Bandai Namco: Given Elden Ring’s recent DLC, a new trailer is a possibility, but an update for the online game, Blue Protocol, seems more likely.

Mid-Size Developers

Mid-sized developers are expected to focus on trailers and gameplay updates for upcoming games. Expect a possible look at Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, and new features for No Rest for the Wicked. Other titles like Dune: Awakening, Hyper Light Breaker, Remnant 2, Assassin’s Creed Jade, Nightingale, Chivalry 3, Palworld, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Phantom Blade Zero, and a possible new game from Uncapped Games (former Blizzard developer) all are expected to be present. A new trailer for Delta Force Hawk Ops is also confirmed.

Indies, Art House, and Smaller Projects

Expect trailers and gameplay reveals for smaller indie projects. Devolver Digital’s showcase may include new games from Heart Machine. Annapurna Interactive might present trailers for Bounty Star, Flock, Ghost Bike, Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth, and Silent Hill: Townfall. Blumhouse may show their first game, potentially a new horror title. Titles such as Slitterhead (Bokeh Game Studio) and SteamWorld Heist 2 (Thunderful Games) are likely to receive attention. Other titles include Among Us’ animated TV series update, and Enotria: The Last Song (Jyamma Games).

Multiplayer and Free-to-Play

Multiplayer and free-to-play games are likely to receive updates and trailers. The First Descendant’s launch date, Marvel Rivals with a potential character reveal, Where Winds Meet (further gameplay), and Genshin Impact/Honkai: Star Rail seasonal updates are plausible. Fortnite and The Finals updates might be present, and new trailers for Amazon Games’ Throne and Liberty and Blue Protocol are possible.

Potential Surprises

While primarily focused on announced games, Summer Game Fest could still yield unexpected announcements. Hollow Knight: Silksong, Project 007, a new look at Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, a return of DokeV, and updates on Hideo Kojima’s projects (OD or Death Stranding 2) are some possibilities, although less likely than the previously discussed titles.

Overall, Summer Game Fest 2024 promises a diverse and potentially exciting showcase of upcoming games across various genres and developer sizes. Keep an eye out for announcements and revelations throughout the event.