Gamescom 2025 is underway across the sea in Germany, and we’ve got a whole slew of game news to cover this week. But first, some perspective-sharing…
The Big Picture
Gamescom 2025 and its Koelmesse brand are certainly bigger and arguably better than it was prior. But its staying power is the fact that there’s an Asian version that takes place in Singapore and (eventually) in Thailand.
While Gamescom Asia was a great event for industry folks to mingle and network, it wasn’t a big business-to-consumer expo. The fact that every Gamescom Asia takes place on the same October weekend as Thailand Game Show means that both industry folks and media will have to make hard decisions over which to attend/cover first over the other. And not many media outlets can afford to send their staff for both at the same period.
Rather than stay on the offensive and contrast one over the other, both organizers of the events saw fit to instead team up and make one big show in one major location for all of Southeast Asia. It does help that Thailand’s a pretty affordable place to fly to and spend the weekend in, especially when compared to Singapore.
While rare, it’s usually good to see two organisations like Koelnmesse and Show No Limit Co., Ltd. teaming up for the benefit of local & Southeast Asian games industry folks and game audiences.
We don’t know what goes on behind the scenes leading up to these, or whether their respective partners and helpers under these two can be trusted in the long run. However, we do know that personal vendettas need to be set aside for the greater good of the gaming business. With an idea like Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show coming to fruition, everybody in Southeast Asia wins.
Short Beats
After 7 years, the hotly-anticipated search action 2D title Hollow Knight: Silksong finally has a release date – 4th September 2025 for PC and consoles.
As to why the game took long to make, it was because Australian-based developer Team Cherry is a small team and just wanted to take their time making the dream title they’ve always wanted.
“It was never stuck or anything. It was always progressing. It’s just the case that we’re a small team, and games take a lot of time. There wasn’t any big controversial moment behind it. We’re very fortunate that we have a development method that is so enjoyable.”
Chinese game developer Game Science has announced Black Myth: Zhong Kui, the follow-up to its smash hit action RPG Black Myth: Wukong. The new action RPG is currently in production and is focused on the titular mythical ghost hunter.
Path of Exile 2’s next big update is coming out on 30 August and adds in a new 4th Chapter in its Early Access base title alongside new buffs and support gem systems. The game will also be available for free from 30 August to 2nd September GMT+8.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be coming out on 14 November for PC and consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive action racing game Kirby Air Riders will be out on 20 November and will cost US$70.
Warner Bros. has announced LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight which retells the movie Batman plots in humorous 3D action all-ages fashion.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will be out overseas on 16 October, with the Southeast Asian versions coming out closer to that release window.
Netflix has announced two new game-to-animation adaptation updates. Devil May Cry Season 2 is slated for 2026, while the Splinter Cell: Deathwatch animated series will launch on 14 October.
Sony has sold its stake in the Evolution Championship Series brand to new co-owner NODWIN Gaming. The company will still support the event as a sponsor through 2028.
Op-Ed
We reviewed Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and explained why it’s a great remake of a 2004 PlayStation 2 classic stealth title. The remake will be out on 28 August for PC and consoles.
Games Out This Week
The Rogue Prince of Persia is out now for PC and consoles in 1.0 form. The title has been in Early Access since last year. This Ubisoft title features 2D platforming and roguelite action, where you play as a Prince attempting to reclaim his kingdom from invading Hun armies who can somehow wield powerful magics.
Sword of the Sea is a 3D adventure title where your main character rides on a magic sword (like a surfboard/skateboard) all across a beautiful desert landscape, searching for ways to restore a lost ocean. Features beautiful aesthetics from Giant Squid, known for other lovely-looking titles like ABZU and The Pathless.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is the long-lost 2D side-scrolling chapter in the illustrious Shantae series. You play as half-genie Shantae as she search-actions her way through enemies and unlock new powers to foil the latest nefarious plan from series nemesis Risky Boots.
Recommended Viewing
Our gaming video essay of the week is Fredrik Knudsen’s history recap of the Unofficial Skyrim Patch.
“When a group of modders band together to create the ultimate bug-fixing patch for Skyrim, the popularity of the project draws scrutiny and backlash that only grows as time passes.”
