Gamescom is back in full swing today, and the Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021 event is the center of the convention’s calendar. Some of the biggest names in gaming are confirmed to appear, from PlayStation to Activision. Host Geoff Keighley has also promised some exciting surprises – so it’s really a must-see event. If last night’s Xbox conference was anything to go off, this should be good.
How to Watch Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021
Gamescom Opening Night Live takes place at 1 PM CT. The conference is on YouTube, which you can see below.
If you keep reading, you’ll find our full Gamescom Opening Night Live roundup.
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021 Blog
Get ready for plenty of exciting announcements, as we break down all the news from Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021, as it’s unveiled.
Saints Row Announcement Trailer
The event’s first trailer takes place in a vibrant American South-West landscape, as a group of career criminals witness a deal gone wrong. It leads into the reveal that this is the long-awaited Saints Row reboot. Complete with bloody shootouts, exhilarating car chases and plenty of action, this cinematic trailer bodes well for the game’s eventual release. The fictional setting is Santo Leso, which they call “the biggest and best Saints Row playground” yet. We’ll miss Johnny Gat, though.
It looks very different from the original four games, with less gangster-based action, but it’s certainly an exciting release. The trailer also confirms a release date in the near future. It’ll launch on February 22, 2022.
We also get a brief look at some gameplay after the cinematic trailer. We see brutal gunfights, neon-inflected battlegrounds, and some impressive vehicles, too. It’s a brief glimpse though – but you can be sure there will be more in the future, leading up to release.
Marvel Midnight Suns Reveal Trailer
Next is a look at a brand-new game based on Marvel comics. Everyone is in this trailer, from Iron Man to Doctor Strange, teasing a scenario where all our heroes team up to resurrect one ominous character, called the Hunter. This is an original character designed alongside Marvel, whose mother, Lilith, is the game’s antagonist. We then get a look at the characters in action, with Wolverine brandishing his trademark claws, and Ghost Ride using his fiery whips. The game is being published by 2K, and launches on next-gen and previous-gen consoles, and PC, in March 2022.
Call of Duty: Vanguard Campaign Trailer
Next, we get to see a glimpse at the next Call of Duty game, Vanguard. In a discussion with developers Sledgehammer Games, they say that this version of WWII is totally different from how other CoD games have handled the conflict. There’s going to be new locations, like Africa, and a more diverse and story-driven campaign.
Sledgehammer show off an extended look at campaign gameplay, in a early-stage mission taking place in Stalingrad. There’s no usual Call of Duty run-and-gun action though. Instead, it starts with a stealthy escape from a house brimming with soldiers. We then get to see the main character, Polina, using a shotgun to blast away enemies, with some intriguing environmental damage effects. She later procures a sniper rifle, escaping from the house with countless enemies on the floor. From there it’s non-stop action, with molotov cocktails, poison glass, and machine gun fire.
Halo Infinite Multiplayer Trailer
A glaring omission from yesterday’s Xbox conference was Halo Infinite, and we get to see plenty of the upcoming game today. it opens with a cinematic trailer, showing Spartans in training and Master Chief arriving on a planet just in time to save a runaway girl. Next is a chat with Joseph Staten from 343 Industries. He discusses the positive reception towards this month’s multiplayer play test, and announces the long-awaited release date. Halo Infinite is confirmed to release on December 8, 2021. It’s a relief, as rumors suggested Infinite might get a delay.
There’s also talk of Halo‘s 20th anniversary, followed by a cinematic showing off an exclusive Halo Xbox controller. It has all the green Spartan design you could want, and is available to pre-order now. The last Halo announcement is a limited-edition Halo Xbox Series X, with gold plating. If you’re a Halo fan, this is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Cult of the Lamb Reveal Trailer
Next is a look at an upcoming 2D-animated game with plenty of character. You follow a lamb who is sent to Hell and becomes a demon, recruiting other animals to your cause. With plenty of wild imagery and a wacky concept at heart, it’s a unique one, to be sure.
Midnight Fight Express
Developed by just one person, this is a brutal, bloody over-the-top action game. You play as a band of criminals who rob banks, beak into labs, and kill pretty much anyone in sight. With machetes, guns, fists and clubs at your disposal, it’s one for the adrenaline-seekers out there. The game will launch in summer 2022, on all major consoles.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Gameplay
Next, we get a glimpse at the sprite-based revival of TMNT gaming. This side-scrolling action title may look a little familiar, but it’s a loving tribute to the Turtles. You can play as all four Turtles, as well as April – and can even throw pizza to revive fallen teammates. The game launches next year on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania Character Announcement
With the game out later this year, the latest Super Monkey Ball game has plenty of exciting features. Today’s announcement focuses on a new playable character in the game, and it’s one you’ll probably be familiar with: Morgana, from The House in Fata Morgana.
Splitgate Season 0 Trailer
Splitgate has been the surprise hit of the summer, and this trailer announces plenty of new content for its Season 0 event. There’s a brand-new map on the way, as well as a new game mode, Infected. The new content is available now in Splitgate, so be sure to head over once the conference is done.
UFLÂ Reveal Trailer
Next is a look at the upcoming soccer game, UFL. Taking place in West Ham’s London Stadium, the hyper-realistic graphics and free-to-play system are set to appeal to fans. There’s very little details about the game at the moment, but it could be the next big thing in sports gaming.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Trailer
A year since we last heard about it, we finally get a new look at the upcoming LEGO Star Wars collection. It covers all the key points from the saga’s history in delightful LEGO form, with intense lightsaber fights, blaster shootouts, and the classic LEGO charm. It’ll be a must-have for Star Wars fans, as the definitive LEGO version of the films, spanning all nine episodic instalments. All your favourite characters are here, from Luke to Yoda – and there’s even a dose of Jar-Jar Binks. We also get an idea of the release window, as it’ll come out at some point in Spring 2022.
Synced Off-Planet Cinematic
Next is a glossy cinematic for Synced Off-Planet, an upcoming sci-fi shooter. It takes place in a world where our dependence on artificial intelligence backfires, and with the world on the brink, a small group of heroes have to change the tides.
The Outlast Trials
This is a terrifying one. This first-person trailer announces the latest Outlast game, once again taking place in a derelict asylum, facing experiments gone wrong. With bloody murders, intense jump scares and plenty of atmosphere, this isn’t one to play late at night. The Outlast Trials will release in 2022.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 Release Date
Following its announcement at this year’s Summer Game Fest, we finally get some gameplay from the latest Jurassic Park game. It’s get everything you’d expect, with a range of dinosaurs, landscapes, and customizable environments. The game launches on November 9 – and if you’re a fan of the movies, it’s certainly one to keep on your radar.
Far Cry 6Â Story Trailer
Next is a look at the story of this October’s Far Cry 6. It shows Giancarlo Esposito’s antagonist, Anton Castillo, training his son and conducting an interview in the region he controls, Yara. We then meet the protagonist, Dani Rojas, as they fight to liberate Yara, freeing citizens kept in labor camps, and taking down soldiers.
Blood Hunt
This is a trailer for the upcoming battle-royale-meets-vampire game, Blood Hunt. Set in a cyberpunk-style city, you’ll play as one of several factions, all vying to take one another down. With guns and swords, as well as special powers and exciting free running, this is one to download if battle royale games are up your street. It’s free too, so there’s no reason not to give this one a go. The Steam Early Access period starts September 7.
Park Beyond Reveal Trailer
We all love a rollercoaster game, and Park Beyond looks to establish itself as the latest and greatest within the genre. With colorful graphics and a range of wacky coaster designs available, it looks like a charming sim. It’ll let you push your imagination to its limit with coaster designs: there’s cannons, transforming carousels, and even multi-layer Ferris wheels. If you can think it, you’ll be able to build it in. Park Beyond. The game is set to launch next year on PC and next-gen consoles.
Horizon Forbidden West
Next is a check-in from Guerrilla Games, with an update on Horizon Forbidden West from the game’s director. Details have been slim on the upcoming sequel, but today we finally get to learn more about the adventure game. The good news is that the game will release on February 18 2022, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Pre-orders are also going live next week. After months of uncertainty and speculation, it’s good to finally have a date to mark in our calendars – despite the slight delay.
New World
This is followed by a more detailed look at Amazon Games’ upcoming fantasy MMORPG, New World. After a beta test this summer, it’s gearing up for a full release. This trailer shows off the fantasy world you’ll play in, with power-hungry kings, sea monsters, and plenty of medieval combat. The plot details are pretty thin, but the trailer does confirm that an open beta will run from September 9-12.
Next is a brief chat with the game’s director, Scott Lane. He discusses the successful beta this summer, and promises plenty of post-launch content for New World: “launch is just the beginning.”
Marvel Future Revolution
There’s a quick look at Marvel Future Revolution, the mobile RPG that launched today. We see a glimpse at the real-time combat, and plenty of skins for beloved marvel characters to wear in-game. There’s also hints at upcoming characters in the game, like Thanos and Magneto.
Jumanji: The Curse Returns Announcement Trailer
Good news for Switch owners, as a new game in the world of Jumanji is heading to Switch next year. There’s very few details yet, but it looks set to delve deep into the adventurous tone of the movies. Excitingly, it’s a video-game adaption of the board game that forms the basis of the movie’s plot. Definitely one to keep an eye on, if you’re a fan of movie tie-ins.
Fall Guys x The Jungle Book
Now, this is a very exciting crossover. As part of Fall Guys‘ jungle-themed season 5, you’ll be able to unlock and buy skins based on Disney’s The Jungle Book. All the classic characters are here, from Mowgli to Shere Khan. Some are unlockable through in-game objectives, while others are available to buy in the store, but it’s definitely a cool reveal for Disney fans.
Age of Empires IV
There’s also a look at the strategy game Age of Empires IV, which launches this November. With stunning vistas and historically accurate medieval warfare, it’s definitely one for history fans to consider picking up. Everything from swords, to spears, to cannons are here – as well as plenty of preparation mechanics, from farming to building up your army.
CrossfireX Gameplay Trailer
Next is a look at this futuristic and tech-based first-person shooter. The trailer shows off a range of maps, from skyscrapers to ancient coliseums, as well as the superpowers opponents you’ll fight. No details on release date yet, but CrossfireX is one to watch.
Genshin Impact x Horizon Zero Dawn
Next is a brief glimpse at the latest update to Genshin Impact, which is adding Horizon Zero Dawn‘s Aloy. Armed with her trademark bow and with plenty of quips, she is a must-play for fans of the franchise. Aloy releases early in September for PlayStation owners, and slightly after on other consoles.
SIFUÂ Release Date Reveal
This hand-to-hand action game is akin to the Batman Arkham games, says Geoff Keighley – and it looks very exciting. With stylish, angular character models and some brutal hand to hand hack-and-slash combat, this is one to keep on your radar. It’ll release on PlayStation consoles on February 22, 2022.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut Gameplay Reveal
Next, we get a glimpse at the gameplay of upcoming Death Stranding re-release. It’s more than just a graphical upgrade though, with new missions, updates, and tasks to complete. There’s new traversal measures in place, with thrusters that help you jump from heights without taking fall damage. There’s also a Cargo Catapult, that lets you shoot your cargo across the world, to take the weight off your shoulders as you head to your destination. You can now sit on the shoulders of your robotic Cargo Buddy, meaning you can take your hands off the controller as you head across the world.
There are new elements in the facility, too. There’s a firing range, that lets you level up your shooting skills. You can now play boss battles too, using equipment and weapons you’ve unlocked during the story. Alongside this is an improved photo mode, with new poses and features, and plenty of new missions to undertake – with new facilities, locations, and threats.
That concludes the Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021 show – and it was one packed with content. What was your favourite reveal of the conference? Be sure to let us know on Twitter.
