Summer Game Fest 2024
Day 1 Summary
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for gamers, and it’s finally here! Summer Game Fest 2024 has touched down, and we’re here to cover all of the big announcements from all throughout the weekend! Friday was the kick-off day for a huge weekend of gaming, and we certainly have a lot to talk about throughout the day’s three showcases – particularly the huge Summer Game Fest premiere show! With that being said, for a summary of all of the announcements from the first day of Summer Game Fest, read on!
Summer Game Fest
LEGO: Horizon Adventures
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
The event kicked off with a look at a collaborative project between Sony and LEGO, LEGO: Horizon Adventures. The game will be based on PlayStation’s successful franchise, the Horizon games, and will feature two-player, co-op gameplay. This family-friendly adventure title launches this Holiday season.
No More Room In Hell 2
This sequel to the original first-person horror shooter, No More Room In Hell, launches in early access this Halloween season. From the trailer showcased, players can expect hordes of zombies, gruesome kills, and a huge open world, with endless replayability – the perfect choice for an action game this spooky season.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
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Harry Potter fans can mark September 3rd on their calendars. After the successful release of 2023’s Hogwarts Legacy, many fans lamented the absence of Quidditch matches. Players will be glad to know that Warner Bros. Games seem to have heard your cries, and will be releasing a whole game centered on the magical sport this year.
CUFFBUST
From the solo developer of Choo-Choo Charles, Gavin Eisenbeisz, comes what looks to be an absolutely insanely chaotic 20-player co-op experience in Cuffbust, coming to Steam in 2025 (or so we hope)! Players will work with their friends to escape prison using all of the resources at their disposal.
Neva
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
While Neva had already been recently announced by Nomada Studio, the developers behind the beautiful Gris, Summer Game Fest allowed us to get a deeper look at the title, which looks to promise just as much puzzle platforming and raw emotion as the developers’ previous title. Neva is set to release in 2024, and we can’t wait to dive in.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Civilization fans rejoice! The long awaited next instalment in the infamous strategy game franchise has been announced, and is set for a 2025 release. While we didn’t get any look at gameplay just yet, the cinematic trailer provided at Summer Game Fest is enough to keep us excited for what’s next – and fans won’t have to wait long for a look at gameplay, as Firaxis will host a gameplay showcase this August.
Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science may have announced this title a while back, but it will have caught attention from fans for good and bad reasons following Summer Game Fest. While a new cinematic trailer for Black Myth: Wukong solidified its August 20th release date and deluxe editions, it also confirmed that the game will not be available on Xbox consoles at launch. While Xbox players may be disappointed by the news, we still can’t wait to see what this title has to offer later this summer.
Once Human
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
Next up was a brand new look at Starry Studio’s upcoming post-apocalyptic MMO, Once Human. As well as treating us to a deeper look at the title, fans also know exactly when to expect the game on PC – Once Human goes live on July 9 2024 – get ready to work with your friends to fight off monstrous enemies and remake a destroyed world.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2
And the release dates keep coming! Warhammer fans will be excited to know that the upcoming Space Marines 2 title has been announced for a September 9 release this year. The best is yet to come though, as we’ll be getting a gameplay overview from Focus Entertainment later this month on June 20. Stay tuned!
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Developed by Studio Zero and published by Atlus, fans were treated to a new trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio at Summer Game Fest – and it looks like October 11 2024 is the date that we’ll finally get our hands on this upcoming RPG title. Comparisons to Persona are inevitable, but that’s mainly because Metaphor looks like it’ll be just as fun of a ride to play.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
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Set between the events of Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham Shadow looks to be a very exciting title for fans of the Arkham-verse from its new cinematic trailer. Set to release in Fall 2024, the experience will be entirely based in VR – while this may hinder some fans access to the title, we can’t wait to see what Developer Camouflaj does to bring this beloved franchise to life.
Street Fighter 6
This new trailer from Capcom undoubtedly caught the eyes of Street Fighter 6 fans, as the studio used their slot at Summer Game Fest to announce the title’s Season 2 character roster. Fatal Fury fans will be excited to see that they can jump into the Street Fighter action with the inclusion of Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui, while fans of the SF series itself will brace themselves for the return of Elena, and longtime antagonist M. Bison.
Tears of Metal
In this Roguelike title, set to release next year in 2025, you’ll take on the role of a medieval Scotsman fighting to take back your land from invaders. It looks like a lot of hack ‘n’ slash fun, and its unique art style is sure to catch the attention of fans of the genre. Full of energy, we’re waiting anxiously to see what else this title has to show us in the future.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
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Who doesn’t love a good Dragon Ball fighting game? For fans of the anime spin-off titles, Sparking! Zero looks to promise all the chaotic combat of previous entries in the Budokai Tenkaichi franchise, while also confirming a release date of October 11 2024. Fans who choose to pre-order the title will also gain access to a multitude of benefits, including early character unlocks, exclusive fighters, and other customization options.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops
Fans of the FPS genre will likely be delighted to hear all about the next entry in the Delta Force franchise. The series has been inactive for a long time, so longtime fans will spring into action immediately upon hearing that Hawk Ops will mark the series’ return to the gaming world – and it’ll be free-to-play! Alpha testing for the title is scheduled for next month, in July 2024.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
It wasn’t just Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 announcements that kept Fatal Fury fans entertained during the Summer Game Fest showcase. A new trailer for City of the Wolves not only showcased the arrival of two new fighters to the field, B. Jenet and Vox Reaper, but also, we’ve got a release window to work with! Fans can expect Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves to arrive in early 2025 – get ready!
Battle Crush
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A new entry in the brawler genre is always a welcome treat – and at Summer Game Fest, we got confirmation that Battle Crush from NCSOFT will be coming to Nintendo Switch, Steam, and mobile platforms on June 27 2024. Players will fend off opponents in order to be the last one standing in this all out brawler supporting up to 30 players at once!
Blumhouse Games Showcase
Viewers were then treated to a showcase trailer, featuring six new titles coming soon from Blumhouse Games. While the chaotic trailer didn’t give us a good look at any one of the games in particular, the Day of the Devs event showcased one of their releases in more detail. What we do know is that indie horror fans won’t be short of anything to play in the near future!
Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind
Who doesn’t love an old-school beat-em-up? Gamers were teleported right back to the 90s, with the reveal trailer of the appropriately named Rita’s Rewind. The game seems to offer a variety of gameplay styles, and lets you take on the role of the original Power Rangers fighting off some of the franchise’s iconic enemies. While it was only a first-look, we can’t wait to see what comes next for this retro title.
Deer & Boy
A new cinematic platformer that looks to tug on the heartstrings was showcased in the form of the world premiere trailer for Deer & Boy. The story looks to follow a young boy who flees home and befriends a deer in the wake of his trauma. While no release date has been announced, we’re ready to go on a journey with Deer & Boy anytime.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
Summer Game Fest also gave Kingdom Come: Deliverance fans a look at a brand new trailer from Warhorse Studios. Filled with all of the craziness of the previous title, the trailer promises more fantasy action and the trademark humour of the franchise. The game is currently in development, and while no release date is confirmed, we can expect a release sometime in 2024.
Slitterhead
A new release from the creator of Silent Hill, while Slitterhead looks to promise all of the creepiness and horror imagery that fans of the genre will expect, it also looks to provide a much more action-oriented experience than any usual entries in the psychological horror genre. Horror fans excited for this release will be glad to know that we’ll have access to it later this year, as the title is set for a November 8 2024 release date.
Killer Bean
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
This one looks like fun. Set to go into early access this summer, the new look at Killer Bean showcased at Summer Game Fest promises a title filled with ridiculous humour, a mix of first and third person combat, and generally over-the-top chaotic gameplay. If any game at Summer Game Fest screamed ‘PS2 era’, it was this one – and we can’t wait to dive into it for ourselves.
Wanderstop
If we know anything about games from Stanley Parable developer, Davey Wreden, it’s that there’s usually more to these titles than meets the eye. Though Wanderstop looks to be a cosy tea shop simulator on the surface, the trailer hints at something darker to process within. It looks like existentialism will be the name of the game here, and though there’s no release date just yet, we’re excited to see more.
Unknown 9: Awakening
This new action-adventure title from Reflector Entertainment received a brand new story trailer at Summer Game Fest. While fans may be disappointed to see that the title has been delayed to Fall 2024, viewers were still treated to what looks to be an intriguing narrative experience filled with mystery and the mythical. Gamers should be sure to keep an eye on this narrative-driven title as the year rolls on.
Enotria: The Last Song
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If fans weren’t convinced that this new Soulslike was worth their attention from the recently released gameplay overview, the official trailer showcased at Summer Game Fest may just be enough to sway them. As is expected of the genre, Enotria promises stunning boss battles, healthily challenging gameplay, and environments that will make you want to hit that ‘photo mode’ button over and over again. September 19 2024 is our release date, and any Souls fan, myself included, will make it their business to be there.
The First Descendant
The team behind this upcoming looter shooter, Nexon, have confirmed that The First Descendant will be coming to consoles and PC next month, on July 2 2024. Get ready for some co-op action fun this summer – The First Descendant will be up against some stiff competition within the genre, but it might just break through on charm alone.
Outersloth
This announcement was a little different from the rest of the Summer Game Fest lineup. As the developers behind the immensely popular Among Us took the stage, many expected Innersloth to announce a new title of their own, but were likely pleasantly surprised by the announcement of Outersloth, an indie game fund to support upcoming creators in the gaming world. We also got a brief look at the upcoming Among Us animated TV series – a welcome treat for fans of video game adaptations.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
The much anticipated next entry in the Sonic The Hedgehog game series also got a new trailer, and alongside showing off some of the slick new gameplay, fans have also gotten their hands on a release date. Get ready to dive into the world of Sonic x Shadow Generations on October 25 2024 – if the newly revealed gameplay is anything to go by, this is a must-play for longtime fans of the franchise, and also, the perfect entry point for potential fans to get into this colourful, iconic world.
Dune: Awakening
Fans were also treated to a new cinematic trailer for the upcoming Dune: Awakening game from Funcom. The trailer revealed that the game will take place in an alternate timeline, and looks to capture the vibe of Dune to a tee – from what little we were given anyway. All hope is not lost though – fans will be given a look at the title’s gameplay at Gamescom this August.
Battle Aces
Set in the far-future, Battle Aces will allow players to step into the shoes of 26th Century mercenary commanders in a fight for humanity’s survival based on resources and weaponry. While we could get very little from the trailer showcased at Summer Game Fest, we’re excited to learn more about the real-time action strategy game in the near future.
Alan Wake II
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There was lots of exciting news for fans of Alan Wake at Summer Game Fest. Not only were physical and collectors editions of the recently released Alan Wake II announced, but a DLC expansion featuring the adventures of three different characters in the Alan Wake universe was also revealed – and the best part of all? The expansion will be available practically right away, set to release on Saturday June 8 2024.
New World: Aeternum
A spiritual successor to New World, this title, set to release in October 2024, will mix together new content and remastered, updated content from the original game – and it can all be played completely solo. Now billed as an action RPG as opposed to an MMO, fans are undoubtedly anxious to learn more about what New World: Aeternum is actually all about – and we’re right there with them.
Dark and Darker
This announcement was majorly a surprise for people who kept up with the drama surrounding this title upon its original release. Due to a number of circumstances regarding the alleged improper use of work completed for another studio, Dark and Darker was removed from Steam in 2023. Its showcase at Summer Game Fest was mainly an announcement of its return to the platform, alongside a major content update – it’s available on Steam right now, and it’s free-to-play!
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
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Capcom returned to the spotlight to announce a release date for their upcoming action-strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. The trailer, which showcased plenty of gameplay for the title, also revealed that gamers can get their hands on this one on July 19 2024. Third-person action gameplay combines with strategic commanding gameplay in a masterful blend – we can’t wait to see how this one turns out upon full release.
Hyper Light Breaker
Looking for another roguelike to add to your gaming line-up? The new trailer for Hyper Light Breaker flaunts co-op, beat-em-up combat, all set in a beautiful sci-fi world. Importantly, the newest trailer showcased at Summer Game Fest also revealed a release window for the upcoming title’s early access period – get ready to dive into this world in late summer 2024!
Skate
EA took an unusual approach with their latest trailer for the much anticipated Skate. Feeling more like a comedy sketch than a game trailer, the latest correspondence from the developer team was more a way of letting fans of the old-school skateboarding franchise know that work on the title is continuing steadily. Fans will need to wait a little while longer for this resurrection, but it’s good to know that the title is still in active development.
Phantom Blade Zero
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The Summer Game Fest kickoff showcase concluded with a latest look at the upcoming Phantom Blade Zero, another much welcomed soulslike, ready to re-imagine the genre. The action-packed gameplay trailer let fans know that though the combat will be grounded in souls essentials, the inclusion of visually dramatic attacks and quick time events will put a unique spin on the formula. A release date hasn’t been announced, but the game will be getting a demo tour, where fans can try the game hands on at multiple upcoming gaming events throughout the year.
Day Of The Devs
Battle Vision Network
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Kicking off the Day of the Devs showcase was the newest project from the developers of Grindstone. Battle Vision Network is a competitive colour-matching game, retaining the grid style of the developers’ previous titles and adding a new life like never before. Set to release as part of the Netflix Games movement in 2025, fans should be ready to get their puzzle on next year with this release!
Cairn
Cairn got some attention during the Summer Game Fest kickoff show, but Day of the Devs was where we got a true look at what this title will offer. Focused on climbing an unconquered mountain, players will take control of a fearless mountain climber, with gameplay centered around not only the climbing itself, but also resource management. It looks like this one will release in 2025 – keep your eyes peeled!
Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit
2022’s Cozy Grove was the perfect fusion of collecting and crafting for any slice-of-life, cozy game fan to feel right at home, and it looks like the Camp Spirit sequel, set to release on June 25 2024 will give players all of that joy all over again, and more. Get ready to craft and create your way to a beautiful island in a truly gorgeous art style.
Petal Runner
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
Advertised as a coming-of-age story set in a cyperpunk, pixel-art world, the premise and unfiltered style of Petal Runner is enough to get many gamers interested in it. It looks like this one will be majorly narrative-driven, but the trailer also showcased some minigames that we can’t wait to try for ourselves. No release date has been announced yet, but this one is worth watching out for.
Karma: The Dark World
A first-person psychological horror? Sign me up! This was perhaps the most eye-catching presentation in the Day of the Devs showcase for me personally – a multi-dimensional narrative that promises mind-bending, nightmarish horror. This one certainly looks interesting, and though a release date wasn’t announced, we’ll be on the look-out.
UF050
The latest game from the team behind Spelunky was originally due in 2018 – and after a long, LONG wait, fans were treated to a release date as part of today’s showcase. On September 18 2024, this project will offer fans access to 50 different retro-styled games all in the one release title. We can’t wait to see if the team pulls off this ambitious project, but we have faith things will turn out just fine.
Koira
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
A cute video game all about protecting a puppy is going to be enough to get many gamers on board with this title. This narrative-driven adventure will focus on your character journeying through a dangerous forest, all while protecting your canine companion. Published by Don’t Nod, the team behind Life Is Strange, there’s a certain level of quality guaranteed by Koira from the jump – and we hope it lives up to expectations.
Simpler Times
A game all about reliving childhood memories that prides itself on ‘chill vibes’, Simpler Times is looking like a must-play for cozy game fans. The game will be easy on the gameplay side of things, and will be grounded in its narrative adventure – and considering it’s available on Steam right now, we suggest you give it a try if that’s your thing.
While Waiting
While a game built on the idea of doing nothing is likely to raise a few eyebrows, While Waiting promises to open the always active person’s eyes to the importance of living in the moment and being passive, even if just for a moment. A blend of comedy and introspective seriousness, this title is due to launch some time in 2025 – we’ll wait patiently for that day, and do our best to appreciate every moment.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
Another story-driven game was announced at Day of the Devs, but this one’s charm majorly shines in it being hand-drawn. This mind-bendingly delightful puzzle game was originally announced back in February 2024, at a Nintendo Direct, but now, we’ve got a release date! Get ready for the madness on July 25 2024!
Fear The Spotlight
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
Remember Fear The Spotlight, the horror game originally released in 2023 but subsequently removed from Steam? Well, thanks to Blumhouse Games, it’s coming back to life, ready to be re-released on PC, and coming to consoles for the first time – though we don’t know when. For fans of psychological, tension horror, this is one to look out for if you haven’t experienced it yet.
Screenbound
As I sit, glued to the screen as I write about every announcement from this gaming event, the premise of Screenbound speaks to me. A self-titled ‘5D’ platformer, where you move around a 3D world while playing a 2D game on a screen, Screenbound promises a unique gaming experience all about the art of distraction, available exclusively on PC upon release.
Zoochosis
The horror games announced at Summer Game Fest are certainly providing a unique flare to our gaming lineup. An homage to The Thing, but set in a zoo filled with horrifically mutated animals, Zoochosis promises to take one of the most desired jobs for many, a zookeeper, and add a nightmarish flare. It’s set to release sometime later in 2024, and we’re sure it’ll make a splash when it does land.
Psychroma
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
While this game has been showcased before at 2023 gaming showcases, Day of the Devs allowed us to get an insight into not only the deeper meaning behind the horror, but also, an update on how development is coming along for the team. Though February 2024 was originally given as a release window, the game is still only available to wishlist on Steam – that being said, we hope all the time needed it taken to perfect this uniquely disturbing experience.
Building Relationships
Developed by Tan Ant Game, Building Relationships will see players run and jump around as a house. Certainly one of the most unusual games showcased at Day of the Devs, we’re eager to see what else this game has to offer – aside from, of course, exploring a quiet island as a house, which in itself should provide a respectable level of entertainment.
A Little To The Left
A Little To The Left plays into what seems to be a modern gaming trend of games where we essentially do work – but then again, you can’t deny how satisfying completing the objectives of these games is. In this game all about tidying up your belongings, players will be able to revisit this title with the new DLC pack announced at today’s showcase, titled Seeing Stars, with 38 new levels to complete.
Hello Again!
Take time loops and make them cozy – that’s the premise behind Hello Again!, the upcoming puzzle game by Soup Island. While the coziness of this game does come through in its pleasant visuals, I can’t help but remain perpetually stressed at the idea of trying to explore an island ruin only to know that a time loop is on its way to reset my progress. You can also talk to the NPCs though, so that should provide some appreciated respite when this game releases in 2025.
Tom The Postgirl
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It’s hard to know what to say about this game other than it is equal parts intriguing and disturbing. The Oopsie Daisies development team have promised that this title will be full of twisted humour, as we play the role of Tom The Postgirl, and we learn a little too much about the locals in her village due to her pastime of stalking residents. There’s no release date available yet, but we can’t wait to watch all the cute creepiness unfold when it does eventually touch down!
AfterLove EP
A game all about loving and losing, AfterLove EP promises to tug on the heartstrings as it explores the grief of main character Rama after losing his girlfriend to an illness. Combining elements of dating sims, rhythm games, along with a beautiful art style, we cannot wait to try out AfterLove EP on all platforms when it releases, though we don’t know when that’ll be yet.
Phoenix Springs
A point-and-click game is always a welcome surprise at gaming events, and takes many back to younger days. Now, combine point-and-click mechanics with a detective premise, and you get Phoenix Springs, a visual experience like no other. Developed by Calligram Studio from a Kickstarter in 2017, we cannot wait to experience it in all of its long-awaited glory this September.
Tides of Tomorrow
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
Tides of Tomorrow was the final game announced at the Day of the Devs showcase, and while it certainly looks interesting, we know very little about what kind of game it actually is. What we do know is that it comes from the developers of Road 96, and it will be, like many of the games showcased today, narrative driven. Judging from what we’ve seen so far, it will also be a beautiful title – we look forward to learning more about this charming world when we eventually get a release date.
Devolver Direct
Cult of the Lamb
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
Devolver Direct kicked off with an announcement for Cult of the Lamb – the game will be receiving a free update introducing local co-op to the experience on August 12 2024. The addition of a second player looks like it’s going to have plenty of exciting effects on the established gameplay of Cult of the Lamb, so we can’t wait to see how it all comes together this August!
The Talos Principle 2
Another expansion announcement, though this time, we’re talking about DLC! Three new chapters will be added to The Talos Principle 2 when they introduce their Road To Elysium DLC – and fan will be glad to know that they will be able to access this expansion content later this month, with a release date of June 14 2024!
Anger Foot
This is certainly one of the more interesting announcements of the day – a level-based game, filled with enemies, where your exclusive way of combatting them is through kicking them. For those intrigued by this game’s premise, like myself, you’ll be glad to know that we don’t need to wait long to get our hands (feet?) on Anger Foot, as it’s set to release on July 11 2024! Get ready to journey into Shit City…yes really.
Possessor(s)
Image courtesy of Summer Game Fest
A new title from Heart Machine, Possessor(s) is one of the two brand new titles announced during Devolver Direct. A side-scroller with elements of sci-fi and horror mixed throughout, it’s looking like this game will adopt a multiple-choice style, where your story will change based on how you play – though gameplay will mainly focus on combat and exploration. A release date has been set for 2025.
Tenjutsu
The other of the two new titles announced during this showcase, Tenjutsu, is an exciting one. You will play a yakuza member taking down the people she used to work with, all set in a city falling apart at the seams. We don’t have a release date for this title just yet, but fans will likely be glad to wait as the development team perfect this title. An exciting blend of combat and RPG, we can’t wait to hear more about Tenjutsu in time.
The Crush House
And finally, we have The Crush House, which has an incredibly interesting concept going for it. As a reality TV producer, your job is to hire a cast and set them loose in a house, where they are free to wreak havoc while you film it, all for the sake of producing the trashiest reality TV possible. And of course, like any good game, there’s another mystery lying beneath it all. We have a release date for this title, and cannot wait to try it out on August 9 2024.
Conclusion
And that was the first day of Summer Game Fest! Lots to talk about already, and we’re just getting started! What were your favourite announcements from today’s three showcases, and what did you hope to see that didn’t get a spot on today’s shows? Let us know, and be sure to check back in as Summer Game Fest continues on with a whole weekend of gaming!
Alex Doyle
I’m Alex! I’m Nerdy Nook’s resident horror, anime, and manga nerd, with a soft spot for all things geeky. When I’m not watching and talking about all of my favourite things, you can catch me over at our Nerdy Nook BlueSky and X pages!
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