Gamescom: Opening Night Live Preview
by Dylan Nill
Gamescom 2022 is right around the corner which means we’re in store for another Opening Night Live (ONL) hosted by Geoff Keighley. The two hour event is sure to bring us updates, release dates, and brand new reveals to hold us over until The Game Awards comes again in December. The event can be watched here on Tuesday, August 23rd at 11 AM PT/ 2 PM ET / 7 PM BST / 8 PM CEST. Below you’ll find a preview of everything that we know will be there along with a couple of predictions for the show.
Sonic Frontiers
Sonic Frontiers, the newest entry in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, is looking to take the series in a new direction as players will be taken through big “open zones” with different activities to do throughout each one with the hopes of drawing in new players and giving the blue speedster new life.
A recent leak points towards DLC and a November 15, 2022 release date.
Hogwarts Legacy
Get excited Harry Potter fans, Hogwarts Legacy is confirmed to be at ONL. Players will be able to fully explore Hogwarts and the areas around it while attending classes, solving mysteries in the castle, making friends (or enemies), and more.
Hogwarts Legacy was delayed out of 2022 and given a release date of February 10, 2023, so fans will have to wait just a little longer to get their hands on this one.
The Callisto Protocol
When we last saw The Callisto Protocol at Summer Game Fest, we got a first look at the brutal, gory gameplay that you’d expect from a new game directed by Glen Schofield, the co-creator of Dead Space. Fans of the sci-fi horror genre can look forward to more gameplay at ONL.
With The Callisto Protocol coming out on December 2, this may be the last update we get before release.
High On Life
High on Life, the upcoming game developed by Squanch Games and Justin Roiland, the creator of Rick and Morty, took many by surprise when it was announced at the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase during Summer Game Fest. We’ll be getting another look at it at ONL (and hopefully some more talking guns.)
High on Life is one of the many games hit with a delay. Originally slated for October 25, we’ll instead be getting it on December 13.
Return to Monkey Island
Return to Monkey Island is bringing the series back after 12 years since the last entry. The point and click game comes with a brand new art style, which has become a point of contention, and will feature many returning characters.
Return to Monkey Island is potentially coming out on September 1, 2022, according to a leak.
The Outlast Trials
Outlast exploded in popularity when it originally came out in 2013. The third game in the series, The Outlast Trials, will serve as a prequel that can be played solo or with friends.
The Outlast Trials is set for 2022 so don’t be surprised if we see a release date at ONL.
Lies of P
Lies of P takes the story of Pinocchio and puts a dark, twisted spin on it. Players take control of Pinocchio in the souls-like game on his journey to become human.
Recent signs point towards Life of P coming to Xbox Game Pass upon release.
Genshin Impact
The release of Genshin Impact 3.0 is right around the corner with a release date of August 23. Fans of the game can expect to get a look at the new region, Sumeru, along with new character banners.
Gotham Knights
Batman is dead, leaving Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin to protect Gotham. You can play solo or take on the open world with a friend in online co-op on October 25.
Goat Simulator 3
Goat Simulator 3 had one of the best announcement trailers in recent history with a 1 for 1 parody of the famous Dead Island 2 trailer. We’ll get a better look at the antics of Goat Simulator 3 at ONL.
Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail is the fourth entry in the series and comes from the creators of Genshin Impact. Currently only confirmed for mobile and PC, fans can look forward to new and returning characters.
New IP From Unknown Worlds
Famous for Subnautica, Unknown Worlds will reveal their new IP at ONL. All we known about the new game is that it will be a turn-based strategy game, a big genre shift from Subnautica, and that it’s planned to launch in early access this year.
The Expanse: Telltale Series
After we thought they’d be done forever, Telltale Games are back. The universe of The Expanse should prove to be great for a Telltale game and hopefully we’ll get an official release date.
Rumored: Dead Island 2
Maybe Goat Simulator 3 was on to something! Turns out, Dead Island 2 is closer than any of us would’ve guessed. An Amazon listing seems to have leaked a release date of February 3, 2023 and Tom Henderson says it’s scheduled to be re-announced at ONL.
Dylan's Prediction: Yakuza 8
RGG Studio has released a Yakuza game every year since 2015, whether it’s a mainline game, a spinoff from the Judgment series, or a remaster of older games. We’re two years removed from Yakuza: Like A Dragon and have no word on an RGG Studio game this year.
Dave's Prediction: Kingdom Come 2: Retribution
It’s been four years since the release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance and rumors of a sequel by the name of Kingdom Come 2: Retribution have been swirling around for the last couple of years.
Want to hear our thoughts on the latest video games and breaking news in the industry? Check out the Offshore Gamescast.