That time has rolled around yet again. With the undeniably disappointing cancellation of E3 2023, we can take solace that game-related announcements are still hitting fast and strong, with Geoff Keighley’s yearly show providing the goods once again. There’s a bunch to unpack here, so buckle up and keep your head on a swivel. We’re running through everything announced at Summer Game Fest 2023’s showcase.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is Set to Release in Early 2024
While the show closed with this, there’s no doubt it’s what everyone wanted to see. Thankfully, the Unknown Journey continues. The second part in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy was given an official release window, with a flashy new trailer highlighting Cloud and the gang once again pressing forward on their quest, as they prepare for the return of Sephiroth. You’ll get to ride Chocbos and explore new open worlds, as the highly anticipated sequel hits the PlayStation 5 early in 2024.
Spider-Man 2 Nails Down an October 30, 2023 Release Date
If the extended gameplay trailer we just saw at PlayStation’s recent State of Play showcase was the sundae, this is certainly the cherry on top. Along with a fresh cover reveal that sees Peter and Miles swinging side-by-side, PlayStation 5 owners can enjoy this console exclusive when it drops on the 30th of October, 2023.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was Revealed
While I have been hurt more than I’d like to admit by Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake’s recent and indefinite hiatus, this was a nice surprise. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown looks super stylish and plays out like a Metroid-Vania side-scrolling action romp, in which we get to take control of an incredibly fresh-looking Prince. It will release on all major platforms on the 18th of January, 2024.
Mortal Kombat 1 Received a Brutal New Gameplay Trailer
While it falls in line with what we’ve come to expect, we did get a look at Mortal Kombat 1’s new assist system, in which fighters can call upon allies in the middle of a fight. That being said, I’m just keen to dive into this retelling of the long-running saga, even if it looks incredibly slick from a gameplay perspective. It will be dropping on next-gen platforms on the 19th of September, 2023.
Fortnite’s Latest Chapter Will Cross Paths With Transformers
Fortnite: Chapter 4, Season 3 will now be known as Fortnite Wilds. We also got our first look at their newest crossover, as our characters run into Optimus Prime himself. The new season will kick off on the 9th of June, 2023.
A New Classic Sonic Game is on its Way This Year
Sonic Superstar will look to kick it old-school, as we get our first look at this flashy and vibrant side-scroller. Need we say more? Sonic Superstars will drop all major platforms towards the end of 2023.
We Got an Extended Gameplay Look at Alan Wake 2
This trailer decided to focus on FBI agent Saga Anderson, as she heads to Bright Falls to investigate just how a murder victim has returned from the dead. It’s super creepy and intense, and we can’t wait to see even more. Alan Wake 2 drops on the 17th of October, 2023 on next-gen platforms.
Like a Dragon: Gaiden is Set to Launch This November
Protagonist Kazuma Kiryu will return in Like a Dragon: Gaiden – The Man Who Erased His Name as we get our first look at the next spin-off in the Like a Dragon (formerly known as Yakuza) franchise. It will launch on both previous and next-gen platforms on the 9th of November, 2023.
Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria Looks Like a Fun Survival Experience
Lord of the Rings games have had a rough go in recent weeks. We’ll just leave it there. But with Return to Moria, we’ll get the chance to head down into the Mines of Moria to dig, explore and craft to your heart’s content, while uncovering the secrets that lie beneath. It will launch later this year.
A New Star Trek Game is on the Way
Star Trek Infinite is a new strategy game that looks to be incorporating various eras of the long-running Star Trek franchise. While we didn’t get much of a look at what this means, we will in fact be treated to a larger reveal on the 16th of June.
We Got Our First Look at John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
What a wild reveal this was. 80’s inspired action? Undead enemies? John Carpenter? This first-person shooter looks like a bunch of fun, as players will get the chance to face off against virtually hundreds of on-screen undead enemies at any given time. It will hit next-gen platforms sometime in 2024.
Akira Toriyama’s Newest Game, SandLand was Revealed
Manga artist Akira Toriyama’s unmistakable art style will be brought to SandLand, a post-apocalyptic Mad-Max style open-world experience with a balanced blend of on-foot and vehicle-based combat. While it’s based on a little-known Toriyama manga from 2000, there’s no release date at the time of writing.
Palworld Somehow Mixes Pokemon With Guns
It’s really is as strange as it sounds. You’ll collect your furry friends out in the wild, and then outfit them with ballistic weapons in battle. That being said, there’s certainly a lot going on in terms of both traversal and combat, and we can’t wait to see more. Palworld will enter early access in early 2024.
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis’ Closed Beta Starts Today
Acting as a culmination of all the existing Final Fantasy VII stories, Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis will be entering a closed beta on iOS and Android as of today. You can pre-register here. New story elements will also focus on the origin of SOLDIER. The beta will run until the 28th of June.
Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is Getting Co-op
Ever felt lonely chopping up aliens as a giant, hulking Space Marine? Well, have no fear, as two of your buddies can now jump on board for the ride. Either way, this looks fantastic. Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is coming to next-gen platforms later this year.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden Looks Fresh and Promising
From developer Dontnod, the team behind the criminally underrated Vampyr, showed off their newest game with a creepy tone and fast-paced third person action. It looks incredibly cool and will launch on next-gen consoles late in 2023.
Exoprimal is Coming to Street Fighter 6
For as strange as this crossover might seem, this cyborg version of Ryu looks awesome. While Exoprimal will be out on the 14th of July, we’ll have to wait a little longer to see Ryu face off against those pesky dinosaurs, when the collaboration drops later this year.
Actor Jason Isaacs Will Portray the Villain in Baldur’s Gate 3
Lucius Malfoy actor Jason Isaacs will appear in Baldur’s Gate 3, portraying the game’s main villain. While it’s still too early to tell just how impactful this character will be, he’s an incredibly talented actor nonetheless, so we have faith. It will launch on the 31st of August, 2023.
Conquest Mode Coming to Marvel Snap
The wildly popular Marvel card game is getting its own competitive multiplayer offering in the form of the new conquest mode. Coming to Marvel Snap on June 13, this mode will serve as an elimination-style tournament mode and will take place each season.
Twisted Metal’s TV Show Looks Bonkers
Anthony Mackie might be starring in the new Twisted Metal TV adaptation, but Sweet Tooth stole the show this time around. Portratyed by American Proifessional Wrestler Samoa Joe and voiced by actor Will Arnett, this confrontation between him and Mackie’s character John Doe was as unsettling as it was hilarious. It will launch on streaming platform Stan here in Australia on the 27th of July.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Received a New Trailer for Season 4
What do an abandoned zoo, a castle and a soccer stadium have in common? They’re all part of the Vondel Warzone map in the newest season of Modern Warfare 2. Season 4 will drop later next week on the 14th of June.
We Got Another Look at Path of Exile 2
While we’ll find out more on the 28th of July, there’s no doubt that you’ll be absolutely shredding through waves of enemies in Path of Exile 2. It also looks incredibly polished, and quite cinematic for a game set within this isometric style.
We Got an Extended Look at Immortals of Aveum
This first-person magic shooter comes from developer Ascendant Studios and is shaping up to be one unique action-titles in quite some time. It’s dropping next month on the 20th of July.
Lies of Pi Gets New Release Date
Pinnochio fans will have to wait just a little longer as Lies of Pi will now launch on the 19th of September this year, a month later than originally announced. It’s not all bad, however, as there’s a playable demo out right now. What are you waiting for? GO!
Yes, Your Grace is Getting a Sequel
Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall will follow up on the 2020 original, as you rule over your kingdom, making the rough choices that no one else can. It’s set to launch sometime in 2024.
The Witcher Season 3 Received a New Trailer
Ah, another reminder that this season will be Henry Cavill’s last as Geralt of Rivia. Thankfully, it looks as epic and action-packed as we’ve come to expect. Hopefully, he gets the send-off he deserves.
Nicolas Cage is Coming to Dead by Daylight
Can this man ever do any wrong? Nicolas Cage is coming to Dead by Daylight. We shall see him grace the wildly popular survival horror game on the 15th of July. Moving on.
We Got Another Look at the Black Desert Online Expansion
Black Desert Online is expanding with a list of Korean folklore characters to fight and interact with. It launches next week on the 14th of June.
Witchfire is Getting Early Access in September
This looks downright creepy. From developer, The Astronauts comes a horror-infused first-person shooter that sees you wielding a number of unique weapons to hunt down a bunch of demons. Sign us up. Early access will drop on the 20th of September this year.
Remnant 2 Gets its Release Date
We finally got a release date for Remnant 2. It’s also right around the corner, releasing on the 25th of July. In all honesty, the first Remnant never got enough love as a Dark Souls clone with guns. We can only hope that this is at least as good.
Under the Waves is Dropping in August
From developer Parallel Studio comes Under the Waves, a scuba diving game that sees you piloting your submarine to new and unique areas. There’s nothing particularly scary here, but it all feels a little off. It’s launching on the 29th of August.
Xbox and Porsche Reveal New Collaboration
In honour of their 75th anniversary, Porsche is teaming up with Xbox for a new Series X console based around iconic Porsche cars. While they’re not available to purchase, you can enter a competition for your chance to win one.
Honkai Star Rail Gets New Trailer and is Coming to PlayStation 5
Developer Mihoyo, the team behind Genhsin Impacxt has shown off another trailer for Honkai Star Rail, highlighting its colourful cast of unique characters. It’s also coming to PS5 sometime towards the end of 2023.
Lysfanga: The Time-Shift Warrior Looks Great
Lysfanga: The Time-Shift Warrior might have come out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean we’re not interested. You’ll get the chance to hop back in time and adjust your mistakes while navigating around multiple copies of yourself. It’s launching on PC later this year.
New MMORPG Throne and Liberty Revealed
The trailer highlighted a bunch of action and unique enemies, with an impressive sense of scale. Throne and Liberty will launch on next-gen systems, but no release date or window has yet been announced.
FaeFarm is coming to Nintendo Switch and PC
While everything seems nice and calm at face value, you’ll get the chance to solve the mysteries of this island, either alone or cooperatively with three friends. It’s coming to the Nintendo Swithc and PC on the 8th of September.
Party Animals Given a Release Date
This cute little brawler is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC and will launch on the 20th of September this year.
And that’s a wrap! While it’s admittedly a long list, there’s certainly something in here for everyone, be it platforms, genre or audience. Stay tuned for more as Summer Game Fest 2023 continues.