Gamescom 2026 has come and gone, leaving us with a slew of exciting games to look forward to in the coming year. As a seasoned gamer who’s survived every console generation from cartridges to modern live-service games, I’m always skeptical of the latest marketing buzzwords and monetization schemes. But, I have to admit, this year’s show had some genuinely impressive titles that made me forget all about the impending doom of battle passes and season passes.
This year’s show was a mixed bag, with some games feeling like they were trying too hard to fit into the current gaming trends, while others boldly went their own way. I mean, who needs another battle royale game, right? But, amidst all the noise, some gems managed to shine through. Our team at CGM played over 70 games, and we’ve narrowed it down to our top picks for the best of Gamescom 2026.
Our Top Picks for Gamescom 2026
One of the standout titles was Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a game that’s been 18 years in the making. Developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the same team behind Dead Cells, this game is a love letter to the classic Metroidvania-style games of yore. With its gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, fast-paced combat, and exploration-based gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Another game that caught my eye was EXODUS, a third-person action RPG from Archetype Entertainment. This game wears its Mass Effect influences on its sleeve, and it’s all the better for it. With its engaging combat, natural dialogue, and impressive visuals, it’s shaping up to be one of the best RPGs of 2027.
More Games to Watch Out For
Of course, no Gamescom would be complete without some surprises, and Nodus Fall was certainly one of them. This game from HoYoverse is a departure from their usual style, and it’s all the more interesting for it. With its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, it’s definitely one to watch out for.
Other notable mentions include Fable, which is finally getting the reboot it deserves, and Persona 4 Revival, which is a remake of one of the best games of all time. And let’s not forget The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past, which promises to be an epic conclusion to the Witcher saga.
The Future of Gaming Looks Bright
As I looked around the show floor, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future of gaming. With games like Tides of Annihilation and WARLOCK on the horizon, it’s clear that the industry is still capable of producing innovative and engaging experiences. And, who knows, maybe we’ll even see a few games that don’t have loot boxes or season passes. A gamer can dream, right?
In all seriousness, Gamescom 2026 was a great show, and I’m excited to see how these games turn out in the coming year. Will they live up to the hype, or will they succumb to the pitfalls of modern game development? Only time will tell, but for now, I’m just happy to have some new games to look forward to. Bring on 2027, I say!
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
