A Preview of Gaming Highlights for Late 2024

As we enter the second half of 2024, the gaming world is poised for an array of exciting releases, events, and announcements that will capture the attention of gamers everywhere.

Despite a challenging year marked by layoffs and industry uncertainties, the gaming landscape has seen some notable successes. Unexpected hits like Palworld and Helldivers 2 have emerged as two of the year's standout titles. Role-playing giants such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth have made waves, alongside indie darlings like Animal Well and Lorelei And The Laser Eyes.

Initially, the latter half of 2024 appeared to be sparse in offerings, but recent showcase events have unveiled a promising lineup of upcoming games. Let’s explore the key events and releases that will shape the gaming scene in the coming months.

Evo 2024 (July 19-21)

Evo 2024 is set to be a significant event in the competitive fighting game community. This year’s tournament features new heavyweights: Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat 1. Additionally, games like Guilty Gear Strive and The King Of Fighters 15 will be in the mix, promising intense competition and showcasing top-tier talent.

GTA 6 Second Trailer

Following the debut trailer for GTA 6 seven months ago, anticipation is high for another glimpse before the year ends. With a projected release in autumn 2025, Rockstar is expected to follow their traditional marketing approach, similar to Red Dead Redemption 2, with multiple trailers. The timing of the next reveal remains uncertain, as Rockstar often sets its own pace.

Gamescom (August 21-25)

Europe’s largest gaming event, Gamescom, might not typically deliver as many surprises as other showcases, but it still promises an engaging lineup. Geoff Keighley will host a two-hour show featuring updates on upcoming titles and a few announcements. While Sony and Nintendo will be absent, Xbox has hinted at a potential surprise.

PlayStation’s Concord Bet (August 23)

Sony’s State Of Play highlighted several games, but the most talked-about was Concord. This first-person hero shooter from Firewalk Studios has drawn comparisons to Overwatch and Guardians Of The Galaxy. As a crucial part of Sony’s live service strategy, the success or failure of Concord could significantly impact the company's future plans.

Tokyo Game Show (September 26-29)

The Tokyo Game Show has been regaining prominence, particularly for Japanese titles. This year, Metaphor: ReFantazio, from the creators of Persona, is expected to be a highlight. Capcom is also likely to play a significant role, potentially unveiling Resident Evil 9.

Call Of Duty on Xbox Game Pass (October 25)

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6, developed by Treyarch, promises notable improvements over last year’s Modern Warfare 3. This release marks the first time Call Of Duty will be available on Xbox Game Pass, representing a key moment for Microsoft’s subscription service. The impact on Xbox console sales and Game Pass subscriptions will be closely watched.

The Game Awards (December 12)

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, The Game Awards will likely feature major announcements and a slew of ads. Expect a packed show with appearances from industry heavyweights, including potential surprises from Hideo Kojima, a close friend of host Geoff Keighley.

Anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo's next console is slated for a 2025 release, with an announcement expected before April. Given the successful rollout of the original Switch, the new console might follow a similar marketing timeline. With a robust lineup for the rest of the year, every upcoming Nintendo Direct will be highly anticipated.

Upcoming Game Releases in 2024

1. Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (July 18)
2. Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess (July 19)
3. Thank Goodness You’re Here (August 1)
4. World Of Goo 2 (August 2)
5. Black Myth: Wukong (August 20)
6. Concord (August 23)
7. Star Wars Outlaws (August 30)
8. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl (September 5)
9. Astro Bot (September 6)
10. The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom (September 26)
11. Silent Hill 2 (October 8)
12. Metaphor ReFantazio (October 11)
13. Super Mario Party Jamboree (October 17)
14. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 (October 25)
15. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure (October 29)
16. Mario & Luigi: Brothership (November 7)
17. Slitterhead (November 8)
18. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (November 15)