1001: Threads of Mizan, an AAA action-adventure title, was one of Gamescom 2026’s most surprising reveals. Game director Scott Lussier described the game as the "greatest secret ever kept," a sentiment that resonated as the trailer dropped during Opening Night Live, catching attendees and players by surprise. The game draws heavily from Arabian folklore and the tales of Arabian Nights, presenting a unique setting rarely explored in the medium.

While the initial reveal offered little information about its genre or narrative, a hands-on preview provided a glimpse into the gameplay. Lussier explained that Mizan is a single-player action-adventure game designed to be enhanced by playing with friends. The core experience involves exploring a world inspired by Arabian folklore, featuring mechanics like flying on magic carpets and battling colossal enemies.

During a 15-minute session, players experienced combat reminiscent of titles like the Arkham or Spider-Man series, characterized by fast-paced, auto-targeting action with light and heavy attacks, blocks, and parries. The preview also showcased flight combat, a significant dynamic in the game. This was demonstrated in a boss encounter against a Sand Knight, which required coordinated teamwork to overcome. The session culminated in a large-scale battle against a jinn named Nazjush, a towering figure whose scale and design underscored the game's emphasis on spectacular set-pieces.

Nazjush in 1001: Threads of Mizan. Mizan’s structure features linear missions, but players have freedom in determining the order in which they tackle them, with the exception of a few prerequisite main boss fights. Beyond the main story path, the game offers optional activities accessible from a hub world. These include races, puzzles, and tombs, alongside a mysterious "djinn realm" that serves as an alternate dimension containing challenges akin to trials, feeding into the main progression system.

Lussier cited Insomniac's Spider-Man as an inspiration for the feel of movement, aiming for a similar sense of fantasy in carpet flight despite different mechanics. The broader thematic and atmospheric inspiration comes from games that have had a significant cultural impact, such as The Witcher, Black Myth: Wukong, and Ghost of Tsushima, which successfully showcased the essence of their respective cultural settings.

The heroes in combat in 1001: Threads of Mizan.

Currently, 1001: Threads of Mizan lacks a release date or window. The development team is reportedly still actively building the game's world, which is intended to include diverse locations like lost cities and corrupted urban environments. The vertical slice shown at Gamescom was noted for its polished presentation, suggesting a strong foundation for the ambitious action-adventure title.