The gaming world is abuzz this week with the arrival of Gamescom, a major event for videogame news, and the imminent release of a Grand Theft Auto 6 documentary from Rockstar and Netflix. This confluence of events is expected to dominate headlines, but a substantial number of new PC game releases are also set to capture attention.
New Releases Begin August 24th
The week kicks off on Monday, August 24th, with the early access launch of "Burned Horizons." This title is described as a hard-eyed milsim and squad tactics game set in a fictional 2002 war across Europe, featuring "no-XP" customization. Developed by a team from Ukraine, the UK, and the USA, the game is framed as a fable about confronting imperialism. Also on Monday is "Money for Girls: Amortized," a horror detective visual novel from hypertext designer Porpentine.
Tuesday, August 25th, sees the early access release of "1666: Amsterdam," a time-traveling witch-themed game from Patrice Désilets, a former creative director for Assassin's Creed. The project has a long and troubled development history, having changed hands multiple times. "Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2" offers cooperative alien-blasting action for up to four players. "Astral Court DX" is a bullet hell game set in heaven, featuring 189 platforming levels where players undertake challenges to avoid execution. "Blood Dungeon" is a fast-paced platformer with bullet hell elements from the creators of Nidhogg. "Sokogram" blends sokoban block-pushing puzzles with nonogram paint-by-numbers mechanics. Finally, "Western Rye" enters early access, combining Red Dead Redemption-esque survival elements with base construction and zombie threats.
Mid-Week Releases and Major Collections
Wednesday, August 26th, brings "the cabin game" to early access. In this multiplayer horror experience, players are trapped in a haunted cabin, using cards to expand the environment while simultaneously making it more perilous. "Lou's Lagoon" is an adventure platformer set on an archipelago, featuring a seaplane for exploration. On Thursday, August 27th, "Star Wars: Zero Company," a squad tactics game developed by former XCOM talent, is set to launch. The developers recently discussed EA's acquisition by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium in an interview. Also on Thursday, "Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2" will be released, featuring remasters of "MGS4" and "Peace Walker," along with archival materials and "Metal Gear: Ghost Babel." "Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy" shifts the series' third-person action to an island setting blending medieval and Minoan eras, incorporating light-based puzzles and mysterious creatures. "Captain Tsubasa" returns with a new football game.
Friday, August 28th, includes "Don't Drop The Cake," a game where players must balance a tray while navigating a hazardous environment with unusual enemies. "Alice's Gaze" combines autobattling, automation, and dungeon delving within a spooky mansion setting, described as "deepest chills in the laziest way." "A Little Age" offers a more relaxed city-building experience to round out the week.
Gamescom Coverage Approach
This year, the publication is adopting a different strategy for Gamescom coverage. Instead of liveblogging the Opening Night Live event and its trailer releases, the focus will be on covering games and stories deemed most deserving at their own pace. A team will be present in Cologne to conduct interviews and play demos, while others will provide coverage remotely, including evening news shifts. This approach aims to avoid a glut of hastily produced news articles and focus on more considered reporting.