Summer Game Fest 2025 just ended, bringing in a ton of new games, updates, and DLCs to watch out for. Us here in Game8 have rounded up the highlights and announcements that you may have missed.
Summer Game Fest 2025 Highlights and Key Takeaways
Summer Game Fest 2025 started this year’s summer season off with a bang as they showcased hundreds of great titles that you should definitely have on your bucket list. Here are some of the most significant reveals of the Summer Game Fest across its three days that you might have missed.
Resident Evil Requiem Arrives on February 27, 2026
Starting off our list strong is the grand reveal of Resident Evil Requiem, the latest upcoming entry in the critically-acclaimed Resident Evil series. An immersive 3 and a half minute trailer presented a cinematic perspective of what’s to come, featuring protagonist Grace Ashcroft on a mission to find the truth of her mother’s disappearance, and concluding with a definitive release date: February 27, 2026.
Persona 4 Revival is Finally Confirmed with a Trailer
JRPG and Persona fans rejoiced over the confirmation of a Persona 4 remake, titled Persona 4 Revival, revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase. Rumors about the remake started popping up recently, and Atlus has finally put those to rest with a brief teaser. The 47 second teaser presented a glimpse of familiar locations across Inaba, including Yasogami High. While there’s no release window yet, at least it’s definitely in the works!
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Comes This Year
CoD players are up for a treat as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 closes the Xbox Games Showcase with an outstanding finale, slated for release this 2025. Set 40 years after the timeline of last year’s Black Ops 6, Black Ops 7 marks the return of David Mason from Black Ops 2 as he and his team confront a terrifying enemy that makes use of fear as its weapon.
Stranger Than Heaven is RGG’s Project Century
RGG Studios’ (Like a Dragon, Yakuza) previously revealed Project Century now has a definitive title to its name: Stranger Than Heaven. Set in 1940s Japan, the trailer revealed the game’s protagonist, Mako Daito, who is on a mission to uncover his turbulent past. Gameplay-wise, it feels familiar, having that signature Yakuza streak in it, along with a bit of the Judgement franchise. There’s not much else revealed, but players should be on the lookout for more updates as 2025 rolls by.
Great Games Launching in 2025
While waiting for the aforementioned games to arrive, why not take a dive into these other great games? Mark your calendars for June, August, and October as the following games are set to be released:
June:
⚫︎ Dune: Awakening - June 10
⚫︎ FBC: Firebreak - June 17
⚫︎ System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster - June 26
August:
⚫︎ Mafia: The Old Country - August 8
⚫︎ Dying Light: The Beast - August 22
September:
⚫︎ Hell is Us - September 4
October:
⚫︎ Directive 8020 - October 2
⚫︎ The Outer Worlds 2 - October 29
⚫︎ ARC Raiders - October 30
SGF 2025 Announcements You Likely Missed
While the biggest announcements may have stolen the show for most, there are a ton of other games to look forward to across the hundreds of titles featured during the event proper. From new debut IPs to sequels and DLCs, there’s a number of hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. Here are some of them:
Ratatan Early Access Release on July 25th
The spiritual Patapon successor from the original Patapon core team and creator is making its way to Early Access on July 25th. The rhythm-based roguelike action game challenges you to get on the beat to its incredibly catchy tunes, and conquer Rataport!
While waiting for Early Access to arrive, a demo is now available to play on Steam.
Fractured Blooms Coming Soon, Available to Wishlist
It may look like a cozy life simulation game at first with the ability to grow crops, cook decadent meals, and decorate your humble abode, but gradually spirals into its core of psychological horror. Summer Game Fest host Geoff Keighley described it as "Doki Doki Literature Club meets Silent Hill," and it might just be the next creepy-cozy game on your list.
There is no definitive release window as of writing, but it is available to be wishlisted on Steam now.
Chronicles: Medieval Early Access Releases in 2026
Immersive medieval sandbox game Chronicles: Medieval will enter Early Access on Steam in 2026, featuring historical realism and an intricate web of interconnectivity, where the story is influenced by the large NPC cast as well as the player’s choices.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Coming This Summer, Demo Released
The long-awaited sequel of the Moonlighter series is coming up real soon. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault brings the comeback of everyone’s favorite roguelike action-merchant game hybrid, starring Moonlighter protagonist Will once again—this time, rendered in 3D! He and some of the townsfolk have found themselves stranded in the village of Tresna, and they have no choice but to start over. Rebuild your shop and your community from the ground up, diving into dungeons to acquire powerful relics and precious treasure, investing into the town and slowly turning a desolate town into a thriving hub.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has yet to reveal its definitive release date, but a demo is now available to play on Steam.
Cairn Climbing Up To PS5 and PC in November
Ever wanted to climb a mountain while in the comfort of your own home? Immersive survival climbing game Cairn will help you get to the peak, starting November 5, 2025. As protagonist Aava, carve your own path up the perilous Mount Kami, featuring an advanced movement system combined with resource management to make for a real climbing experience. Aim for the skies in Cairn!
No, I’m Not A Human Demo Available to Play Now on Steam
The world is meeting its end, and you are stuck inside your house as the horrendous Visitors make your planet their home. However, there are still some of your fellow humans seeking shelter, hoping to band together against these terrifying aliens. But the Visitors have adapted—they look like us, they talk like us…and will use all forms of deception to let themselves in. Will you figure out who’s human and who’s not? Be careful out there—they’re always lurking.
Choices-based simulation game No, I’m Not A Human has a playable demo out on Steam now, with its full release slated sometime in Q3 of 2025.
Mixtape Releasing in 2025
Third-person coming-of-age action-adventure game Mixtape lets players enjoy the last day of freedom with their three friends, tackling all the teenage shenanigans they could get away with. Skate, party, avoid the law, hang out, sneak out, and even make out—it’s your last day as a teenager, make the most of it.
Mixtape is slated to launch on Steam, Xbox Game Pass (Day One), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S later this year.
A.I.L.A Says Hello This 2025
Is the image creeping you out? Then the teaser trailer is doing its magic—A.I.L.A is a first-person horror game that plunges you into the terrifying heart of immersive technology gone wrong. Set in a near future where advanced simulations push the limits of what’s real, you take on the role of a lone game tester working with a revolutionary artificial intelligence. A.I.L.A arrives on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S this 2025!
How Good Was SGF 2025?
Summer Game Fest 2025: A
The Summer Game Fest proper takes the cake for starting off the three-day-long event with an amazing list of games to look forward to, with jaw-dropping trailers and cinematics. Geoff Keighley and Lucy James’ hosting kept the mood going, having just the right amount of ments to not just have trailers upon trailers. The biggest one-two sucker punch however was having the director of Resident Evil come out and pretend they're not ready to announce anything yet, then 20 minutes later come out to reveal Resident Evil 9.
Biggest Announcements
Resident Evil Requiem Revealed and Releases on February 27, 2026
Stranger Than Heaven Revealed as RGG’s Latest Project
Dying Light: The Beast Arrives on August 22
Atomic Heart 2 Explodes Into the Scene
Xbox Games Showcase 2024 - A
Biggest Announcements
Persona 4 Revival is Real, and It Just Got Teased
Beast of Reincarnation Revealed by Game Freak, Coming in 2026
Outer Worlds 2 Releases this October 29
The Xbox ALLY X Handheld Brings a New OS and Shape to the ASUS ROG ALLY
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Releases This Year Instead of Modern Warfare 4
The Xbox Games Showcase this year was full of great games to look forward to, especially the highly-anticipated Persona 4 remake that is now given a definitive title of Persona 4 Revival. Hosting felt a little flat and wasn’t as engaging, but it was saved by The Outer Worlds 2 showcase, whose comedic take on a traditional showcase surely made people smile (and cringe, but in a good way).
Future Games Show - A
Biggest Announcements
Dune: Awakening Welcomes You To An Alternate Dune Reality
Date Matt Mercer and Laura Bailey in Date Everything!
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Releases June 26, 2025
Mafia: The Old Country Launches on August 8
Ratatan Early Access Begins July 25 on Steam
Directive 8020 Releases October 2, 2025!
Hell is Us Featured TWICE During Future Games Show 2025
SCUM Launches on Steam on June 17
Hirogami Flies Into The Fold On September 3, 2025
Call of the Elder Gods Starring Yuri Lowenthal Coming Soon on PC and all Consoles
Titan Quest 2 Early Access Coming to Steam This Summer
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream Brings Players to 1900s Scandinavia This July 15
Sleep Awake Releases 2026 and is Available to Wishlist Now!
Whispers in the Fog Available to Wishlist Now!
Echoes of the End World Premiere Reveals Release Date Coming Later This Year
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a Video Game Adaptation Inspired by the Mass Effect Games
While not technically part of the official Summer Game Fest line-up this year, it still had its share of jaw-dropping reveals that may have been overlooked by the rest of Summer Game Fest’s own showcases. And having Matt Mercer and Laura Bailey as hosts was definitely an added plus, for their chemistry as friends and hosts made the whole show feel more friendly and less serious. They even had Yuri Lowenthal pop up for a bit too!
Day of the Devs - B
Day of the Devs 2025 continued its streak of being an easy-going showcase, featuring not only world premieres and a lovely collection of indie games to look forward to, but some developer commentary as well to give the inside look of how these games came into fruition. The games are fun and spunky, just like the developers who made them. It very well celebrates the contribution and spread of indie games, all in one easy-to-digest format. Looking for a new game to look out for that gives something different? Check out Day of the Devs.
Wholesome Direct 2025 - B
Wholesome Direct is a showcase that many cozy gamers look forward to each year, and this year did not disappoint. It carries on its tradition of showcasing the best wholesome and relaxing games to look out for that surely deserves a spot on your bucket list. While there was no real hosting going on (in the likes of the SGF proper and what not, but understandable), it was lovely and warm, and it felt like just talking to friends about the newest cozy indie games.
An extra point for that lovely countdown or waiting room music. It makes you feel as if you’re in a cozy farming game as a main character.
PC Gaming Show 2025 - B
Biggest Announcements
Ultrakill’s Layer 8 First Official Look
FBC: Firebreak Launch Trailer Revealed; Releasing June 17
007 First Light Spotlighted in Dedicated BTS Segment, Set for 2026 Release
Den of Wolves Dives Deep into Its DIVE System
No More Room in Hell 2 New Map and Other Features Coming This July
PC Gaming Show 2025 was engaging and fun, with the hosts clearly having fun talking about the games they presented, along with some quirky ments. While there weren't a lot of blockbusters showcased, it is still worth a watch for the banter and the cinematic trailers the audience was blessed with.
Women-Led Games 2024 - B
The Women-Led Games showcase at Summer Game Fest 2025 is a delightful, albeit brief, celebration of the incredible contributions of women in game development. The commitment to highlighting games created by women in a tough industry such as the video game industry is a great message to stand for, and it is evident in its presentation. It’s not so much of an essential to watch, but if you’re looking for a new, more niche game to add to your library, Women-Led Games has you covered.
Latin-American Games Showcase - B
A veteran to the Summer Game Fest scene, the annual Latin-American Games showcase is the gift that keeps on giving. It highlighted some great, eye-catching games that gamers should definitely keep an eye on, with standouts like A.I.L.A and Kernel Hearts. However, some games do overlap with other showcases, so there’s a chance you would have already seen it if you came from a prior showcase like Wholesome Direct or the Women-Led Showcase. The weird pacing of the sizzle reels were also a little off putting, but nevertheless it is a pretty solid showcase.
Southeast Asian Games Showcase - B
A new addition to the Summer Game Fest lineup, the Southeast Asian Games Showcase highlights talents from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and more! Even though it was a newcomer to the whole scene, it presented its titles well and all the developers who were featured showed their passion for their craft. The pacing was pretty good and there were a lot of hidden gems to be discovered. It’s not as amazing as the ones ranked A, but it definitely is a watch should you have the time to do so.
Frosty Games Fest - B
This marks Frosty Games Fest debut showcase, and features a collection of games made in Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the various talent from that region. There were a number of astonishing world premieres and trailers presented from games of different genres, shared by a cast of passionate hosts. It’s definitely worth a watch if you have the time to spare.
Green Games Showcase - F
The first of its kind, the Green Games Showcase celebrated games that gave back to the environment, or have fundraisers or have pledged to environmental initiatives and causes. Thus, naturally, most of the games presented were attributed to nature. However, it did pale in comparison to the others in terms of presentation, as well as ironically having a few games with obvious AI assets included in its lineup. Granted that it was its debut showcase, there were a few things that could still be ironed out, but perhaps you should skip this one out for next year, where it may have its comeback.
How We Rated The Events
We graded each event with a letter from A to F, where A is a must-watch and F is more or less a skip, with B to E posing as the middle-ground. Each grade will be based on the event's hype factor, entertainment value, pacing, and the significance of its announcements.
