Gamescom 2025 and its Koelnmesse brand are certainly bigger and arguably better than before. But what ensures its staying power is the fact there’s now an Asian version in Singapore and, eventually, in Thailand.
While Gamescom Asia has been a great event for industry professionals to mingle and network, it wasn’t a major business-to-consumer expo.
The fact that every Gamescom Asia takes place on the same October weekend as the Thailand Game Show has meant both industry professionals and media had to make tough choices on which event to attend or cover. Few outlets could afford to send staff to both.
Rather than compete, the organisers of both events chose to team up, creating one large show in a single major location for all of Southeast Asia. Thailand also has the advantage of being more affordable for travel and accommodation compared to Singapore.
While rare, it’s encouraging to see organisations like Koelnmesse and Show No Limit Co., Ltd. collaborating for the benefit of Southeast Asian gaming professionals and audiences.
We don’t know the details of what went on behind the scenes, or whether their partners can be relied on long term. But it’s clear that personal rivalries must be set aside for the greater good of the gaming business.
With an idea like Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show coming to life, everybody in Southeast Asia wins.
Short Beats
After seven years, the hotly anticipated search-action 2D title Hollow Knight: Silksong finally has a release date – Sept 4 for PC and consoles.
The long wait was due to Team Cherry being a small team that wanted to take its time to create the game it envisioned.
Chinese developer Game Science has announced Black Myth: Zhong Kui, the follow-up to its hit action RPG Black Myth: Wukong. The new title, now in production, focuses on the titular mythical ghost hunter.
Path of Exile 2’s next major update drops on Aug 30. It adds a new fourth chapter in Early Access alongside new buffs and support gem systems. The game will also be free to play from Aug 30 to Sept 2.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launches on Nov 14 for PC and consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive Kirby Air Riders will be released on Nov 20 at US$70.
Warner Bros. has revealed LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which retells the Batman film plots in humorous, 3D, all-ages action.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will be released overseas on Oct 16, with Southeast Asian versions arriving around the same time.
Netflix announced two new game-to-animation updates – Devil May Cry Season 2 is set for 2026, while the Splinter Cell: Deathwatch animated series launches on Oct 14.
Sony has sold its stake in the Evolution Championship Series to new co-owner NODWIN Gaming. Sony will continue supporting the event as a sponsor through 2028.
Op-Ed
We reviewed Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and explained why it’s a superb remake of the 2004 PlayStation 2 stealth classic. The remake will be released on Aug 28 for PC and consoles.
Games out this week
The Rogue Prince of Persia is out now for PC and consoles in its 1.0 release. The Ubisoft title, in Early Access since last year, features 2D platforming and roguelite action, with the Prince reclaiming his kingdom from Hun armies wielding strange magics.
Sword of the Sea is a 3D adventure where players ride a magical sword like a surfboard or skateboard across a desert landscape, restoring a lost ocean. The game comes from Giant Squid, the studio behind ABZU and The Pathless.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is the long-lost 2D side-scrolling entry in the Shantae series. Players guide half-genie Shantae through enemies and puzzles to unlock powers and stop nemesis Risky Boots’ latest scheme.
Recommended Viewing
Fredrik Knudsen’s video essay recaps the history of the Unofficial Skyrim Patch.