Gamescom Opening Night Live Recap: All The Big News And Game Announcements

This week brings us Gamescom, one of the biggest video game conventions in the world. Ahead of the expo, Microsoft, Google, and Nintendo have all presented with their own livestreams chock full of game announcements and reveals. But the biggest press conference-style itself was a sort of formal kickoff ceremony hosted by Geoff Keighley called Gamescom: Opening Night Live.

Keighley had been teasing announcements through Twitter in preparation for the big event, and the live presentation brought us news on Destiny 2 Shadowkeep, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Disintegration, Need for Speed Heat, the Gears 5 campaign, Predator, Death Stranding, and much more.

If you missed the Opening Night Live stream, you can also watch a replay of the entire broadcast below. We've also rounded up all the biggest news and announcements to help get you up to speed. Be sure to also check out our Nintendo Indie World, Microsoft Inside Xbox, and Google Stadia Connect recaps for all the most noteworthy news from this year's Gamescom.

Gears 5 Debuts New Gameplay Trailer

Immediately after Microsoft's Inside Xbox stream gave us a look at Gears 5's Horde mode, the Gamescom: Opening Night Live broadcast showcased a new Gears 5 gameplay trailer focusing on the game's campaign.

Need For Speed Heat Gameplay Reveal

Following the Gears 5 campaign trailer, we got a look at the first gameplay of Need for Speed Heat, the upcoming installment in EA's racing series. This entry is set in the open world of Palm City, where cops patrol the streets and will try to put a stop to your street racing.

Little Nightmares 2 Announced, Coming Next Year

One of the most notable reveals during the Opening Night Live presentation was Little Nightmares 2, a follow-up to the well-received horror platformer. The game is set to arrive in 2020 and will feature co-op play.

Kerbal Space Program 2 Announced

Little Nightmares 2 wasn't the only cult-favorite sequel unveiled during Gamescom: Opening Night Live; the presentation also gave us our first look at Kerbal Space Program 2, which is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2020.

Everspace 2 Announced

Continuing the trend of surprise sequel announcements, the Gamescom: Opening Night Live stream gave us our first look at Everspace 2, a sequel to the cult-favorite 2016 space roguelike. Everspace 2 is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2021.

Sega Debuts New Game, Humankind

Sega and Amplitude Studios are teaming up for a new civilization-building game called Humankind. Slated to launch on PC sometime in 2020, Humankind will let players develop a civilization from the Neolithic era up to a modern age. The title will launch with 60 historical cultures like the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Khmers, and Vikings, which can be mixed and matched for a multitude of possible combinations.

The Witcher 3 Switch Release Date Revealed

CD Projekt Red shared a new trailer for the upcoming Switch version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Not only did the video showcase areas from the game's two full expansions, Hearts Of Stone and Blood And Wine, it also revealed The Witcher 3's Switch release date: October 15.

New Death Stranding Gameplay Footage And Details

As promised, Hideo Kojima's enigmatic Death Stranding had a big showing during Gamescom: Opening Night Live. In addition to introducing a new character known as Mama, we got a look at some new Death Stranding gameplay, which involved urinating, cradling jarred babies, and making deliveries. Oh, and Geoff Keighley is apparently the latest to lend his likeness for the game.

Borderlands 3 Endgame Content Detailed

Gearbox shared some new information about Borderlands 3 during Gamescom: Opening Night Live. Specifically, the developer detailed some of Borderlands 3's endgame content, which consists of the Circle of Slaughter horde-like mode and a new mode called Proving Grounds. To activate the latter, players will need to discover Eridian Writings scattered throughout the galaxy, which point you towards certain planets where you can take on missions that put you up against tougher threats but reward you with high-tier loot.

Halo Co-Creator Shows Off New Team-Based Game

Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the Halo series, unveiled his newest project during the Opening Night Live broadcast: Disintegration, a new type of FPS that blends traditional multiplayer gameplay with PvE elements. The gameplay trailer showcased a 5v5 multiplayer match, but Disintegration will also feature a full single-player campaign that focuses on a variety of different characters.

PlayStation Surprise Releases New Live-Action Interactive Thriller

Sony dropped a new trailer for the PS4 live-action interactive thriller, Erica, during the Gamescom: Opening Night Live presentation. That wasn't all; following the video, the company announced that Erica has surprise launched on PSN. PS4 owners can pick the thriller up from the digital store for $10.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Getting Free PS4 Alpha This Week

Activision's upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot is one of this fall's most anticipated releases, and PS4 players will have a chance to try it out a little early. As revealed during Gamescom: Opening Night Live, Activision is hosting a free alpha test on PS4 this week beginning August 23.