The era of the big E3 exposition, where game journalists from around the world converged in Los Angeles for days on end, has quietly faded. Modern game companies prefer online reveals that reach audiences instantly and without extra travel costs. Summer has always been a hub for events, conferences, and showcases, and this year’s schedule spans from late May through August 2023, offering a clear navigation path so readers won’t miss a thing.
PlayStation Showcase (May 24)
Sony’s ongoing struggle to keep the PlayStation 5 flush with compelling releases may receive a boost from the PlayStation Showcase, focused entirely on new projects for the current hardware and PS VR2. The event is expected to run a bit over an hour, with trailers and concrete details taking center stage rather than lengthy host chatter.
The frontrunner is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the sequel Insomniac Games has been crafting for some time. The game carries a fall release window, and the showcase is the ideal moment to show gameplay and reassure fans about the console’s ongoing vitality.
Other anticipated announcements include Mortal Kombat 1 and several Konami titles, with potential teases for a new Castlevania. There may be updates on Death Stranding 2, a remake release date for Silent Hill 2, and perhaps new details on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Marvel’s Wolverine is unlikely to steal the show; at best, a trailer tease may surface.
Rumors aside, Mortal Kombat 1 is unlikely to be a true reboot. Liu Kang remains central to the mythos, a nod to earlier lore rather than a complete reset.
Whispers also linger about a possible Metal Gear Solid remake, though concrete details remain scarce. The presentation could also unveil a second phase of PS5 games, potentially aligning with bundles or hardware refresh plans.
A nod to Venom appearing in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 adds to the excitement. Given the rocky start of PS VR2 sales, Sony will want a wave of genuinely desirable projects with imminent release windows.
Fans can expect several surprises alongside confirmed titles, with two or more unexpected projects likely to dominate the conversation while ongoing releases illustrate the full potential of the PS5 library.
Viewers can watch the event on YouTube and Twitch.
Marvelous Games Showcase (May)
A separate event at the end of May draws attention, even if it doesn’t rival Sony’s spectacle. Marvelous is a Japanese developer and publisher known for anime-inspired games.
The studio’s catalog includes Rune Factory, No More Heroes, The Legend of Heroes, Corpse Party, and more. Rune Factory 3 Special for Nintendo Switch is poised for Western release on September 5, 2023, though further details about Marvelous’s upcoming lineup remain sparse.
Guerrilla Collective 2023 (June 7-13)
The MIX team is primed to roll out fresh announcements, trailers, gameplay footage, and demos from developers around the world, showcasing a wide array of projects.
Watch the event on YouTube and Twitch.
Summer Game Festival (June 8)
Once dubbed the replacement for E3, Summer Game Fest has grown into a major summer moment with broad participation. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, it has earned a reputation akin to the Game Awards for its curated spectacle of reveals.
Details remain to be announced, but the show is anticipated to feature substantial news from multiple studios. Sony’s participation is not confirmed at this stage, and the lineup is expected to diverge from the previous year’s Japanese slate.
Among the expected releases is the major Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, which is rumored to appear soon after the show.
Which new product are you most looking forward to?
(multiple answers can be selected)
Future Game Show 2023 (June 10)
Presented by GamesRadar, the Future Games Show promises more than 40 new trailers, plus abundant gameplay footage and developer interviews.
You can watch the event on YouTube, Twitch.
Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase and Starfield Direct (June 11)
A full trailer for Starfield debuted at last year’s Xbox event, and expectations for this year’s showcase are high. The show will be followed by a dedicated Starfield event, with Phil Spencer and team aiming to prove that the Xbox ecosystem still brings strong projects to the table.
Details are still forthcoming, but it seems clear that Microsoft hopes to deliver something genuinely impressive to prevent a repeat of last generation’s console stalemate.
You can watch the event on YouTube, Twitch.
PC Gaming Show (June 11)
Dozens of projects will be unveiled by PC developers, including some brand-new titles. Baldur’s Gate 3 looms large as a headline, with Frostpunk 2 also on the radar. Rumors suggest Don’t Starve developers may introduce a new project as well.
Baldur’s Gate 3 remains a major talking point for PC players, while a broader slate is expected to showcase diverse genres and ambitious ideas.
You can watch the event on YouTube, Twitch.
The Game Awards concert (June 25)
A celebration for true connoisseurs, The Game Awards focuses on music and atmosphere rather than new announcements. Attendees can expect performances inspired by Elden Ring, Diablo, Final Fantasy 16, Hades, The Last of Us, and other beloved titles.
You can watch the event on YouTube and Twitch.
Devolver Digital Direct (June)
Devolver Digital is known for playful, unconventional reveals. The company’s lineup often includes surprises that outshine traditional announcements.
Upcoming projects include The Plucky Squire, Wizard with a Gun, Pepper Grinder, Demon Skateboarding Game Skate Story, and other titles. Fans should stay tuned for additional announcements.
You can check the official website for updates.
ChinaJoy (July 28 to 31)
China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, better known as ChinaJoy, is a major international event in the digital entertainment sector. Backed by prominent organizations and local government, the show has serious preparation behind it.
The conference primarily highlights games for the Chinese market, but several Western-friendly titles typically surface among the broad lineup.
You can check the official website for details.
THQ Nordic Digital Showcase (August 11)
THQ Nordic continues its tradition of hosting a focused showcase. The evening starts with HandyGames and then unfolds into new product announcements.
Remake whispers for Gothic and reboot trailers for Alone in the Dark and Trine 5 add to the buzz. Expect a mix of announced titles and fresh surprises that have yet to be revealed.
You can watch the event on YouTube and Twitch.
gamescom 2023 (August 22-27)
One of the season’s key gaming conferences, gamescom remains a major summer anchor, though it takes place in Cologne, Germany rather than Los Angeles. The show typically features a steady stream of trailers, with fewer ground-breaking reveals, but it still draws editors and players who want to sample upcoming titles at demo stations.
This year’s event is hosted by Nintendo, a notable return to the show after a hiatus since 2019. Even if a few big releases are announced elsewhere, VGTimes editors will still curate a list of must-watch moments for readers.
Which presentation are you going to watch?
(multiple answers can be selected)
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