Summer Game Fest has become gaming’s unofficial E3 replacement, and honestly, it’s doing a pretty good job. Geoff Keighley’s annual showcase has evolved from a scrappy upstart into the tentpole event where publishers drop their biggest announcements. And Summer Game Fest 2025? It didn’t disappoint.
I watched the entire presentation live, through the inevitable technical hiccups, the awkward celebrity appearances, and Geoff’s trademark enthusiasm for literally everything shown. Between the main show, the publisher-specific showcases that followed, and the Day of the Devs indie presentation, we got over 10 hours of trailers, gameplay demos, and announcements to digest.
Some reveals were genuine surprises that had social media losing its mind. Others were long-rumored titles finally getting official confirmation. A few were disappointments that didn’t live up to the hype. And as always, there was plenty of CGI trailers for games we won’t actually play until 2027 or later.
This is your comprehensive breakdown of everything that mattered from Summer Game Fest 2025. Not every indie game that got a 30-second sizzle reel, but the announcements people are actually talking about, the games that will define the next few years, and the surprises nobody saw coming.
Let’s break down the biggest moments, from the showstoppers to the quiet reveals that deserve more attention.
The Opening Bombshell
Borderlands 4: Official Reveal and Release Date
Release Date: March 2026 Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Geoff opened the show with exactly what you want: a major franchise reveal with actual gameplay and a concrete release date.
What we learned:
- Returns to Pandora (the original planet, not the sequel locations)
- New Vault Hunter classes (four confirmed, more likely)
- Gearbox built entirely on Unreal Engine 5
- Maintains series’ humor and chaos
- 4-player co-op returns
- Emphasis on “better endgame than Borderlands 3”
Gameplay footage showed:
- Familiar Borderlands gunplay (still satisfying)
- Environmental destruction on new scale
- Massive boss fight against something called the “Timekeeper”
- Billions of guns (of course)
- Gorgeous cel-shaded graphics leveraging UE5
Why it matters:
Borderlands 3 released in 2019 and, despite strong sales, left fans wanting more endgame content. The 6-7 year gap between entries is significant, giving Gearbox time to address complaints while modernizing the formula.
The March 2026 date puts it in a relatively clear window. Gearbox seems confident about hitting that target, which is refreshing after so many vague “2026” announcements.
Community reaction: Mostly positive. Borderlands fans are just happy to get confirmation and a date. Skeptics wonder if the formula can feel fresh after so many similar games in the genre.
PlayStation’s Big Presence
The Last of Us Part II: Remastered (Again?) – Multiplayer Standalone
Release Date: Holiday 2025 Platforms: PS5, PC
Wait, didn’t we just get The Last of Us Part II Remastered in 2024? Yes. But this is different.
What this actually is:
- Standalone multiplayer game set in TLOU universe
- Evolved from the cancelled “Factions” mode
- Developed by Naughty Dog with support studio assistance
- 5v5 tactical multiplayer
- Extraction shooter elements (extract resources, survive)
- Live-service model (seasons, updates)
The gameplay demo showed:
- Teams competing for resources in abandoned settlements
- Crafting mechanics from single-player integrated
- Permadeath within matches (high stakes)
- Stealth and loud approaches both viable
- Character customization and progression
The elephant in the room:
Naughty Dog cancelled Factions 2 for TLOU2 because it was too ambitious and would consume the studio. This standalone suggests they’ve found a sustainable scope, possibly with external development help.
My take: Cautiously optimistic but skeptical. Live-service multiplayer is brutally competitive. Naughty Dog has never shipped a multiplayer-only game. The TLOU universe is perfect for tense, tactical gameplay, but can they compete with established extraction shooters?
Wait for reviews and community feedback. Don’t pre-order based on the Naughty Dog name alone.
Ghost of Tsushima: Legends – Standalone Expansion
Release Date: September 2025 Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC
Not a sequel, but a meaty expansion to the beloved multiplayer mode.
New content includes:
- New story campaign (8-10 hours)
- Two new classes
- Additional raids
- New mythic weapons and armor
- Enhanced visuals on PS5
Why this matters:
Ghost of Tsushima’s Legends mode was a surprise hit—a free add-on that became many players’ favorite co-op experience. A standalone expansion lets Sucker Punch monetize it while they work on Ghost of Yotei.
Standalone pricing ($40) makes it accessible to players who never bought the base game but want the co-op experience.
Xbox/Microsoft’s Showcase
Perfect Dark: Finally, Gameplay
Release Date: 2026 Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC, Game Pass
The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot has been in development hell for years. After rumors of troubled production and Crystal Dynamics being brought in to help, we finally saw actual gameplay.
What was shown:
- First-person stealth/action gameplay
- Gadget-focused mechanics (true to original)
- Near-future setting with espionage themes
- Joanna Dark looks like a proper protagonist
- Environmental storytelling and atmosphere
- Graphics showcasing UE5 capabilities
The good news: It looks functional and interesting. The stealth mechanics seem deep, and the gadgets (holo-decoys, wall-penetrating scanners) create tactical options.
The concern: Development has been rocky. Multiple reboots, leadership changes, and external studio assistance suggest troubled production. The 2026 date is vague (could mean December 31, 2026).
My assessment: Wait and see. Promising, but Microsoft has over-promised before. Game Pass inclusion means low-risk trial, so patience makes sense.
Fable: Release Date and Extended Demo
Release Date: October 2025 Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC, Game Pass
After years of teases, Fable finally has a release date and we got an extended gameplay demonstration.
Key reveals:
- Classic Fable humor intact (chicken kicking confirmed)
- Expanded character creation
- Open-world structure (not linear like originals)
- Romance and relationships return
- Moral choice system with visible consequences
- British voice acting with A-list talent
Extended demo showed:
- Village quest involving a stolen chicken (very Fable)
- Combat blending magic, melee, and ranged
- Transformations based on choices (evil makes you ugly, etc.)
- Stunning fantasy environments
Why excitement is high:
Fable 2 is beloved. Fable 3 disappointed. Fable Legends was cancelled. Playground Games (Forza Horizon developer) taking on this franchise was risky, but footage suggests they understand what made Fable special.
October 2025 is soon. If they hit that date, it’s Microsoft’s biggest exclusive of the year.
Surprise Announcements
Chrono Break: The Sequel Nobody Expected
Release Date: TBA 2026 Platforms: Multi-platform (PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, PC)
This came out of nowhere and broke the internet.
The context:
Chrono Trigger (1995) is one of the most beloved JRPGs ever made. Chrono Cross (1999) was polarizing. Fans have begged for a true sequel for 25+ years. Square Enix always said no.
Until now.
What we know:
- Directed by Masato Kato (Chrono Trigger/Cross writer)
- Music by Yasunori Mitsuda (returning composer)
- Developed by a joint team (Square Enix + external studio)
- New cast with connections to original
- Time travel mechanics returning
- 2D-HD art style (Octopath Traveler aesthetic)
The trailer showed:
- Multiple time periods (prehistoric, medieval, future)
- Party-based combat with ATB system
- Beautiful hand-drawn graphics with modern effects
- Familiar musical themes reimagined
Why this is huge:
Chrono Trigger fans are a dedicated, vocal group who’ve wanted this for decades. Square Enix finally acknowledging the IP beyond mobile ports is significant.
The catch: No gameplay shown, just a cinematic reveal trailer. “2026” could mean late 2026 or get delayed further. Square Enix has a mixed track record on announced titles actually releasing.
Community reaction: Euphoria tempered by cautious optimism. Everyone wants this to be great, but many fear disappointment.
BioShock 4: Official Title and Setting
Official Title: BioShock: Isolation Release Date: 2027 Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
We’ve known BioShock 4 exists for years. Summer Game Fest finally gave us a title and setting details.
Setting revealed:
- 1960s Antarctica
- Underground city called “Harmonia”
- Built as a utopian society by former Nazis and scientists
- Cold War paranoia meets BioShock’s dystopian themes
- Extreme isolation as core theme
Trailer details:
- First-person perspective
- Plasmid-equivalent powers (called “Mutations”)
- Environmental storytelling (audio logs, environmental clues)
- Morality system returning
- Big Daddy-equivalent enemies teased
Development:
Cloud Chamber (new studio under 2K) developing. Ken Levine (BioShock 1/Infinite creator) NOT involved—he’s making Judas. This is a separate team’s vision.
My take: The setting is fascinating. Antarctica isolation creates unique atmosphere compared to underwater Rapture or floating Columbia. However, without Levine’s involvement, this is essentially a BioShock-inspired game rather than a true successor.
Wait for more gameplay. 2027 is far away, and we’ve seen how BioShock’s themes can be handled well (System Shock remake) or poorly (We Happy Few).
Indie Highlights from Day of the Devs
Dungeons of Hinterberg Follow-Up Announced
The hit 2024 indie about monster-slaying while on vacation in Austrian Alps is getting a sequel/expansion.
What’s new:
- New region (Swiss mountains)
- Additional dungeon types
- Expanded social simulation
- More monsters and puzzles
Release: Early 2026
If you loved the original’s mix of dungeon crawling and cozy social sim, this is a no-brainer.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! Studio’s Next Game
The absurdist British comedy game studio revealed their sophomore effort: a game about being a postman in a bizarre Welsh town.
What to expect:
- Same absurdist humor
- Point-and-click adventure structure
- Hand-drawn animation
- Voice acting from British comedy actors
Release: Late 2025
If you enjoyed Thank Goodness You’re Here’s weird humor, this looks like more of that energy.
Silksong Watch: Still No News
Hollow Knight: Silksong did NOT appear. Team Cherry remains silent. Fans continue suffering.
The Graphics Showcases
Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo
Epic Games showed a real-time tech demo of UE5.5 capabilities:
- Photorealistic character models
- Lighting indistinguishable from reality
- Massive crowds with individual AI
- Seamless indoor/outdoor transitions
Games announced using UE5.5:
- Borderlands 4
- Perfect Dark
- Multiple unannounced projects
The demo sets expectations for next-gen visuals but reminds us that gameplay matters more than graphics.
The Matrix Awakens: Playable Edition
An expanded version of the 2021 Matrix tech demo, now with actual gameplay:
- Open-world section of city
- Driving and shooting mechanics
- No story, just sandbox experimentation
- Free download
Mostly a tech showcase, but fun to experience cutting-edge graphics in playable form.
Disappointments and No-Shows
What We Didn’t Get
No Hollow Knight: Silksong: The pain continues. Team Cherry’s silence is deafening.
No Metroid Prime 4: Nintendo rarely attends Summer Game Fest, but fans hoped. Still waiting for Nintendo Direct.
No Half-Life 3: Obviously. We’ll never learn.
No Elder Scrolls VI: Bethesda said 2026+ earliest. Summer Game Fest 2025 was too early for news.
No GTA 6 Trailer 2: Rockstar doesn’t need Summer Game Fest. They’ll reveal on their own timeline.
The Letdowns
Skull and Bones: New Content Announcement
Ubisoft announced more content for their troubled pirate game. The response was apathy. The game failed to find an audience, and more content won’t fix fundamental issues.
Mobile Game Overload
Too many mobile game announcements during the main show. NetEase, Tencent, and others got significant stage time for games most viewers don’t care about.
CGI Trailers with No Release Dates
Multiple games showed pure CGI with no gameplay and vague “Coming Soon” labels. These announcements are meaningless and waste show time.
Platform-Specific Deep Dives
The State of PlayStation
Sony had a strong presence but not a dedicated showcase:
Major announcements:
- The Last of Us multiplayer standalone
- Ghost of Tsushima: Legends expansion
- Multiple third-party marketing deals
What we’re still waiting for:
- Death Stranding 2 gameplay
- Wolverine update
- Silent Hill 2 Remake DLC
Assessment: PlayStation is clearly saving major reveals for their own State of Play presentations. They used Summer Game Fest for smaller announcements while maintaining presence.
Xbox’s Identity Crisis Continues
Microsoft’s messaging remains confusing:
Positives:
- Fable and Perfect Dark look promising
- Game Pass value continues
- Strong third-party support
Negatives:
- Exclusivity confusion (what’s Xbox exclusive anymore?)
- Cloud gaming push alienates traditional gamers
- First-party output still inconsistent
Assessment: Xbox has games coming but struggles with identity. Are they a console, a service, or a publisher? Mixed messaging continues.
Nintendo’s Absence (and Why It Doesn’t Matter)
Nintendo doesn’t do Summer Game Fest. They’ll have a Nintendo Direct later this year for:
- Switch 2 reveal (rumored for late 2025/early 2026)
- Metroid Prime 4
- Pokemon announcements
- First-party lineup
Nintendo operates independently and doesn’t need Geoff Keighley’s platform.
The VR/AR Segment
Meta Quest 3S Games
Meta had a segment showcasing Quest 3S games:
- Assassin’s Creed VR (full game, not tech demo)
- Resident Evil 4 Remake VR mode
- Batman: Arkham Shadow release date (November 2025)
My take: VR remains niche. These announcements excite VR enthusiasts but don’t move the needle for mainstream gaming.
Apple Vision Pro Gaming Initiative
Apple announced a gaming push for Vision Pro:
- Partnerships with major publishers
- Cloud gaming integration
- Spatial gaming experiences
Reality check: Vision Pro costs $3,500. Gaming is not the primary use case. This won’t compete with Quest or PSVR2 for gaming-focused VR.
What It All Means
Trends from Summer Game Fest 2025
Live-service fatigue setting in:
Multiple live-service games announced met with skepticism. Players are tired of FOMO mechanics and endless grinds. Single-player experiences got better reception.
Nostalgia-driven announcements:
Chrono Break, BioShock 4, Perfect Dark, Fable—multiple announcements banking on nostalgia for franchises from 15-25 years ago. This reflects both the age of gaming decision-makers and the difficulty of creating new IP that resonates.
Release date clarity improving:
More games announced with actual dates versus vague “Coming Soon.” Publishers learning that vague announcements generate less hype than concrete targets.
Graphics plateau:
UE5 games look incredible, but diminishing returns are visible. The leap from PS4 to PS5 graphics is smaller than PS3 to PS4. Developers focusing more on art direction than raw fidelity.
Indies thriving:
Day of the Devs showcased incredible creativity. Indies are innovating while AAA games play it safe with sequels and reboots.
Predictions for the Rest of 2025
Q3 2025 (July-September):
- Gamescom announcements in August
- PlayStation State of Play likely
- Tokyo Game Show reveals in September
Q4 2025 (October-December):
- The Game Awards (more announcements)
- Holiday release window clarification
- 2026 game delays starting to be announced
Major games still coming 2025:
- Fable (October, if not delayed)
- The Last of Us multiplayer (Holiday)
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows (November, after delay)
- GTA 6 (maybe, probably not)
How to Watch Future Events
Summer Game Fest Isn’t Alone
Gaming has fragmented into multiple events:
Geoff Keighley Productions:
- Summer Game Fest (June)
- Gamescom Opening Night Live (August)
- The Game Awards (December)
Platform Holders:
- PlayStation State of Play (quarterly)
- Xbox Developer Direct (sporadic)
- Nintendo Direct (3-4 times per year)
Publisher-Specific:
- Ubisoft Forward
- EA Play Live (discontinued but could return)
- Indie showcases (Day of the Devs, etc.)
Where to watch:
- YouTube (primary)
- Twitch (secondary)
- Official websites (sometimes exclusive content)
Pro tip: Wait for highlight reels. Most showcases are 90+ minutes with 20 minutes of actual interesting content. Recap videos save time.
The Verdict on Summer Game Fest 2025
Was It Worth Watching?
The highlights:
- Borderlands 4 with release date (strong open)
- Chrono Break announcement (genuine surprise)
- Fable release date finally
- BioShock 4 details
- Multiple indies worth attention
The lowlights:
- Too many mobile games
- CGI trailers without substance
- Celebrity appearances adding nothing
- Runtime bloat (could’ve been 60 minutes)
Overall grade: B+
Summer Game Fest 2025 delivered enough genuine excitement to justify the time investment. The opening was strong, the middle dragged, and the finale (Chrono Break) sent everyone home happy.
It’s not E3 in its prime, but it’s the best we have in the post-E3 era. Geoff Keighley has created a valuable platform for announcements, even if the execution could be tighter.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Based on what was announced, 2026 shaping up with:
- Borderlands 4 (March)
- Perfect Dark (TBA)
- Chrono Break (TBA)
- Dozens of other titles in development
We’re in an interesting period for gaming. The cross-gen phase is finally over. Developers understand current-gen hardware. Creativity is returning after years of safe sequels.
The next 12-18 months will be exciting for gaming.
Conclusion
Summer Game Fest 2025 delivered what it needed to: major announcements, concrete release dates, and enough surprises to generate conversation. Not every reveal was a home run, and the show could’ve been tighter, but the hits outweighed the misses.
Borderlands 4 coming in March 2026 gives us a clear target. Fable in October 2025 (fingers crossed) provides an Xbox exclusive to look forward to. Chrono Break’s existence, even years away, gives JRPG fans hope. And the dozens of smaller announcements ensure there’s something for everyone.
The gaming industry is in a weird place. Budgets are ballooning, development times are extending, and live-service gambles are failing. But underneath that chaos, great games are being made by passionate developers who love this medium.
Summer Game Fest is a reminder that, despite the industry’s problems, the creativity and ambition that make gaming special are still alive. We just have to wait a little longer for them to arrive.
What was your favorite announcement from Summer Game Fest 2025? Did anything surprise you, or were you disappointed by what we didn’t see? What are you most looking forward to from the announcements? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’m curious what resonated most with different types of gamers, and whether my excitement matches the broader community’s.
FAQ: Summer Game Fest 2025
When is Summer Game Fest 2026?
Summer Game Fest typically occurs in early-to-mid June. Summer Game Fest 2026 will likely happen June 5-12, 2026, based on historical patterns. Geoff Keighley usually announces specific dates 2-3 months in advance. Follow @geoffkeighley on Twitter/X for official announcements. The main showcase is usually Thursday or Friday evening with publisher showcases throughout the week.
What was the biggest announcement at Summer Game Fest 2025?
Subjectively, the Chrono Break reveal generated the most social media buzz as a genuine surprise. Objectively, Borderlands 4 with gameplay and a March 2026 release date was the most substantial announcement. Fable’s October 2025 date and BioShock 4 details were also major. “Biggest” depends on personal interest, but these three dominated conversation post-show.
Was GTA 6 at Summer Game Fest 2025?
No. Rockstar Games doesn’t typically participate in multi-publisher showcases, preferring to control their own reveals. GTA 6’s second trailer will likely drop via Rockstar’s YouTube channel when they’re ready, probably Q4 2025. Rockstar operates independently from industry events and doesn’t need Summer Game Fest’s platform for maximum visibility.
How can I watch Summer Game Fest?
Summer Game Fest streams live on YouTube (primary platform), Twitch, and major gaming websites. The main showcase is free to watch with no subscription required. VODs remain available after the event. Many creators host watch-along streams with commentary. Geoff Keighley’s official channels provide the cleanest viewing experience without mid-show ads or commentary.
What games announced at Summer Game Fest 2025 are coming in 2025?
Confirmed 2025 releases from the show: Fable (October, subject to potential delay), The Last of Us multiplayer standalone (Holiday), Ghost of Tsushima: Legends expansion (September), and several indie titles. Most major announcements target 2026 or later. Always treat announced dates skeptically, as delays are common in the gaming industry, especially for ambitious AAA titles.
Sources & Additional Resources
- Summer Game Fest Official – summergamefest.com – Official event information and archived streams
- IGN’s Summer Game Fest Hub – Comprehensive coverage, trailers, and analysis of all announcements
- r/Games Summer Game Fest Megathread – Community discussions, reactions, and aggregated information