Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 Recap: Witcher 3 Expansion and More
Gamescom ONL 2026: Witcher 3 Expansion, FF7 Revelation, More

Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 kicked off the Cologne convention with a two-hour showcase packed with major announcements. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the event delivered surprises including a double reveal from CD Projekt Red: a new Witcher 3 expansion and a free remaster.

CD Projekt Red's Double Reveal

CD Projekt Red closed the show with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past, a new story expansion set in 2027. It follows Geralt of Rivia in an unexplored northern province, bridging the gap to The Witcher 4, with a region equal in size to Toussaint, new gear sets, alchemy crafting, and a fresh Gwent deck.

The studio also announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered, launching September 29. This engine-level overhaul adds ultra-high-resolution textures, full hardware ray-tracing, overhauled character models, and zero-loading-screen fast travel. It is free for existing owners on current-gen platforms, including instant access to Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.

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Final Fantasy 7 Revelation and Other Premieres

Square Enix premiered the trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, the final game in the remake trilogy, confirming a Spring 2027 launch. Director Naoki Hamaguchi appeared on stage, with gameplay featuring grappling hooks, Chocobo gliding, and underwater vehicles.

Other highlights included a Gears of War: E-Day campaign trailer confirming an October 6, 2026 release, a Metro 2039 gameplay trailer, and a world premiere for Stage Tour, a Guitar Hero/Rock Band successor with a 90+ song setlist. Silent Hill: Townfall revealed Terry O'Quinn in a lead role, and Hoyoverse unveiled Nodusfall, a dark fantasy co-op RPG.

Release Dates and Surprise Drops

Exodus, featuring Matthew McConaughey, got an April 2027 release date. Path of Exile 2 confirmed its 1.0 launch for late 2026. Crimson Desert: Enhanced shadow-dropped, available now. Onimusha: Way of the Sword released an expanded demo, and Turok Origins was delayed to Spring 2027. Ananta, Humankind 2, and Pony Island 2 all received release windows.

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