Top things you missed from Summer Game Fest opening showcase

Summer Game Fest is here and kicked off in style with the Opening Showcase.

Following the hype of Unreal’s State of Unreal and PlayStation’s State of Play, the Opening Showcase exhibited a slew of games for gamers to get excited about.

Here are some of the highlights you may have missed from last night’s showcase.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

The highly anticipated sequel to Death Stranding made its expected appearance at Summer Game Fest, with the game set to release in less than three weeks.

However, in true Kojima fashion, we were told nothing and left with more questions than answers.

We did get a first look at the focal characters of the game, Neill and Lucy, played by Luca Marinelli and Alissa Jung respectively.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds

SEGA’s attempt at Mario Kart has often fallen short of its main competitor.

However, this time they’ve brought in some special guests in an effort to attract a wider audience.

CrossWorlds is set to feature Hatsune Miku, Ichiban Kasuga (Yakuza: Like a Dragon), Joker (Persona 5), and Steve (Minecraft).

They also shared that CrossWorlds will have online cross-platform matchmaking, “unlike another kart racing game”, said developer Takashi Iizuka.

Code Vein II

Bandai Namco has confirmed a follow-up to its popular anime souls-like, Code Vein.

Its blend of gothic architecture and creatures mixed with anime characters makes for a jarring yet unique experience.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire

Starring the one and only Troy Baker, Mouse: P.I. For Hire appears to be an action-adventure game set in a 1920s-style world.

Disney may regret giving up the rights to the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse, as the game’s 2D black-and-white characters are clearly inspired by the original mouse.

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

A real-time strategy game set in the world of Game of Thrones, specifically the TV show version.

This would’ve been the dream game for fans if it had come out a decade ago. Now it may be a little too late for the franchise.

Encouragingly, the game is set to be made for PC, more in line with the Total War franchise rather than something like the mobile game Clash of Clans.

Atomic Heart 2

Not much is confirmed aside from the announcement of a sequel to the Soviet-era BioShock-esque title.

Interestingly, they’ve described the game as a “spiritual successor”, meaning that the follow-up might be vastly different from the original.

In the meantime, developer Mundfish also announced an offshoot title in the Atomic Heart universe, simply called The Cube.

Out of Words

Utilising stop-motion animation, this two-player co-op platformer might become the next couples’ comfort game when it releases next year.

Mafia: The Old Country

Hangar 13 teases the latest entry in the Mafia series, set in 1900s Sicily.

The action-adventure game will feature what is said to be a gritty mob story where players progress through the narrative and try to survive the brutal underworld.

Lego Voyagers

A Lego co-op game where players can work together, or not, to build bridges, contraptions, and spaceships.

To the delight of fans, the game will include a Friend Pass, meaning only one person in the duo needs to purchase the game.

Lies of P: Overture

The critically acclaimed souls-like game based on the tale of Pinocchio has announced additional DLC out of nowhere.

As one of the better non-FromSoftware souls-like games, the announcement came as a surprise and a delight.

The Overture DLC is available for purchase now, two years after the game’s original release.

Scott Pilgrim EX

Finally, an update from Tribute Games on the beloved Scott Pilgrim property.

This four-player retro beat ’em up will feature series creator Bryan Lee O’Malley’s signature art style, alongside an entirely new story written by O’Malley.

Hitman World of Assassination x James Bond

In an extended presentation, IO Interactive CFO Hakan Abrak discussed their upcoming titles, which will likely be elaborated on in a dedicated showcase.

Whilst we didn’t learn much about Mindseye or 007: First Light, we did get to see the world of Ian Fleming enter the setting of Hitman: World of Assassination.

To the audience’s surprise, it was announced that Hitman: World of Assassination would feature a new mission based on the James Bond film Casino Royale.

Looking back almost 20 years, fans were thrilled to see the villain Le Chiffre as the main target.

Then, in a surprise within a surprise, none other than Mads Mikkelsen emerged on stage, confirming he’ll return to portray Le Chiffre once again.

Abrak went on to tease a new version of the story and character to fit within Hitman’s world, with Mikkelsen hinting at a more active role for Le Chiffre in pursuing Agent 47.

Completing the rule of three for surprises, Abrak revealed that the 007 mission is available right now.

As a final cherry on top, they announced that players who play Hitman: World of Assassination within the next 30 days will receive a special reward in 007: First Light, provided you purchase both games.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Following IO Interactive’s multiple bombshells is no easy act to follow, so how about another souls-like?

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a souls-like inspired by Chinese culture and folklore.

Its visual style resembles Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, with muted yet beautiful environments.

However, the apparent flashy yet methodical combat gives the impression it may play more like Black Myth: Wukong.

Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver

Definitely not on anyone’s bingo card, Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver is a co-op action RPG with supposed anime-style combat.

Players will progress through the story to uncover the location and rescue members of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition

Cyberpunk may soon rival Skyrim for the number of re-releases, with another new edition announced.

This time, the now-beloved game will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched earlier this week.

Splitgate 2

The CEO and co-founder of 1047 Games, Ian Proulx, took to the stage to announce the sequel to the team-based arena shooter with portals, Splitgate.

Splitgate 2’s development had already been confirmed, including a four-player squad battle royale mode.

What fans didn’t expect was for Proulx to directly call out Call of Duty for its lack of innovation.

On why they developed Splitgate, he said, “I’m tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year.”

Adding, “And I wish we could have Titanfall 3,” which was met with cheers.

Stranger Than Heaven

Yakuza meets L.A. Noire!

Set in 1943 Japan, players take on the role of a detective solving mysteries and battling crime, hinting at a larger narrative.

Expect many Yakuza-style antics and story-based decisions, with consequences yet to be revealed.

Resident Evil 9: Requiem

You’ve got to end the show with a bang, and it was no secret what they had in mind to close out the showcase.

Throughout the night, fans were teased with nods to the Resident Evil franchise.

First came an appearance by Resident Evil Village voice actress Maggie Robertson, who played fan-favourite Alcina Dimitrescu.

Next, a reminder of the series’ 30th anniversary, with words from producer Jun Takeuchi, who teased, “Bear with us a little longer, just a blink of an eye more, and it’ll be ready.”

Finally, Capcom revealed a full story trailer for Resident Evil 9: Requiem.

A meek FBI agent, Grace Ashcroft, must relive a traumatic event as she investigates an abandoned hotel in search of clues.

What could possibly go wrong?

As one final reveal, Capcom announced the release date, February 27th, 2026.