With E3 2023 (unsurprisingly) cancelled, Geoff Keighley stepped in to take the summer announcement season spotlight. While ReedPop and the ESA have promised to work towards more E3 events, the future of the iconic gaming tradeshow is up in the air. For now, we have Keighley’s Summer Game Fest, a pseudo-E3 replacement bringing announcements, demos, and more across the entire gaming industry. Let’s break down all the big reveals from Summer Game Fest 2023!
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Despite Ubisoft holding its own Ubisoft Forward event on June 12th, Summer Game Fest snagged a solid opening with a new Prince of Persia, a new platformer bringing the franchise to its 2D roots.
Sonic Superstars
The Blue Blur makes his triumphant 2D return this Fall. Take on new stages in the classic Sonic style with your friends and chase down Chaos Emeralds in what is sure to be the series’ best new entry.
Spider-Man 2 Release Date
We’ve known for awhile the Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 would be coming out this Fall, but we were treated to a concrete release date: October 20th! We also learned that Spidey’s big bad Venom symbiote is taking over someone who isn’t the usual Eddie Brock. Who could it be?
Mortal Kombat 1 Gameplay and Release Date
After numerous Twitter teases, Netherrealm Studios’ newest entry into their brutal fighting franchise is a reboot that promises to really shake things up while maintaining its bloody good fun. And we have a shiny new release date: September 19!
The Witcher Season 3 Trailer
While video game-adjacent, Netflix’s The Witcher debuted their season 3 trailer at this year’s show coming to the streaming service June 29th, and it wasn’t the only non-video game reveal…
Twisted Metal First Look
Streaming on Peacock starting July 27th, the sneak peek was introduced by Will Arnett, who voices Sweet Tooth in Sony’s newest adaptation. Also starring Anthony Mackie, the series will bring viewers through a post-apocalyptic wasteland full of ridiculous battle cars just like in the classic game series.
Alan Wake II Extended Gameplay Reveal
After over a decade, the crime fiction author returns in an all new nightmare. Play as both the Alan Wake and newcomer FBI agent Saga Anderson as she uncovers the truth behind grisly murders. The new gameplay promised horrifying atmosphere and satisfying combat, coming October 17th.
Lies of P Release Date, Demo Available Now
Coming September 19th (cries in Mortal Kombat 1), the Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike was presented with a sweet new gameplay trailer and dropped a demo after the show. This is a promising new game for any gamer who enjoys ripping their hair out.
Nicolas Cage Comes to Dead by Daylight . . . and the YouTube Theater
Academy Award-winning legend and longtime internet meme Nicolas Cage took the stage to talk about his appearance in Dead by Daylight, bringing with him a new gameplay trailer. He’ll be available to play as on July 5th.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Gets a Big Trailer and Release Window
At the start of Summer Game Fest, Keighley teased that the show will have a special grand finale, and he did not disappoint. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gameplay was revealed, showing off the land beyond Midgar and where our cast of heroes find themselves following their escape. We also got a concrete release window – Early 2024.
And that’s it! There were countless other games showed off and talked about, but these were the highlights. What did you think of the show? Anything you were hoping to see? The Summer Game Fest event might be over, but the summer of video games is just getting started – there’s still the Xbox Showcase and Starfield Direct, Capcom Showcase, and Ubisoft Forward to look forward to!
In the meantime, check out the games Temple of Geek staff are looking forward to for 2023!
Cover image credit: Mortal Kombat official Twitter page.
