Player 2 Vs Summer Games Fest 2026
Time for the Keighleys! Geoff has kept things pretty subdued this year, leading into his 2026 showcase, but we always know that he has tricks up his sleeve. With Geoff capable of wrangling some of the biggest names in gaming to his platform, we’re always intrigued to see what he has in store. Join P2 editors Paul James and Matt Hewson as the pair cut through every game shown off in this newest Versus feature.
Resident Evil Veronica
Paul: What a show opener! There’d been a lot of fan noise about a return of Code Veronica, but no specific leaks of any sort that I’m aware of, so I was caught off guard by this reveal. What an incredible way to open the show. I recognised the RE engine quickly, but still couldn’t pick the game, until they smacked us over the head with it. Well done, Geoff, and well done, Capcom, for an incredible show starter.
Matt: I have no history with RE Veronica, but I know it is held in high regard, so it is no surprise, given the franchise’s recent trajectory, that this remake is coming. Usually, I am not really for remakes as a rule, but the way Capcom goes about these remakes is something I can’t help but be excited for.
Cuphead 2 + Mighty Cuphead Adventure
Paul: No real news here other than the game existing, but given that Cuphead is one of the biggest indie success stories of all time, it was only a matter of time before MDHR got onto a sequel. It’s taken a bit longer for the reveal than I’d expected, but perhaps that means it won’t be as long of a wait between reveal and release compared to the prior game. Cool that we’re getting a simpler platformer in the interim
Matt: My Son is super pumped, he is the world’s biggest Cuphead fan. Me? Well, I love playing it until I really, really want to throw my controller. Nice to see a little 8-bit spin-off to tide us over until the main course arrives. I’m sure it will be a banger, a rage-inducing, beautifully animated banger.
Alien Isolation 2
Paul: Geoff burst out of the blocks hard. Aline Isolation 2 had already been confirmed, but I didn’t consider it as a possibility for this showcase, thinking it might still be a bit early for a reveal – but I was wrong. Now I don’t think I’m up for the horror of this one, but I have no doubt that the game will be excellent
Matt: The first was great (if about 3 hours too long), so I am really keen to absolutely scare the shit out of myself running from those bloody Aliens. I have such a long history with this franchise as a whole (I still remember having nightmares about Aliens after sneak-watching it as a 9-year-old), so I will always be excited for something like this.
genAtlas
Paul: There’s still a lot to learn about Ueda’s next game, but it was nice to see genAtlas re-revealed (having been titled Project Robot previously), and it’s looking really cool. Like I said, much more to be revealed, because Ueda games always have some tricks up their sleeve, but I’m keen to see more.
Matt: Not a lot to go on here, but the vibes are killer. I feel like there is something really cooking in this one, and we could have another Ueda classic on our hands.
Blood Message
Paul: That was an extensive and quite impressive trailer for Blood Message. I saw the name bubble up in the days prior to SGF, but knew nothing of the game; now that I’ve seen it in action, I’m certainly interested. Hopefully, it can amount to something that I’ll actually take an interest in when it’s closer to release.
Matt: It was hard to say what (if anything) in that trailer was gameplay, but it certainly has my interest. It is giving me a kind of Ghost of Yotei meets The Battle for Helm’s Deep vibe, all set against a Chinese historical background. I am very keen to see more.
Stranger Than Heaven
Paul: What a Keighely showing. From the reveal of Tupac, to Snoop Dogg coming on stage, my head was spinning, and all the while Stranger Than Heaven continues to look awesome AND has a January release date. I’m seriously interested.
Matt: Ok, two things here. First, I am so excited for this game. I love me some RGG, and this looks to be a banger. Second, Tupac? Seriously? Like Snoop, I get, but virtually digging someone up for a game feels a bit on the nose for me. It would be like having Kurt Cobain star in the next Assassin’s Creed.
Haex
Paul: I can get down for this type of creepy, mysterious FPS. I like my shooters with a bit more intrigue, and a little less warfare, and Haex seems to be providing that, so I’ll keep following its development from afar. Currently slated for PC only, I’ll keep watching this space
Matt: I don’t know why, but this is giving me Metro-but-futuristic-sci/fi vibes. Maybe because of the inherent mystery and the seemingly slower pace. I like what I saw and will be watching this closely.
Mortal Shell II
Paul: I’m also not a Souls guy, and Mortal Shell was certainly a Souls-ass Souls game. As a result, I’m not particularly interested in Mortal Shell II either. Happy for the fans, though.
Matt: This genre is getting increasingly crowded, and despite the developers clearly showing a huge amount of talent, I feel this could be one of half a dozen soulslikes in development. Nothing here is making me think it is standing out from the pack in any exciting way.
Sand: Raiders of Sophie
Paul: Sand: Raiders of Sophie could be a cool shooter, but launching in less than a week, exclusively to PC (currently) and as a service shooter probably means I won’t ever be checking this one out. Good luck to them, though!
Matt: Not my sort of thing, but it is absolutely the sort of game I can see carving out a really dedicated community. It is a unique and interesting-looking game that I am sure will intrigue quite a few players.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced
Paul: Just a gentle reminder of the impending release of Resynced. I’m already sold on it, so I didn’t need this trailer, but nonetheless, it was nice to see the pirate life in action again. I’m ready to sail those seas once again!
Matt: I am keen to jump back in and re-live this one. It is in my top 3 Creed games, and it offers such a nice point of difference to the rest of them that it deserves this remake. As for the future stuff missing, I won’t lose any sleep. That part of the series has floundered since Desmond’s arc concluded.
The Last Ronin
Paul: This game has been rumoured heavily and long tortured throughout its development, so for it to suddenly emerge, and now be developed by Platinum, is absolutely insane to me. I’m not much of a Turtles guy, but this is one that I’ll absolutely be playing.
Matt: Holy Shit. To find out that not only is one of my favourite comics of all time getting a game adaptation, but it is being developed by Platinum is like winning nerd lotto. That trailer was a filthy, dirty tease, though, and I am dying to see some gameplay. ,
Gundam: Rogue Orbit
Paul: I’m not one for Gundams, so this one really didn’t hold much water with me, unfortunately.
Matt: I have no real history with Gundam, but hey, big robots blowing shit up is a concept I can get behind. Gameplay could win me over here, but I worry it will be yet another so-so Anime game.
Eggstremely Hard Game
Paul: I got a real chuckle out of this. It feels like a co-op Goose Game in a few ways. The humour was great, and the action looks like good dumb fun.
Matt: Well, this looks like it is trying to take over Overcooked as the game most likely to cause a fight between friends.
Crossfire
Paul: Oh my god, That’s No Moon has finally announced their game. I’ve been working with them for years on Dev Diary episodes and more, but I had no idea when we might finally see the big debut title, or even that it was tied to the Crossfire IP. I was enthralled by what this trailer showed. I just want to see a bit more gameplay in the next reveal. This was a promising start for Crossfire, and the adaptive cover feature looks great. I’m keen to see more.
Matt: I am getting some Spec Ops: The Line crossed with Alien vibes here, and I say that in a good way. Looks like this one could be a winner, and I really want to see more.
Control: Resonant
Paul: We got the release date for Control: Resonant a few days ago, and so the game resurfacing today at SGF didn’t hit as hard as a result, but Control is one of my most anticipated games for the remainder of 2026. Just give me the game now, please!
Matt: Do I need another Control Resonant trailer? No. Do I want this game now? Absolutely.
Guild Wars 3
Paul: I was a huge Guild Wars fan back in the day, but fell off by the time Guild Wars 2 came along, and I’d drifted further away from PC gaming. Coming to PS5 almost guarantees that I rekindle my love of Guild Wars, so I’m super down for Guild Wars 3. Keen to see more.
Matt: Sorry, Guild Wars, I only have room for one MMO in my life, and that is Elder Scrolls. I know hundreds of thousands of players are super pumped now, though.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer
Paul: We’re leaning a bit more into story with Galactic Racer than I had expected. This is great, as is the return of Sebulba. There are a few games that I’m more guaranteed to buy this year than Star Wars: Galactic Racer, so hopefully it proves to be worthwhile
Matt: I was wondering if there was going to be more meat on the bones than a simple racing game, and it appears that is exactly the case. Fingers crossed they nail this one, because I feel like my once beloved franchise could really do with a win right now.
End Of Abyss
Paul: Spooky twin-stick, moody shooting is something I can get down for, but it seems like End Of Abyss is currently coming exclusively to the Epic Game Store, and right now, there seems to be no better way to kill your game than to agro the Steam player base by going exclusive with EGS. Let’s see how this one goes.
Matt: I love a good twin-stick, but I don’t think I have ever played one that leans into horror in the way End of Abyss seemingly does. It could be a really interesting way to blend two gameplay styles. Colour me intrigued.
Last Harbor
Paul: This was looking like a nice, calm-looking fishing game, until all of a sudden, we were trying to survive undead threats.
Matt: Fishing Sim meets Resident Evil is a pitch I was not expecting, but hey, I am happy to roll with it.
Virtua Fighter Crossroads
Paul: I’ve never played a Virtua Fighter, and as a non-fighting game guy, I probably won’t be playing this one, but I did appreciate that there seemed to be some story, and even some non-fighting game gameplay present in this. You know what, I could almost give Crossroads a go.
Matt: It has been a long time between drinks for Virtua Fighter fans, so they must be super excited for this one. I was always a Tekken guy myself, but I am always down for another great fighter, and this one seems to be (unsurprisingly) adding some Yakuza/Like a Dragon elements to things. I am officially keen.
Runescape: Dragonwilds
Paul: Like many teens of the early 2000’s I spent a lot of time playing Runescape, but I left that chapter of my life behind me decades ago, and I have no interest in going back to it. Dragonwilds isn’t tugging on any teenage nostalgia here. I’m in no hurry to check this one out, despite the IP having clearly come a long way over the years.
Matt: As I said before, I am a one MMO guy, and Runescape is not it. Clearly, it still has its people, though, and they will be happy with this showing.
Soulframe
Paul: Warframe, Soulframe, it’s all the same to me. Pass
Matt: Look, I can’t say that I agree with Paul. This trailer shows something that is very different to Warframe, at least as far as gameplay goes. Warframe is really good, just so bloody dense to try and get into, so I hope they make Soulframe a bit easier to approach. With the death of Destiny, I am keen for a game like this to step into the void.
Grounded 2
Paul: As soon as I saw Grounded on the Geoff stage, I knew that the PS5 reveal was incoming. Grounded 2 is looking great, and I loved the time that I spent with the game when I previewed it a while back. Now, on August 11, I can crack in properly, and on my preferred platform. I’m in!
Matt: Ahh, the exclusives debate shall forever rage on. Anyway, great game, get amongst it, PS players!
Mafia: The Old Country
Paul: I’ve really wanted to jump into Mafia: The Old Country. It’s high time I ponied up and bought the game, because this expansion has me pretty interested, too. Glad to see the game is continuing to grow; the Mafia IP deserves success.
Matt: I love the Mafia franchise, and Mafia: The Old Country was exactly what I wanted from the series. I am so happy that it both did really well sales-wise and that it is getting more content.
1666 Amsterdam
Paul: Oh, Patrice Désilets is back! He always has some really interesting design ideas, and so I’m very much intrigued by 1666 Amsterdam. It seems to be a little less abstract than Ancestors, too, so I think he’s got a heightened chance of success with this one as well. Good luck, Patrice, and I think I’ll check out that demo of yours.
Matt: Smart move, announcing with a demo. I am very keen to get some time to check it out because the trailer has really grabbed me. Kind of beating Assassin’s Creed Hex to the punch, too.
Saw: Genesis
Paul: I’m no Saw guy, and that won’t be changing with this game. Hard pass. 3v1 multiplayer – even harder of passes
Matt: I am so tired of the Horror 3 v 1 format, so it would take one hell of an effort to get me interested in a game built around that concept. Saw is not the franchise to do it.
Lords Of The Fallen II
Paul: I’ve seen the commentary coming from one of the developers, and then when the studio was introduced with a “Players First” subtitle, my eyes rolled a mile out of my head, because the types of people they’re prioritising listening to aren’t the healthiest folks in the community. I’m already not a Soulslike guy, but this kind of bullshit pushes me even further away
Matt: I feel so cynical in saying this, but to me, it is just another Souls game blending into the pack of similar titles. That sells developers short, but the visual style of these games just tends to blend together in my brain to make it almost impossible for me to tell them apart. If you are going to make a Souls title, can we skip the high fantasy for a while?
Star Wars: Zero Company
Paul: I’m in. I don’t feel like I need to say anymore, and I’m sure Matt will carry the load here as a huge XCOM guy, but I’m all on board with everything that is being presented. Bing on August 27.
Matt: Star Wars Xcom. ’nuff said.
But seriously. Now… can I have this now?
The Blood Of Dawnwalker
Paul: I’m already sold on Blood Of Dawnwalker, and I’ve ponied up the big bucks for the fanciest edition, but I loved this trailer. It was cool to get a little slice of background on how the narrative is coming together, both with the present-day and future conflicts. The gameplay is looking great, and the way the trailer was cut was absolutely sublime. I’m so in.
Matt: Like Control: Resonant, I don’t need another trailer for this one. I just want the game already. Vampire Witcher is one hell of an enticing prospect, and I can’t wait to go hands-on.
Among Us Story: On Guard + TV Series
Paul: Sorry, team, I just don’t care about Among Us, both in video game or televised form. I know the series makes big bucks, so I get why it has to be in the show, but after not taking my Fortnite toilet break before, this became it.
Matt: In the immortal words of my 20-year-old son… Yeah, nah brah.
007: First Light
Paul: I’ve not gotten started yet on First Light, but I know that it is my jam, and additional content coming to the game is fantastic news. I’ll be watching this space closely, because the game won’t slip me by.
Matt: I have just finished the game and am in the process of putting my thoughts together, but let me say this: it is bloody fantastic. I am glad that just like Hitman, IOI are bringing new missions and additions to the game, and I will certainly be jumping in to check out any additions they make.
Gothic Remake
Paul: Until this moment, the marketing for Gothic Remake seemed to be non-existent. About time we saw something new… even though the game is now out. There’s a lot of love out there for these games, so while I’m not a fan of the IP, I feel like it deserves better than it is getting. Here’s hoping that a Keighley showcase gives the game the injection of energy that it requires.
Matt: I have always been interested in the franchise, but have never jumped in. I will be putting this one on my wishlist and waiting for a sale to grab it, though, because between Crimson Desert and my perhaps ill-advised Witcher 3 replay, I am currently up to my neck in fantasy role-playing.
Aion 2
Paul: Don’t get me wrong, Aion 2 looks very striking, but it’s not really my thing, so I’ll let this one wash over me without giving it any thought. Fans in the theatre seemed excited by it, though!
Matt: To be honest, I didn’t know there was an Aion 1. The game certainly has a nice sense of style, but I am not sure it is the type of thing for me.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance
Paul: Fuck, I was anxious about the prospect of this. I’m so far behind on Monster Hunter Wilds and desperately need to catch up, so a giant content drop is about the last thing that I needed. Damnit, Capcom, stop being so good at what you do! I’m all in on Ascendance, but I’ve gotta get on my bike before this one drops in 2027
Matt: I love the Monster Hunter games, but I just don’t have the time to commit to them. As a result, I won’t be jumping into this hefty expansion because I still haven’t finished the base game.
Swords Of Legends
Paul: Soulslike energy abounds, and unless there’s some difficulty settings, then I really don’t care about the game. It looked great, but there wasn’t anything that really pulled me in, so they’re gonna need to provide the difficulty options for me to even consider the game.
Matt: More souls, more like. Hey, at least this one is using an Asian fantasy setting as opposed to the Western setting of the last few we saw.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush
Paul: I mean, it’s Hot Wheels, so it’s going to be loved and adored by many, but I don’t engage with it. I just don’t get into that many racing games, so a Hot Wheels game won’t be the one to break through those walls.
Matt: The last few Hot Wheels games have been fantastic party titles that have gotten a lot of love from my family, and I expect this one will be no different. I am keen.
Attack On Titan 3
Paul: Haha, nope! Glad the weebs get their fill, but not for me, thanks.
Matt: Every fandom deserves their game, but as with a lot of these Anime titles, I am not sure the game is actually any good.
Clutch
Paul: I spoke of not caring for racing games or having much time for them, but Forza Horizon broke through in the last few years, and Clutch, bringing similar gameplay energy, might be set to do the same. There looks to be a bit more story to this one, though, which perhaps makes the game even more exciting to me.
Matt: From one of the driving forces behind Forza Horizon, Clutch certainly has my attention. I have spent thousands of hours in that franchise, so I am glad they aren’t just copying it with Clutch and trying something new. I am keen as a bean.
Chronicles: Medieval
Paul: I’ll admit the game looks as super as it looks brutal. Would’ve loved to see a bit more gameplay in this one, but I’m sure that’ll come. I’m interested.
Matt: There is just something about this that isn’t sitting well with me. I am usually a big strategy game guy, so it should hit, but I just can’t put my finger on why this is putting me off.
Sea Of Remnants
Paul: I think that this is the second time we’ve seen Sea Of Remnants, and on both occasions I’ve been really keen on it. This wasn’t the type of trailer I was expecting throughout the show, but the music video vibe really worked for me. Keen for more.
Matt: I have absolutely no idea what sort of game this is, but that was a funky, cool trailer.
The Wolf Among Us 2 + The Wolf Among Us Remastered
Paul: Finally! Finally, Finally, Finally! And a remaster too! This is already my most anticipated 2027 game, barring something exceptional popping up. I love the original, and I’ve replayed it more than any game ever. Now we’ve got a remaster too, so I guess I’ll be adding to that count again soon before the sequels release in 2027.
Matt: The Telltale style never really clicked with me. I tried with The Walking Dead, but I just never really got into the format. As a result, I missed The Wolf Among Us and will probably just breeze on by the sequel.
Stella Blade: Blood Rain
Paul: That is an unbelievably quick turnaround since the first game came out, but Geoff outlined after the trailer that the game is still early in development. I know there was a lot of noise about the original, all for the wrong reasons. It’s a shame, because the game itself was actually excellent, but got caught up in culture wars. I implore people to try the game and see it for what it is, because I’m not a Souls guy, and yet, this one got me.
Matt: I still haven’t played the original, despite the positive reviews, because it feels a little too close to the adolescent shite we saw in Dead or Alive. I mean, I am all for attractive folks in games, but when it gets excessive, it really puts me off. Each to their own, though, and I may give it a go if it gets a deep discount in a Steam sale.
Final Fantasy VII: Revelation
Paul: I did say before that it would take something exceptional to knock Wolf Among Us 2 off the top of my most anticipated list, and less than 30 minutes later, that game arrived. Thank you, Square-Enix, you’ve done something extraordinary here. The multiplatform launch is wild, as is the Autumn 2027 release window, which is so much sooner than I’d hoped it might be. Bring it on!
Matt: I really, really need to pull my finger out and finish Rebirth.
Final Thoughts
Paul: Geoff has put together a very well-paced show here. A nice blend of games that are very much for me, as well as others that I can appreciate, despite them not being to my liking. Big IP, and green shoots at the same time, plenty of hype, and some cool guest appearances too, he’s done a great job. It’ll be a hard one to top with shows later in the year, but in isolation, SGF was fantastic this year.
Matt: For me, that was a bit of a better show than I expected. Less waffle, hardly any F2P garbage and quite a few nice surprises. Something for everyone in the show and a reasonably manageable length. I still feel like there were too many games on show, and as a result, it is easy to miss or forget certain things that pop up. In all, I was rather pleased that Geoff has seemingly taken on some criticism of his past shows and tightened things up quite a bit.
