The Events and Conferences is dedicated to providing thorough coverage of major gaming events, trade shows, and industry conferences. We bring you up-to-date information on event schedules, keynote speeches, product launches, and interviews from these events. Events and Conferences aims to offer readers a complete understanding of the dynamics and future directions of the gaming world as discussed and revealed at these events.
Steam Next Fest returned with its biggest demo lineup yet, but quantity didn't equal quality as hundreds of low-effort titles cluttered the event. Gamespot's editorial team played through the chaos to identify 50 demos that actually deserve your attention before the festival ends.
Director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed new details about Final Fantasy 7 Revelation during a 2026 Paris Game Week interview, confirming April 2027 release plans. The final trilogy entry emphasizes narrative exploration over urgency, introduces a seamless world map with streaming assets, and adds the optional FITS combat system alongside five loadout presets per character.
IGN and Toyota are hosting a massive 40' x 50' gaming booth at Los Angeles Comic-Con from October 30 to November 1. The activation features a custom-wrapped Toyota Grand Highlander, Nintendo Switch 2 stations running Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and a stage show with AEW wrestler Kofi Kingston. Attendees can compete for a spot in multiplayer squads facing off against the wrestling star.
Valve has published the 20 most-played demos from the current Steam Next Fest, which runs through Monday, October 26 at 10am PT. The list features an eclectic mix of genres including the promising Emberville, which launches into Steam Early Access next week after a strong preview showing last month.
Epic Games has announced the Epic AI MegaJam, a three-day game development competition running November 12–15 with a $50,000 prize pool that explicitly encourages AI tool usage in Unreal Engine and UEFN. Critics argue the tight timeline makes it nearly impossible for all-human teams to compete, calling the event another provocative push toward AI-first development from a company that recently bragged its store launcher was "vibe coded" because programming is hard.
Composer Mick Gordon has confirmed he remains open to scoring future Doom games despite his public dispute with id Software over Doom Eternal. Speaking at PAX Australia, Gordon said he would return "within a heartbeat" if specific conditions were met. He also revealed upcoming projects including a Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 boss theme and a 2027 live performance at the UK's RADAR festival.
Toho debuted a new Godzilla Minus Zero trailer at New York Comic Con 2026 that showcases King Ghidorah's gravity beams tearing through airborne targets. The film hits IMAX early access on November 3 before wide theatrical release on November 6, with tickets already on sale.
Masashi Kishimoto returns to write and draw Naruto: Shadow Rising, a new manga set between the original series and Boruto, with a first chapter arriving in 2027. A four-part crossover anime titled Naruto x Ninkū was also revealed, honoring the 1995 series Kishimoto cites as his primary inspiration for creating Naruto.
Sega celebrated Sonic's 35th anniversary with the Club Chaos event in New York City, revealing extensive Year Two content for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds including a major 2.0 update launching November 6, 2026. The announcement includes new competitive modes, free DLC characters like Bayonetta and Aigis, and six season pass packs spanning Godzilla, Evangelion, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, the event notably lacked any formal reveal of a new mainline Sonic game.
Wizards of the Coast revealed the full scope of Magic: The Gathering Darkhold Destiny during a packed New York Comic Con panel, confirming a April 8, 2025 release date for the third Marvel collaboration set. The announcement detailed new mechanics like Vengeance and the return of the Arcane subtype, alongside a product lineup spanning four commander decks, Secret Lair drops, and mechanically unique promo cards.
