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.
IGN editor Michael Higham went hands-on with an early alpha build of State of Decay 3 at gamescom 2026 and found a survival experience that builds meaningfully on the series' fundamentals. The 30-minute demo showcases improved gunplay, deeper character systems, and expanded base management mechanics. A closed playtest is scheduled for late 2026 ahead of a 2027 release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
IGN has unveiled 11 minutes of exclusive gameplay footage for Join Us, the upcoming open-world co-op cult simulator from Wolf Haus games. The reveal includes a live-action trailer featuring four real-life former cult members with over 50 years of combined experience. The game launches on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S in March 2027.
Microsoft has unveiled its 25th anniversary celebration for Xbox, rolling out a commemorative hardware collection, new community-designed gear, and a FanFest tour across multiple cities. The lineup also includes a custom Gibson guitar collaboration tied to the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day. Here is everything announced so far.
Gamescom has officially become the world's largest gaming event following E3's closure, and its 2026 edition adds Games Done Quick's first-ever non-North American showcase. Major titles including Fable, Alien: Isolation 2, and The Blood of Dawnwalker are confirmed for the Cologne show.
Netflix has officially confirmed that Blue Eye Samurai will conclude with a third and final season, wrapping up Mizu's revenge journey across Edo-period Japan and beyond. Season 2 arrives in January 2027, with the final season to follow. The announcement came alongside a new trailer at Anime NYC showing Mizu sailing toward London.
IFA 2026 returns to Berlin this September with AI and digital health as its central theme, promising to show how smart technology has already woven itself into daily routines. The event will also mark the reopening of the historic ICC Berlin venue after more than a decade of closure, alongside a music lineup featuring BUNT, Luciano, and Ikkimel & Friends at the Sommergarter open-air stage.
Gamescom in Cologne has surpassed both the defunct E3 and Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest to become the video game industry's premier gathering. The German convention's public access, focus on playable near-release code, and consistent attendance from every major publisher have made it the primary venue for business meetings and industry connection. As Summer Game Fest remains largely virtual and transactional, Gamescom delivers the in-person substance the industry actually needs.
Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni confirmed at D23 2026 that Disney is not currently developing the scrapped Star Wars movie The Hunt for Ben Solo. The project, which would have brought back Adam Driver as Kylo Ren with Steven Soderbergh directing, remains shelved despite months of fan campaigning.
Marvel Studios unveiled its full X-Men MCU reboot cast at D23 2026, confirming seven actors including Adam Driver as Mister Sinister and Inde Navarrette as Rogue. The film arrives in theaters May 5, 2028, directed by Jake Schreier.
Ahsoka Season 2 will premiere on Disney+ on January 20, 2027, arriving three-and-a-half years after the first season debuted. The release window was confirmed at the D23 fan event alongside a debut trailer. Rosario Dawson returns as the titular Jedi, joined by Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker and Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll.
