What do you like to do in your spare time? For many, the answer is easy: play their favorite games. While gaming used to be something of a niche hobby, an increasing number of people consider it their main form of recreation. From mobile games on their smartphones to high-profile titles on their consoles, there’s a gaming experience that suits just about anyone. 2025 is no exception, and this summer is packed with events and releases. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the cons, festivals and games you can expect this summer.
Tokyo Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show is quickly ascending the ranks of conventions, festivals and trade fairs. If it’s not already at the top of the list, it’s certainly close, especially for fans of big-name developers. You won’t find too much in the way of indie creators here – you’re better off with the Summer Game Fest and Gamescom if that’s your preference – but you will find an incredible assortment of professional publishing houses.
This includes a smartphone game area, which is rather unique to the game show, and features everything from iGaming titles to mainstream favorites. Titles including Sweet Bonanza host a variety of features in the smartphone gaming field that may be worth keeping an eye on with innovative designs and accessibility features that will be shared and in full view during the Tokyo game show. The exact booths and developers for this area are yet to be announced, so we can’t give you an exact outline, but stay tuned for a host of offerings within this sector.
Despite its name, the Tokyo Game Show is held in Chiba, Japan, not Tokyo. The event takes place over four days (September 25 to 28), of which two are open to everyone. The other two days are held for press, influencers and industry professionals.
Summer Game Fest
One of the biggest gaming events of the year is undoubtedly the Summer Game Fest. Designed to unite passionate players from all walks of life and the developers they love, the successful event returns for a sixth year in 2025. It features an incredible series of panels and developers. You can either attend the event live and in person at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood or you can watch the entire festival livestreamed.
Not all details regarding the schedule have been released, but what is already promised is impressive. The festival kicks off on June 6 with an overview of what to expect over the coming days and the first panel, featuring indie games. A musical showcase will take place on June 7 (including a “vibrant lineup” of emotional, uplifting and artistic games), and Xbox will showcase upcoming games on June 8.
Gamescom
Video game enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Gamescom each year. The first event was held in 2009, and each year has been a bit bigger than the last. While it’s not quite at peak E3 levels, the trade fair helps to fill the hole left by the former’s exit. This year’s Gamescom takes place in Cologne, Germany and features an incredibly diverse collection of popular developers and indie giants as well as a number of gamers ready to meet other people who share their passion for the industry. With that in mind, you’ll find an emphasis on both social interaction and game development.
Players can enjoy a “cosplay village”, a social area, and even a family-safe area designed with young, budding gamers in mind. You’ll also find areas dedicated to independent developers, artists, cards and board games, merchandise, and even a “campus area” dedicated to offering aspiring developers the networking, training and career opportunities they need to succeed.
Video game releases
In addition to the events described above, summer 2025 is also packed with game releases. These include titles for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC such as Mario Kart, The Alters, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster and Donkey Kong Bananza, among others.
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of gaming events this year? There’s a great deal happening in summer 2025. From industry networking to indie devs and AAA houses, there’s something for just about anyone.