Microsoft has officially revealed its plans for Gamescom 2025, set to take place in Cologne, Germany from August 20 to 24. Xbox aims to make a strong impression this year, bringing more than 20 playable titles, showcasing its new ROG Ally handhelds, and delivering the highly anticipated world premiere of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. For many, this feels like Microsoft’s biggest Gamescom push in years—and rightfully so, given the intense competition in the console space.
What’s at the Xbox Booth?
The Xbox booth promises to be one of the busiest sections of the show floor. With over 20 games available for hands-on experience, including Grounded 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2, fans are in for a treat. The playable debut of Hollow Knight: Silksong stands out as a clear highlight. After years of silence and speculation, actually playing Silksong—on both PC and Xbox—feels like a milestone moment in indie gaming.
Hardware: ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X
Microsoft will also take this opportunity to introduce the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds. While the handheld gaming scene is growing rapidly, Microsoft’s push into this market segment could signal a shift in its long-term hardware strategy. Offering hands-on sessions with games like Sea of Thieves and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 on these devices is a clever move—these are experiences that benefit from portability and quick sessions.
Black Ops 7: Global Reveal
The true centerpiece of Gamescom 2025, however, may very well be the full reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on August 19, during Opening Night Live. Featuring its campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes, the reveal marks a pivotal point for the franchise, especially with the game launching on day one via Xbox Game Pass. It’s a strategic power play from Microsoft, highlighting how Game Pass continues to reshape how major AAA titles are distributed
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Third-Party Highlights
Gamescom isn’t just about Microsoft, of course. The event will also spotlight major titles from third-party publishers, including Borderlands 4, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, EA Sports FC 26, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and Super Meat Boy 3D. These appearances reflect the growing importance of Gamescom as a global platform—not just for announcements, but for fan engagement and brand presence.
Streams and Attendance
For those unable to attend in person, Microsoft’s booth will be livestreamed on August 20 and 21, making it easier than ever to stay connected. With more than 320,000 attendees in previous years, expectations are sky-high. The company is clearly aware of this, and its Gamescom plans suggest a calculated effort to seize the narrative—and the spotlight.
In Summary
Microsoft’s presence at Gamescom 2025 goes beyond a standard show appearance; it’s a calculated showcase of ambition, hardware innovation, and software dominance. The combination of long-awaited titles like Silksong, big-budget showcases like Black Ops 7, and brand-new hardware all suggest one thing: Microsoft is playing to win. Whether this strategy pays off in consumer loyalty and market share remains to be seen, but as far as showings go—this one might just set a new bar.
