1). Zombie Catharsis & Post-Pandemic Horror Renaissance

With horror gaming on the rise (22% of US gamers under the age of 22 now play horror games regularly), zombies were everywhere at Gamescom 2025, marking renewed gamers enthusiasm for undead thrills. As well as the latest title in mega-hit zombie franchise, Dying Light, new games played with hybrid zombie monsters, ancient plagues, vampires, and world-changing toxic events.

2). Empathy-Building Play

With 81% of US adults (gamers and non-gamers) agreeing that gaming can provide positive mental stimulation, at Gamescom emotion-priming titles, centred on triggering genuine empathy for troubled characters battling everything from agoraphobia to grief, were on prominent display. Key titles made in-game success dependent on understanding others’ perspectives, demonstrating gaming’s social value beyond entertainment.

3). Quantum Gaming’s Potent Potential

Quantum computing (QC), which utilises subatomic particles to perform complex calculations (supercharging AI’s capabilities), is set to become an $80bn market by 2040. The potential for these supercomputers to produce lag-free video games with vastly superior adversary decision-making complexities was explored in detail at Gamescom by pioneers including British quantum computing software start-up MOTH.

4). Embracing a Lo-Fi Look

Despite contemporary gaming capable of life-like 4k visuals, it was stripped back, lo-fi graphics frequently generating excitement at this year’s Gamescom. Tapping into the retro gaming boom, these lo-fi games deliver blockier, simpler artistry delivering tangible escapism set to delight both nostalgia-seekers and artistically minded gamers.

5). Finding VR Gaming’s Physicality

Although VR gaming revenue is climbing, game developers say the sector is yet to reach its full potential. At Gamescom 2025 several developers were set on fully utilising the tech’s physicality possibilities, showcasing a deep-sea diving simulation game, a bombastic fighter based on Marvel’s beloved Deadpool franchise, and even the advent of smell-o-vision gaming.

6). A ‘Triple-I’ Future

AAA studios - major game developers and publishers with billion-dollar turnover - have long dominated gaming. But changes in the global economy are making big-budget games ever-more expensive to make, creating space for smaller, creatively risk-taking indie developers to flourish. ‘Triple-I’ delights at Gamescom included Chinese romance, cosy bookselling, and moon living, providing the emotional impact long associated with indies.