Gamescom 2026 opened with the Opening Night Live showcase, a two-hour livestreamed event hosted by Geoff Keighley featuring first looks and updates on several major upcoming video games. The event matters as one of the gaming industry's key annual moments for unveiling trailers and news ahead of major releases, with previews expected for high-profile titles including Gears of War: E-Day, Silent Hill: Townfall and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation.

Alongside these three franchises, viewers were also expecting a first look at The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past expansion, plus fresh details on Path of Exile 2, Metro 2039 and Valor Mortis from the Ghostrunner developers, and a possible new grand strategy title from Paradox Interactive. The show streamed live on YouTube and Twitch, with Engadget covering proceedings via a live blog.