This June, the gaming world’s spotlight will shine brightly on Los Angeles as the highly anticipated Summer Game Fest returns for its sixth annual celebration on June 6, 2025. Spearheaded by industry veteran Geoff Keighley, this year’s event promises to be the most expansive yet, boasting the longest list of industry partners and over 60 developers and publishers from indie trailblazers to heavyweight studios.
Originally conceived in 2020 as a virtual gathering born out of necessity during the pandemic, Summer Game Fest has evolved into a hybrid event that not only showcases the latest and upcoming titles but also incorporates physical elements. For the first time, attendees can experience “Play Days” in downtown Los Angeles, allowing gamers to get hands-on with new releases and upcoming games, bridging the gap between digital and real-world interactions.
Among the industry giants confirming their presence is Nintendo, making a notable return to the event after a period of relative absence. Their participation is especially timely, coinciding with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console on June 5, just a day before the fest kicks off. Alongside Nintendo, other big names such as Capcom, CD Projekt, and Niantic will also be present, ensuring a diverse showcase of gaming experiences.
The excitement is palpable, particularly with the unveiling of a new hype trailer edited by Keighley himself. This two-minute montage teases a wide array of titles, from the much-anticipated sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach to indie gems like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dune: Awakening. The trailer underscores the event’s inclusive spirit, highlighting both blockbuster franchises and smaller studios, reflecting the vibrant ecosystem of the gaming industry.
Speaking of Death Stranding 2, the game is set to premiere officially at the Summer Game Fest, with its release slated for June 26, 2025. Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this sequel continues to captivate players with its unique narrative and atmospheric gameplay. The premiere event will offer fans an early look at the game, adding to the fest’s allure.
Square Enix’s role at this year’s Summer Game Fest is particularly intriguing. Known worldwide for iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, the company finds itself at a crossroads. Recent titles such as Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth reportedly underperformed in sales, and the longstanding MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 has experienced its first notable subscriber decline following the Dawntrail expansion.
Industry insiders suggest that Square Enix is shifting strategy, focusing less on blockbuster launches in the coming year and more on smaller projects alongside a select few AAA titles like Kingdom Hearts 4. This pivot may result in a more modest presence at the fest, but it leaves room for exciting reveals nonetheless.
One of the most anticipated rumors swirling around is the potential announcement of a Final Fantasy 9 remake or remaster, possibly accompanied by a tie-in show. This speculation is fueled by a 2021 Nvidia GeForce Now database leak, which accurately predicted several upcoming Square Enix titles but has yet to see a release for Final Fantasy 9. With the game’s 25th anniversary on July 7, 2025, and thematic parallels to Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, the timing seems ripe for a reveal.
However, an insider has cautioned that the remake might not arrive this year, contrasting with another eagerly awaited project: a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster. Having been subject to leaks over several years, and following the success of Tactics Ogre: Reborn, fans are hopeful that Final Fantasy Tactics will take center stage at Summer Game Fest, aligning perfectly with Square Enix’s current scope for smaller-scale projects.
Additionally, there’s strong speculation that the third installment in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy could be teased during the event. While no release date is expected—given that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth only launched in 2024—a teaser could whet fans’ appetites. This is further supported by the upcoming Magic: The Gathering crossover set launching mid-June, which spotlights Final Fantasy 7 among other entries, tying into the broader promotional push.
Beyond new titles, Square Enix might also use the platform to announce ports of popular Final Fantasy games to Xbox platforms, which currently lack several modern entries such as the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series and Final Fantasy 16. Moreover, the Nintendo Switch 2 could see ports of these titles, including the Pixel Remaster series and spin-offs like Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, potentially breathing new life into these games on the new console.
Summer Game Fest 2025 is also embracing social responsibility with the introduction of the Green Games Showcase on June 7, led by the nonprofit PlanetPlay. This segment celebrates game studios that have collectively raised over $100,000 for certified environmental projects worldwide. These initiatives include Abundant Village in South Africa, the carbon forestry project WithOneSeed in Timor-Leste, The Hongera Clean Cookstove project in Kenya, and The Teeny Tiny Truth, which combats microplastics in New Zealand’s freshwater systems.
The Green Games Showcase will be streamed live on YouTube and is part of a broader suite of themed streams throughout the weekend. Other showcases include Day of the Devs, Devolver Direct, Wholesome Direct, the Women-Led Games Showcase, the Latin American Game Showcase, and the Southeast Asian Games Showcase. This diverse programming reflects the fest’s commitment to inclusivity and global representation.
As the gaming community gears up for this landmark event, the combination of blockbuster announcements, indie highlights, environmental advocacy, and hands-on experiences promises a dynamic weekend. Whether you’re a fan of sprawling RPGs like Final Fantasy, intrigued by the narrative depth of Death Stranding 2, or eager to explore new voices in indie gaming, Summer Game Fest 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration of the medium’s past, present, and future.
