Xbox brings 25 playable games to Gamescom

Microsoft has set out a broad Gamescom 2026 plan centered on scale and early public access. Xbox said on July 28 that it will bring 25 upcoming games and 140 gaming stations to its booth in Cologne, Germany, during this year’s show. The company named Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Fable, Minecraft Dungeons II, Gears of War: E-Day, METRO 2039, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN and Alien: Isolation 2 among the playable titles. (news.xbox.com) Gamescom’s organizers list the event for August 26-30 in Cologne. ### Which games did Xbox actually confirm? Xbox confirmed the lineup in an official Xbox Wire post by Maxi Graeff, rather than through third-party reporting. The company said attendees will be able to go hands-on with 25 upcoming games, and it specifically named Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Fable, Minecraft Dungeons II, Gears of War: E-Day, METRO 2039, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN and Alien: Isolation 2. The 25-game figure matters because it shows Microsoft is mixing first-party releases with partner titles in one public booth. (news.xbox.com) Xbox did not list all 25 games in the excerpt available through Xbox Wire’s indexed page, but it did identify the headline titles it plans to put in front of attendees. ### What is new here beyond a standard booth announcement? Xbox said its Gamescom booth will include 140 gaming stations, giving visitors a large public demo footprint. The company also said the event ties into its “25 years of play” anniversary campaign, with interactive experiences built around past Xbox generations, games and community moments. (news.xbox.com) Cologne is central to that plan. Xbox said it is returning to the German show to connect with players from around the world, and Gamescom’s official site describes the 2026 edition as the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. (news.xbox.com) ### Which demos look most notable for people attending in person? Gears of War: E-Day is one of the clearest draws because Xbox said Gamescom will host the first public playable hands-on campaign demo. Xbox added that the demo will give players an early look at the origins of the Locust War and the relationship between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago ahead of the game’s October 6, 2026 release. (news.xbox.com) Fable is getting a different treatment. Xbox said Playground Games will present a live demo theater session for the public, showing gameplay built around melee, ranged and magical combat. (news.xbox.com) Minecraft Dungeons II will also be playable for the first time, according to the same Xbox Wire post. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is being positioned as a major booth feature as well. Xbox said players will be able to try the game’s core 6v6 multiplayer on Xbox Series X, including for those returning after the Early Access Beta or trying it for the first time. (news.xbox.com) ### Is this only for people in Cologne? Xbox said no. The company said it will stream coverage on YouTube and Twitch, with developer interviews, special guests, gameplay reveals and trailers for viewers who are not attending in person. (news.xbox.com) Gamescom’s official site says the 2026 show runs from August 26 through August 30 in Cologne. Xbox’s announcement means the company now has both an on-site public demo plan and a remote viewing plan in place ahead of the event later this month. (gamescom.global) (news.xbox.com)