As Summer Game Fest approaches, we rundown the start times, dates, and what to expect from every showcase this summer, from Sony, Xbox, and more.
While it will never quite replace E3, Summer Game Fest has become the closest equivalent for the summer season of major gaming events.
Whereas E3 was a grand celebration of gaming, featuring every major publisher under the same roof, the Summer Game Fest format is primarily just a livestream, around which other events from console manufacturers take place, starting with Sony’s State Of Play on Tuesday, June 2.
Other presentations from Xbox and (usually) Nintendo happen a few days later, but there are also a smattering of smaller showcases, to highlight indie developers and upcoming titles in the PC arena.
So if you’re prepared to stay awake into the early hours, and have your bingo card prepared for awkward celebrity cameos and elaborate CG trailers for mobile guff, here’s a rundown of every presentation.
When is the summer 2026 State of Play?
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PlayStation State Of Play – Tuesday June 2, 10pm BST
Summer Game Fest 2026 begins with Sony, who are promising a 60-minute presentation headlined by Marvel’s Wolverine. Other potential inclusions include the God Of War spin-off starring Faye, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and Fairgame$, which, according to rumours, has been rebranded to Break In. We might also see more from Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
When is Summer Game Fest 2026?
Summer Game Fest – Friday June 5, 10pm BST
It’s difficult to predict the main Summer Game Fest show as it typically spans a variety of third party studios, but the likes of Ubisoft, Capcom, and Square Enix have used it themselves, if they don’t have showcases of their own. That means there’s a chance we’ll get updates on Resident Evil, Rayman, Splinter Cell, and (dare we say it) Kingdom Hearts 4.
When is Xbox Games Summer Showcase 2026?
Xbox Games Showcase – Sunday June 7, 6pm BST
Microsoft’s showcase is perhaps the most easy to predict, as we already know its slate for the rest of the year. Along with Gears Of War: E-Day, expect Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, the next Call Of Duty, and potentially an update on its next gen console, codenamed Project Helix.
When is the June 2026 Nintendo Direct?
Nintendo has not officially announced a date for its presentation, and there’s a chance it might skip the Summer Game Fest season entirely, but the company has traditionally held a Direct sometime in early to mid June. According to insider Jeff Grubb, a Direct is planned for the middle of the month, which will place it after the Xbox Games Showcase.
What other showcases are taking place?
Beyond the main shows, there are a bunch of other showcases scattered across the season. You can find a rundown of every other confirmed show so far below.
Women-Led Games Showcase – Friday June 5, 12am BST
A showcase dedicated to game developers which are primarily staffed by women, hosted by Aerith voice actor Briana White.
Access-Ability Summer Showcase – Friday June 5, 4pm BST
This event puts the spotlight on games made by disabled developers, while highlighting accessibility settings which are helping make games more inviting to all.
Day Of The Devs – Saturday June 6, 12am BST
This show streams directly after the Summer Game Fest presentation, and typically debuts a stack of upcoming indie games. Last year’s line-up included Demon Tides and Rockbeasts.
Southeast Asian Games Showcase – Saturday, June 6, 4pm BST
As the name implies, this spotlights games made by Southeast Asian creators. Confirmed games for the show include Am I Nima, Building Relationships, Montabi, No Straight Roads 2, and TCG Card Shop Simulator.
Wholesome Games Direct – Saturday June 6, 5PM BST
The cuddly and cosy lead the charge in this presentation, so expect life sims, farming, and plenty of adorable animals.
Fellow Traveller’s Story-Rich Showcase – Saturday June 6, 6pm BST
This narrative-focused showcase is set to span 26 games, with new games from the creators of Crow Country, Servant Of The Lake, and Duck Detective.
Green Games showcase – Saturday June 6, 7pm BST
A showcase hinged around PC titles with an environmental lean, whether because they revolve around nature or the power of sustainability.
Future Games Show Summer Showcase – Saturday June 6, 8pm BST
This is often one of the most overlooked presentations in terms of unexpected announcements, with last year’s line-up consisting of Directive 8020, Hell Is Us, Cairn, and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.
PC Gaming Show – Sunday June 7, 8pm BST
At the moment, the PC Gaming Show is set to close the season with new looks at over 50 PC games, including titles already announced and DLC.
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