Gamescom: Accessible controllers and new games among the big reveals so far
Xbox's new Adaptive Joystick could help players who have mobility issues to have fun playing video games more easily
- Published
The world's biggest video gaming convention has been taking place this week, with lots of brand new games and tech announced for 2025.
Studios, fans and console companies have been gathering in Germany to find out all about the latest releases, with the event lasting until Sunday.
But for everyone who's at home, here's some of the most exciting reveals to come out of Gamescom 2024 so far.
Let us know in the comments which games you're most excited to play!
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New accessible controller for Xbox
The controller can be customised to best suit a player's accessibility needs
Xbox has said that after "years of research, testing and collaboration with players with disabilities, and accessibility experts", they are releasing their own Adaptive Joystick for gamers with mobility issues in 2025.
The controller has been designed to help gamers control characters more easily, and can be used with one hand.
The actual joystick itself that sits at the top of the controller can be completely customised, with six different designs to suit players who may want to use their thumb, fingers or whole hand to play.
These designs can be downloaded and then 3D printed to add onto the controller.
Live in the clouds in Floatopia
This relaxing life simulation game sees players escape to the skies
Coming to PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC, the makers of Floatopia have described this cosy sim game as giving players "a sprinkle of magic to sweep away your worries".
Set on floating islands travelling through the sky, the game is full of characters with "useless superpowers" who have been left behind by the world down below.
These include never falling asleep, eating without feeling full, and being able to fit anything into a perfectly sized bag.
Players can discover different islands and customise their characters' wardrobe, world and friendship groups.
Defeat dungeons in King of Meat
There's lots of colourful characters in King of Meat
Set in a mystical world, King of Meat takes players on a fictional survival gameshow where they'll battle different characters and monsters.
It looks to be a colourful combat game launching on PS5, Xbox, Steam, and Nintendo Switch.
Players can create their own dungeons and explore ones made by other users in single or multiplayer modes.
Jonny Hopper, co-founder of Glowmade - the studio behind King of Meat - says that it'll give gamers "so many weird and wonderful ways to have fun and express themselves".
Become a brave mouse in Hela
Can this mouse manage to help a witch recover?
From a Swedish games company called Windup Games, Hela takes players on a journey through a Scandinavian village as they try and help an unwell witch get better.
It's an open world setting in which gamers take on the role of a mouse with a magical backpack, looking for resources and making potions.
Windup Games say that Hela will allow players to experience "the simple pleasure of being a part of a caring community."
It's expected to be out on most major consoles as well as PC next year.
Manage museums in Two Point Museum
Have you got what it takes to make a magnificent museum?
In this business sim, players run and build a series of museums and aquariums to keep guests coming back for more.
The aim of the game is to encourage visitors to donate so that players can collect more artefacts, exhibits and fish that engage and excite people at the museums.
The more they visit, the more the museums can develop and display!=.
Two Point Museum follows Two Point Hospital, another sim game, and will be released on Steam, PS5 and Xbox.