2K Games prepares to unveil the next installment in one of its most renowned and cherished franchises. This highly anticipated announcement is set to take place on Friday, June 7th during the much-celebrated Summer Game Fest, hosted by the eminent Geoff Keighley.
For more details on Summer Game Fest, here is the list in chronological order as stated and listed by Eurogamer:
- Guerrilla Collective Online Showcase – Thursday 6th June
- Access-Ability Summer Showcase 2024 – Friday 7th June
- Summer Game Fest 2024 Opening Showcase – Friday 7th June
- Day of The Devs 2024: Summer Game Fest Edition – Friday 7th June
- Future Games Show Summer Showcase – Saturday 8th June
- Wholesome Direct – Saturday 8th June
- Latin American Games Showcase – Saturday 8th June
- Women-Led Games Showcase – Saturday 8th June
- Xbox Games Showcase and [REDACTED] Direct – Sunday 9th June
- PC Gaming Show – Sunday 9th June
- Ubisoft Forward – Monday 10th June
- Nintendo Direct – June 2024
- Devolver Direct – June 2024
Speculation and Hype: What Could 2K’s Big Reveal Be?
News of the impending reveal emerged via Summer Game Fest’s official social media channels, igniting widespread speculation about what this major announcement could entail. Despite the excitement, details remain scarce, with no specific hints offered about which franchise will take center stage. This ambiguity has only fueled the fervor among fans and industry insiders alike.
BioShock: A Likely Contender
Among the myriad possibilities, BioShock stands out as a strong candidate. 2K Games confirmed the development of a new BioShock entry back in 2019, under the auspices of the newly formed Cloud Chamber studio. Although updates have been sparse, a 2021 report hinted that the game might be set in an Antarctic city during the 1960s. This intriguing premise, combined with the franchise’s storied history, makes BioShock a prime contender for the big reveal.
Mafia: Another Strong Possibility
Another franchise that has been the subject of intense speculation is Mafia. In August 2022, Hangar 13, the studio behind Mafia 3, confirmed it was working on a new Mafia project. Initial reports suggest that this new title will serve as a prequel to the existing trilogy. Given that it was described as being “a few years away” at the time of the announcement, a 2024 reveal might seem premature. However, the potential impact of a Mafia announcement cannot be discounted.
Gearbox and the Borderlands Connection
Speculation also extends to Gearbox Software, which was acquired by 2K’s parent company Take-Two Interactive from Embracer earlier this year. Notable mentions of Borderlands 4 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands 2 surfaced on a former Gearbox technical director’s LinkedIn profile late last year, though neither project has been officially confirmed. A Borderlands announcement would align perfectly with the upcoming Borderlands movie, set to hit theaters in August, making it a strategic reveal.
Massive Lineup from Take-Two
The timing of this announcement is noteworthy, coinciding with major developments at Take-Two Interactive. The company is preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 in the fall of next year. Concurrently, Take-Two is undergoing significant restructuring, having laid off 550 employees and canceled multiple projects. This includes the reported closure of Intercept Games and Roll7, the studios behind Kerbal Space Program 2 and OlliOlli World, respectively.
This restructuring effort could influence the nature and scope of 2K’s upcoming reveal. The decision to focus on one of its biggest and most beloved franchises suggests a strategic move to bolster the company’s portfolio during a period of transition. By unveiling a major title, 2K Games aims to capture the attention of the gaming community and maintain its competitive edge in the industry.
As the gaming world counts down to June 7th, the anticipation continues to build. 2K Games’ choice to unveil a significant franchise entry at the Summer Game Fest underscores the importance of this moment for the company and its fans. Whether it be BioShock, Mafia, Borderlands, or another beloved series, the reveal promises to be a defining moment for 2K Games.