Gamescom 2016 schedule – what to expect and where to watch

While E3 may be the biggest trade show in gaming, it doesn’t hold a candle to the massive amounts of people attending Gamescom every year.

With over 345,000 gamers attending in 2015 alone, there is perhaps no bigger stage for some of the biggest announcements in gaming.

Unfortunately, neither Microsoft or Sony plan to have official press conferences this year, instead opting to have game demonstrations on the show floor.

Microsoft will likely debut new information and footage on Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3, Halo Wars 2, ReCore and Sea of Thieves, while Sony plans to have a briefing in New York in September – heavily tipped to be the announcment of the PlayStation Neo.

Still there is plenty to be excited about, check out the full schedule below:

Blizzard Press Conference

Date: Tuesday 16 August

South African Time: 6:30 PM (SAST)

European Time: 6:30 PM (CEST)

What to expect: Blizzard has announced something new at every Gamescom in recent memory, with Starcraft HD and a new Diablo heavily rumoured.

We know that Overwatch, World of Warcraft: Legion, Heroes of the Storm, Hearthstone, Diablo and StarCraft 2 will all be available to play for attendees, so expect some attached announcements too.

Where to watch: Watch the official Gamescom livestream here.

Bungie Stream

Date: Tuesday 16 August

South African Time: 7:15 PM (SAST)

European Time: 7:15 PM (CEST)

What to expect: We know that Bungie will be showing off the new Destiny expansion, Rise of Iron at this year’s Gamescom. That hopefully also means we get to see the new Felwinter Peak and Plaguelands areas too.

Where to watch: Watch it on Destiny’s Twitch stream here.

EA Press Conference

Date: Tuesday 16 August

South African Time: 6:30 PM (SAST)

European Time: 6:30 PM (CEST)

What to expect: EA’s press conference is likely to be jam-packed with sports, with FIFA 17, NHL 17 and Madden 17 all expected to take centre stage.

Also expect Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2 to make an appearance with new features being show off. Perhaps the most exciting announcement is the promise of new Star Wars games, with the first expected to make an appearance some time in 2017.

Where to watch: You can watch the official EA livestream here.

What announcements are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below and in our forums.