Attendees of this year’s Gamescom event in Cologne will finally get the chance to play Hollow Knight: Silksong, one of the most eagerly anticipated indie titles in recent years. Microsoft has confirmed that the game will be available to demo at the Xbox booth on the new ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices.
This marks the first time Silksong will be publicly playable, coming after three years of delays and uncertainty. In June, Xbox president Sarah Bond announced that the game would be “available at launch and in Game Pass” when the new Asus handheld devices are released later this year. The presence of a playable build at Gamescom has strengthened hopes that Silksong could finally launch before the end of 2025.
The original Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry, earned widespread acclaim for its challenging gameplay and intricate world-building. Fans have been waiting since 2022, when Microsoft initially claimed the sequel would arrive within 12 months. With this hands-on demo, it appears the long wait may soon be over.
A closer look at Xbox’s Gamescom lineup
Alongside Silksong, Xbox is bringing more than 20 titles to its Gamescom booth. These include both anticipated sequels and beloved franchises, as well as a new immersive theatre experience for The Outer Worlds 2, designed to offer visitors a cinematic preview of the game’s next instalment.
The Xbox Ally handhelds will be at the centre of the booth, allowing players to try out a variety of games on the new devices. Titles on offer include Roblox, Sea of Thieves, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. Attendees will also be among the first to explore Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox and Windows user interface updates.
Two notable debuts will feature at the event: Grounded 2, the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment’s backyard survival game, and the first public hands-on experience of Ninja Gaiden 4, a major new entry in the classic action franchise. Both are expected to draw significant attention from fans and media alike.
Call of Duty and more surprises in store
Beyond the booth experience, Microsoft has confirmed it will use Gamescom: Opening Night Live on 19 August to unveil Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 fully. The presentation is expected to reveal new gameplay details and potentially a release window, continuing the long-running partnership between Xbox and the Call of Duty franchise.
Microsoft also hinted at “a couple more surprises at the show from our partners, too,” suggesting that additional game announcements or demos may be revealed during the event. While details remain under wraps, the company appears poised to deliver a strong presence at Europe’s biggest gaming convention.
With a combination of hands-on gameplay, major reveals, and exciting hardware on display, Xbox’s Gamescom 2025 showcase promises to be one of its most significant in recent years.
