Gamers itching for fresh reveals need wait no longer: the inaugural New Game+ Showcase promises to ignite 2026 with a creator-curated extravaganza, free from corporate sponsorships and packed with genuine enthusiasm. Set for Thursday, January 8th, at 1 PM PT (4 PM ET / 10 PM CET), this self-funded event skips the paid ad placements plaguing traditional broadcasts, opting instead for 45 handpicked titles spanning indie gems to AAA blockbusters.
Spearheaded by prominent YouTubers and streamers Luke Stephens, Luality, IamRob, Blue Thunder, HUN2R, and Jake Sucky, alongside production from Gaming World Media, the showcase prioritizes gameplay footage, updates, and candid developer chats over glossy trailers. The recent hype trailer teases the variety, flashing glimpses of upcoming projects without spoilers.
Confirmed participants include heavy hitters like Pearl Abyss' Crimson Desert, the open-world action RPG building massive anticipation for its full 2026 launch; The Blood of Dawnwalker; and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, expanding the sci-fi universe. Other spotlights are on Atomic Heart DLC, Don't Nod's Aphelion, Grounded 2 winter update, and indies such as Forsaken Realms: Vahrin's Call, Dragon Twin, Denshattack!, The Eternal Life of Goldman, The Cube, Dark Light: Survivor, Duskfade, and ExeKiller.
The full lineup remains under wraps and will stay that way until airtime, heightening intrigue. Co-streaming is encouraged, broadening reach on YouTube and Twitch.
The timing couldn't be better for a blockbuster year ahead, with Xbox Developer Direct looming and Nintendo Direct rumors swirling. In an era of ad-saturated events, New Game+ stands out by championing authenticity perfect for post-holiday gamers scouting wishlists. Mark your calendars and tune in for unfiltered hype. What games are you most excited to see show up on it?
About New Game+: The New Game + Showcase is a creator-led games showcase designed to put authentic excitement back at the center of game reveals. Unlike traditional showcases, we don’t accept paid placements every game we feature is there because our team of six core creators is genuinely excited about it. Our goal is to give developers and publishers a stage where their game isn’t competing for attention with dozens of sponsored slots, but instead stands out in front of communities that want to discover it.