Gamescom 2024: Monster Hunter Wilds Takes Center Stage
Gamescom 2024, the annual gaming convention held in Cologne, Germany, drew in a massive crowd of 300,000 attendees eager to see the latest and greatest in the world of gaming. As I stepped onto the showroom floor, I was greeted with a spectacle of grand thematic booths that showcased some of the most anticipated games of the year. From Civilization 7’s giant Roman building to the knights battling in the Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 booth, and even a floor-to-ceiling inflatable Goku overseeing the Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero demo stations, there was no shortage of excitement and anticipation in the air.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the convention, I had the opportunity to explore the various booths and see what games were capturing the attention of the public. As I made my way through the crowds, I couldn’t help but notice the massive queue forming at what I initially thought was for the Final Fantasy 14 battle challenge. However, to my surprise, it was actually for the demo of Monster Hunter: Wilds.
The popularity of Monster Hunter: Wilds at Gamescom was a testament to the game’s mainstream success. Just a few years ago, I never would have imagined seeing Monster Hunter reach such heights of popularity. The release of Monster Hunter: World in 2018 changed the game’s trajectory, attracting a whole new audience to the series. The sight of the long queue of eager fans waiting to get their hands on Wilds was a clear indicator of how far the series had come since its niche beginnings.
The excitement surrounding Monster Hunter: Wilds was palpable, with fans willing to wait hours just for a chance to play the demo. Even amidst technical difficulties that caused the game to crash for some players, the enthusiasm remained high. Friends flew out to Gamescom specifically to play the demo, showcasing the dedication and passion of the Monster Hunter community.
As the convention progressed, Capcom made efforts to manage the overwhelming demand for Monster Hunter: Wilds. The queue was redirected to wrap around the Capcom booth, allowing for a smoother flow of attendees and ensuring that other games like the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection could also be showcased. Despite the long wait times, fans remained committed to experiencing all that Wilds had to offer.
Monster Hunter: Wilds received widespread acclaim at Gamescom, winning four awards including Most Entertaining, Most Epic, Best Sony PlayStation Game, and Best Trailer. The game’s success at the convention solidified its status as a standout title among the crowd of AAA games vying for attention.
While Monster Hunter: Wilds stole the spotlight at Gamescom, it wasn’t the only game drawing massive crowds. InZOI, a realistic Sims competitor from Krafton, also garnered significant interest with its unique gameplay and engaging booth setup. The competition between these two games highlighted the diverse range of offerings at the convention and the varied interests of gamers in attendance.
The success of Monster Hunter: Wilds at Gamescom underscored Capcom’s ability to appeal to both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. By making the game more accessible and engaging, Capcom was able to attract a wider audience and solidify Monster Hunter’s position as a powerhouse in the gaming industry.
In conclusion, Gamescom 2024 was a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry and the enduring appeal of beloved franchises like Monster Hunter. As the convention drew to a close, the echoes of excitement and anticipation for upcoming releases lingered in the air, promising a bright future for the world of gaming.
