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The third annual Summer Game Fest is almost here. In less than a month, The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley will kick off the highly-anticipated event, which gives gaming fans a look at upcoming video game releases and other industry news. Here’s everything to know about Summer Game Fest 2022, including the dates, how to watch, and what to expect.

Summer Game Fest 2022 logo over a blue bubble background.
Summer Game Fest 2022 logo | Summer Game Fest

What is Summer Game Fest?

Geoff Keighley, a video game journalist and well-known TV presenter in the gaming world, started Summer Game Fest in 2020. According to the official website, Summer Game Fest serves as “the world’s first fully digital, global celebration of video games.”

The festival is typically comprised of several showcases from video game publishers and developers, including big names like Microsoft, Nintendo, Square Enix, and more. In addition to game announcements, the event features breaking video game news, game demos, and other digital events.

In previous years, Summer Game Fest ran in tandem with E3, a similar annual trade event that began in the ’90s. However, as Polygon revealed in late March, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has canceled E3 2022. Instead, the organization will focus on “delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer.” The cancelation could mean an even bigger Summer Game Fest this year.

Summer Game Fest 2022 dates are set for June

In early May, Summer Game Fest announced a few June dates for the event. The kick-off event, a “live, cross-industry showcase with announcements, reveals, and more,” happens on June 9 at 11 a.m. PST, or 2 p.m. EST. Then, the Tribeca Games Spotlight will begin on June 10 at 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST, featuring “exclusive gameplay and creator interviews from Tribeca’s official selections.”

Later, on June 12, Microsoft will host its annual Xbox and Bethesda Showcase at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST. The event’s description reads, “Join Xbox and Bethesda for a look at what’s next.”

More events will be added to the schedule at a later date. In a recent interview with Epic Games Store, Keighley teased that several major livestreams will happen between June 9 and June 12. Plus, more announcements and events will arrive in the weeks following.

“I know there’s a prevailing sentiment that everyone likes everything kind of packed in two days, or three days, or something like that. But that’s really hard to do because companies want to own specific days,” he said. “So, I don’t know if we’re ever going to go back to that old model of everything being sort of compacted into just a couple of days.”

How to watch Summer Game Fest 2022

Summer Game Fest is a free festival that anyone can watch on all major streaming platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Twitter. No registration is required. In addition to streaming, Summer Game Fest 2022 will screen its kick-off event in select IMAX theaters. Tickets will be on sale starting the week of May 15.

What to expect from this year’s event

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Summer Game Fest has not yet revealed any specific game teases or announcements. However, it did share a complete list of partners, including studios like Epic Games, Capcom, and even Netflix. Here’s the complete list of partners:

  • 2K
  • Activision
  • Amazon Games
  • Annapurna
  • Blizzard
  • Capcom
  • Devolver
  • Dotemu
  • EA
  • Epic Games
  • Finji
  • Frontier
  • Gearbox
  • Hi-Rez
  • Innersloth
  • Koch Media
  • Mediatonic
  • MiHoYo
  • Bandai Namco
  • Netflix
  • Psyonix
  • Raw Fury
  • Riot Games
  • Saber
  • Sega
  • Sony
  • Prime Gaming
  • Square Enix
  • Steam
  • Tencent Games
  • Tribeca Festival
  • Ubisoft
  • Warner Bros.
  • Wizards of the Coast
  • Xbox

Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for more updates on Summer Game Fest 2022.

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