As fall approaches and the holiday season begins, the number of high-profile game releases increases. Many AAA titles aim to get a head start on the competition by launching in August, while numerous indie games also debut, seizing their last opportunity to shine before the crowded fall season. Last year, August saw the release of Baldur’s Gate 3, which eventually won Game of the Year.
In 2024, several highly anticipated games are set to release, capturing the attention of gamers everywhere. Here are seven standout titles that everyone should keep an eye on. Additionally, a detailed list of all the games launching this month is provided at the end of the article for your reference.
Volgarr the Viking 2 (August 6)
Recommended if you like: Ghosts ‘n Goblins
There are numerous standout indie games launching this month, but none embrace the old-school spirit quite like “Volgarr the Viking 2.” This sequel to the beloved 2013 platformer, inspired by classics such as Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Rastan, offers a challenging experience where players must help the Viking hero survive in treacherous levels filled with relentless enemies. Developers Crazy Viking Studios and Digital Eclipse have made a conscious effort to make “Volgarr the Viking 2” more accessible by introducing a zombified mode, which allows Volgarr to withstand damage if players use enough continues. This feature ensures that even those who typically shy away from difficult games can enjoy the adventure.
“Volgarr the Viking 2” is set to launch on August 6 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
SteamWorld Heist 2 (August 8)
Recommended if you like: Worms
The SteamWorld series has consistently delivered some of the most creative and enjoyable smaller-scale games, and its latest entry, SteamWorld Heist 2, continues this tradition. As a sequel to the 2015 2D strategy game set in the SteamWorld universe, SteamWorld Heist 2 brings back the fun and challenge of bouncing bullets off walls to hit enemies. Mastering proper positioning and aiming is crucial in this pirate-themed adventure. After getting a sneak peek at it during the Summer Game Fest, we were impressed with what we saw.
Keep an eye out for SteamWorld Heist 2, launching on August 8 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Black Myth: Wukong (August 20)
Recommended if you like: Dark Souls
If you’re on the lookout for a new Soulslike game, keep an eye on Black Myth: Wukong. This game initially went viral several years ago thanks to an impressive gameplay clip, and it has lived up to the hype. Unlike traditional Soulslike games, Black Myth: Wukong offers a faster-paced experience with a unique twist: players can transform into different creatures during combat. This highly anticipated title has the potential to become one of the biggest Western launches from a Chinese developer.
Black Myth: Wukong is set to release on PC and PS5 on August 20, with an Xbox Series X/S version also in development.
Concord (August 23)
Recommended if you like: Overwatch 2
PlayStation is making a bold move into the competitive hero shooter genre this month with the launch of Concord. Developed by Firewalk Studios, Concord may not bring many groundbreaking gameplay innovations, but it aims to captivate players with its sci-fi universe and unique “Freegunner” characters, each with distinct designs and abilities. Priced at $40, this multiplayer game offers an experience reminiscent of Destiny’s gunplay within a hero shooter framework. While its success remains uncertain, Concord is undoubtedly the highlight release for PlayStation fans this month.
Mark your calendars for August 23, when Concord will be available on PC and PS5.
Emio — The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club (August 29)
Recommended if you like: Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Hier
In July, Nintendo generated buzz with the eerie teaser trailer for “Emio — The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club.” This marks the first new entry in the Famicom Detective Club series in 30 years, following the 2021 remakes of the original two games for Nintendo Switch. The game centers on the titular killer, Emio, who places paper bags with drawn smiles on his victims’ heads. Players take on the role of a detective tasked with solving the chilling case. Nintendo has hinted that the game’s ending will be controversial, heightening anticipation for its story.
“Emio — The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club” is set to launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch on August 29.
Visions of Mana (August 29)
Recommended if you like: Trials of Mana
August brings exciting news for RPG enthusiasts with the release of the latest Mana series installment from Square Enix. Titled Visions of Mana, this game introduces a new protagonist named Val, a Soul Guard tasked with protecting the Tree of Mana. Featuring action-packed combat and a diverse party of characters, Visions of Mana promises an expansive adventure with vibrant, open-ended areas to explore.
This highly ambitious entry in the Mana series is set to launch on August 29 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Star Wars Outlaws (August 30)
Recommended if you like: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
The final major game launch of August, and undoubtedly its headliner, is Star Wars Outlaws, a AAA open-world Star Wars video game. In this game, players step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a smuggler navigating the complex relationships with six different criminal syndicates while completing missions across various Star Wars planets. I had the opportunity to play Star Wars Outlaws early and found the side activities particularly enjoyable, including playing Sabacc and an Atari Star Wars-inspired arcade game. This game promises to provide a Star Wars sandbox that’s not only engaging but also a fun place to explore and hang out in.
Star Wars Outlaws releases on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 30.
More new games in August 2024
- Tomba! Special Edition (August 1)
- Closer the Distance (August 2)
- The Mortuary Assistant: Definitive Edition (August 2)
- World of Goo 2 (August 2)
- Cygni: All Guns Blazing (August 6)
- Creatures of Ava (August 7)
- Cat Quest 3 (August 8)
- Deathbound (August 8)
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles (August 8)
- The Crush House (August 9)
- Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered (August 14)
- Farewell North (August 15)
- Madden NFL 25 (August 16)
- Dustborn (August 20)
- World of Warcraft: The War Within (August 26)
- Akimbot (August 29)
- Gori: Cuddly Carnage (August 29)
- Gundam Breaker 4 (August 29)
- Monster Jam Showdown (August 29)
- Squirrel with a Gun (August 29)