Summer Game Fest 2026 Announced for June 5: The Biggest Video Game Showcase Returns

The next Summer Game Fest finally has a date. Host and producer Geoff Keighley has confirmed that the 2026 edition of his annual gaming showcase will take place on June 5, 2026, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

That’s a big move for the show. For the past few years, it’s been held at the YouTube Theater, but the Dolby Theatre brings a touch of Hollywood prestige — it’s the same venue that hosts the Academy Awards every year.

A Bigger Stage, Same Focus on Games

Keighley made the announcement on X, saying that next year’s event will be “a spectacular, cross-platform showcase of what’s next in video games.” Tickets for the in-person show go on sale in spring 2026, with a detailed schedule expected to follow later.

Like always, the event will be livestreamed worldwide across YouTube and Twitch, meaning fans can tune in from anywhere. The show will once again serve as a central hub for major game announcements, trailers, and world premieres — something that’s become its identity since the fall of E3.

Looking Back at This Year’s Fest

The 2025 edition of Summer Game Fest, held on June 6, gave fans plenty to talk about. The biggest moment was the reveal of Resident Evil: Requiem, a follow-up to Capcom’s iconic survival horror series, set to release in February 2026.

Other notable announcements included Mortal Shell 2, Stranger Than Heaven, and Atomic Heart 2, all unveiled during the show. Keighley’s approach has been consistent: less about live theatrics, more about spotlighting game developers and the projects shaping the next year of gaming.

Keighley’s Busy End to 2025

Before Summer Game Fest rolls around, Keighley has another big event on his hands — The Game Awards 2025, which will be held on December 11 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The annual show honors the year’s top games across multiple categories while also featuring new reveals and surprise guests. The Game of the Year lineup could be one of the strongest yet, with expected nominees like Hades 2, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 all likely in contention.

Nominees will be revealed in mid-November, giving fans time to start speculating on their favorites.

What to Expect Next June

It’s too early to know which studios will take the stage at Summer Game Fest 2026, but if past years are any indication, the event should feature a mix of major publishers and indie highlights.

For many, the Fest has become the unofficial replacement for E3 — a single global moment when the gaming world comes together for reveals, trailers, and updates. The switch to the Dolby Theatre could also signal that Keighley is aiming for a grander production next year, bringing gaming closer than ever to the glitz of mainstream entertainment.