If you’d told me a few years ago that KRAFTON would be a must-see at Gamescom, I’d have smiled politely and moved on. Fast-forward to August 2025 in Cologne, though, and the publisher has three very different experiences on display—a life-simulation DLC, a squad-based tactics shooter, and the evergreen PUBG: Battlegrounds. But which one deserves your time? Let’s break it down.
Cahaya DLC: A New Chapter in Life Simulation
inZOI’s spring early access release already surpassed one million copies, but Cahaya promises to up the ante. You’ll split time between a working island of farms and fisheries and a laid-back resort haven, soaking in cultural details you don’t usually see in the genre. Seasonal crops, weather-driven events, and community festivals could deepen the loop—provided NPC routines feel organic and choices actually matter. If KRAFTON leans into meaningful systems, Cahaya might challenge life-sim stalwarts. If not, it could end up as little more than a pretty postcard.
Blindspot: A Tactical 5v5 Showdown
After its Steam Next Fest demo, Blindspot steps away from twitch shooting and leans into top-down strategy. Each operator brings distinct gadgets—smoke drones, sensor grenades, deployable shields—that reward coordinated play. The real hurdle is balance: overpowered abilities or chokepoint-heavy maps can tank the fun. Gamescom’s hands-on booths will reveal whether Blindspot keeps combat tight, pacing fair, and the learning curve inviting. Hit those marks, and KRAFTON could carve a niche between methodical tactics titles and flashy hero shooters.
Eight Years On: PUBG: Battlegrounds Evolves
Holding a top-seller streak for eight straight years, PUBG: Battlegrounds leans on nostalgia and tension. This anniversary build reportedly adds seasonal events, whip-up weather systems, and community-voted challenges—but skins and cosmetics only go so far. What veterans really want are revamped looting, refined movement, or fresh map rotations. If Gamescom’s demo tweaks core mechanics rather than just dressing them up, KRAFTON might keep boots on the ground feeling both familiar and surprising.
Why Hands-On Matters
In an age of slick trailers and glossy reveals, nothing beats getting your hands dirty. KRAFTON’s decision to prioritize live demos lets them collect unvarnished player feedback in real time. Watching newcomers tackle Cahaya’s harvest or call out enemy gadgets in Blindspot offers data you can’t fake. If they’re smart about iteration, we could see all three projects sharpened before launch.
Final Thoughts
Cahaya could reshape what we expect from life sims—if its systems run deep. Blindspot looks poised to capture those who crave strategy over spectacle, but it hinges on solid design and balance. And PUBG: Battlegrounds must go beyond fresh cosmetics if it wants to hold onto its crown. At Gamescom, KRAFTON’s real win will come not from portfolio flexing, but from proving these demos drive genuine improvements—and earn players’ trust in the process.