The Austria-based video game publisher, THQ Nordic, has treated video game lovers to a slew of games that would define the publisher’s future. THQ Nordic Showcase 2023 was held on 11 August 2023, albeit to an already engaged audience—owing to the volume of games released recently.
Therefore, it is not surprising that only a few thousand tuned in for the THQ Nordic Showcase, unlike the massive turnout recorded by the Summer Game Fest and PlayStation Showcase. The publisher revealed several new titles as well as remakes of popular IPs.
ALSO READ: Hijab Makes It To FIFA 23, Thanks To Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina
To show their excitement for the successful THQ Nordic showcase 2023, the publisher is running a week-long sales promo on Steam. The special sales will offer up to 90% discount on some popular titles. The sales promo will run from Friday 11 August 2023 to Thursday 17 August 2023. Here is a rundown of everything that happened at the THQ Nordic Showcase 2023.
THQ Nordic Showcase 2023 was reminiscent of 80’s show
THQ Nordic showcase 2023 started with color patterns filling the screen to form stars followed by an enthusiastic male voice that shared semblance with the 80s cartoon commercial.
“Tonight, witness the most inconceivable trailers from our most tremendously anticipated games. Unbelievable updates with our high-spirited titles you already lost your heart to and a multitude and a multitude of restrictively exclusive world premieres. Fasten your seatbelts for the Handygames Pre-Show!”
THQ Nordic Showcase 2023
After the interlude, viewers were presented with previews of upcoming attractions. The first announcement for the night was the new update for Perish Exodus, a four-player co-op game, which is available for free to players. After that, viewers were treated to the gameplay of the games lined up for the night.
The show was divided into two. The first part was a showcase of titles from HandyGames which included seven titles. THQ Nordic Showcase commenced after the HandGames showcase.
Perish Exodus
Perish Exodus is a first-person action-adventure where players are privy to various weapons including spiked-shield, burning sticks, and guns. The game can be played solo or as a four-player co-op. The game will be coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, and PS4.
Airhead
This is a puzzle platformer game developed by Octato. The free demo of the game is now available on Steam. While no specific date was given for the launch, the game will be launched across all platforms including Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PS4|PS5.
ALSO READ: 2023 Annapurna Interactive Showcase Brings News About 2022 GOTY Contender
Lethal Honor: Order of the Apocalypse
This is a hack-and-slash isometric comic book-style game. According to the narrator, it has a dark and complex story intended to satiate gore-loving players. The game which was developed by Viral Studios will be released on Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
Townsmen VR
Townsmen VR was developed and published by HandyGames. It brings a VR experience to the popular urban building game. Players can now use their VR thumb sticks to pick up workers or order items, which brings more realism to the game. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers have access to the Game Trial.
A Rat’s Quest: The Way Back Home
This is not the first time that we are going to see a mouse-themed game. However, this time the story is about a banished rat that tries to find his way back home. Play as a rat and explore building tops and sewers on your quest to get back home.
ALSO READ: Xbox Games Showcase 2023 Shows Why They Lost Console War To PlayStation
The THQ Nordic showcase 2023 began with a short advert of all the games that were lined up for the night, a sort of tease to encourage viewers to stay glued to their seats. Here is a rundown of everything announced at the THQ Nordic Showcase 2023 in the order they were presented.
Alone in the Dark
A new trailer (or rather prologue) of Alone in the Dark introduces Edward Carnby (played by David Harbour), a private investigator, and Emily Hartwood (played by Jodie Comer). This time, the trailer dived down into the mind of the characters to show their motivation and fear.
South Park: Snow Day
The teaser trailer confirms that THQ was working on a South Park game. While the name is Snow Day, the teaser was raining lava and chaos. The game will be a 3D co-op multiplayer and is scheduled for 2024 release on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.
Outcast: A New Beginning
THQ Nordic Showcase 2023 presented viewers with a new trailer of the upcoming open-world, third-person shooter from Appeal Studios. The game was set in a Pandora-like universe with interesting flora and fauna. Your role will be to fight the invaders and return peace to Adelpha.
Wreckreation
This is an upcoming game by Three Fields Entertainment that recreates arcade-style race games for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The trailer revealed at THQ Nordic Showcase gives a hint into the gameplay which will see players craft their racetrack and play solo or with friends.
Titan Quest 2
A cinematic trailer was used to announce the development of Titan Quest 2. The game is the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 game by Iron Lore. Titan Quest 2 is being developed by Grimlore Games, the same studio that created SpellForce 3. It will be available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
Last Train Home
Last Train Home is a PC-exclusive game that will challenge players to find their way home while fighting off an enemy invasion from an ongoing war. Developed by Ashborne Games, Last Train Home will see players deploy soldiers along the way and manage their train to make sure they reach their destination.
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy
Developed by Frozenbyte, Trine 5 is scheduled for an August 31 release. The new trailer displayed the co-op gameplay of the action platformer game. From what we saw, it is evident that the game can accommodate up to four players. Trine 5 is available for Pre-order.
Space for Sale
Space for Sale is an upcoming simulation game that will allow gamers to play as a small robotic creature and build different tech platforms. It was developed by Mirage Game Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Sign-ups are now open for a closed beta test of the game.
ALSO READ: PlayStation Showcase 2023: Biggest Games And Unexpected Hardware Announcements
Way of the Hunter: Tikamoon Plains
The hunting simulation game got a new trailer that focused more on the Tikamoon Plains DLC which is now out on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. The game developed by Nine Rocks Games will test your marksmanship.
Tempest Rising
Tempest Rising is a tactical game inspired by RTS games of the 90s. Players will fight off enemies, grow their infantry, and build bases. The game was developed by 3D Realms in association with THQ, Slipgate Ironworks, and 2B Games. A playable preview is now available on Steam.
Gothic 1 remake
THQ first announced that it was making a remake of Gothic in 2019, but things have been a little quiet around the game. THQ Nordic Showcase 2023 delivered a new trailer for the upcoming game. Alkimia has made a lot of visual upgrades to the game which will be released on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
TMNT: The Last Ronin
The 2020 comic book series titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin is getting a video game adaptation. The teaser trailer revealed at THQ Nordic showcase 2023 did not show much. However, we now know that the game is being developed by Black Forest Games, the same studio behind Destroy All Humans!
Other announcements at HandyGames Showcase 2023
During THQ Nordic Showcase 2023, several announcements were made including DLCs for some of the games that fans were already enjoying. Below are the different announcements that we did not capture in the previous section.
- DLC for Titan Quest: Eternal Embers is coming to mobile
- The world premiere of Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure
As of 11 August 2023, THQ Nordic has 37 games in development—excluding titles by HandyGames. Also, there are 20 unannounced games currently in the works that did not make it to the THQ Nordic Showcase 2023. Find below the video of the THQ Nordic Showcase 2023.
Which of the games announced by HandyGames and THQ Nordic are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Remember to share and bookmark this website to stay up to date on all the hottest news in the gaming industry.
