2022 marks yet another year without E3, and the haphazard series of events and livestreams scheduled to replace it is nothing short of chaotic. Yes, that means another summer with more gaming showcases than any one person could possibly watch. The big shows of the summer, like Summer Game Fest and the Xbox Bethesda Games Showcase, may get the best and biggest AAA reveals. However, they’re far from the only events happening this year. If you’re interested in smaller, quirkier games or just a break from the bombast of the major shows, there are plenty of lesser-known events worth tuning into. Here are a few of the under-the-radar shows you need to check out in June.
7. Black Voices In Gaming
June 8, 1 pm Eastern (watch here)
Black Voices in Gaming is the only showcase devoted entirely to Black game creators, now in its third year. Highlights from past years include exciting games like Onsen Master, Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield, and An Airport for Aliens Currently Run by Dogs. The show is made in collaboration with Guerrilla Collective, which has a few showcases of its own on the calendar.
6. UploadVR Showcase
June 9, 11 am Eastern (watch here)
The Upload VR Showcase focuses on (you guessed it) the best upcoming virtual reality games available across platforms. According to organizers, this year’s show will have “possibly the most new game reveals” in the event’s history. As the recent PSVR-centric State of Play proved, there are lots of great VR games on the way, so expect a good mix of high-profile news and reveals from smaller devs.
5. Day of the Devs: Summer Game Fest Edition
June 9, after Summer Game Fest, approx. 4 pm Eastern (watch here)
Day of the Devs: Summer Game Fest Edition immediately follows the biggest show of the year. While Summer Game Fest itself is largely about games from the industry’s biggest publishers, Day of the Devs narrows in on smaller indie projects. Hosted by Double Fine’s charismatic founder Tim Schafer, Day of the Devs is a must-watch show for indie fans.
4. Devolver Digital Marketing Countdown to Marketing
June 9, 6 pm Eastern (watch here)
If nothing else, Devolver Digital’s events, focusing on the publisher’s upcoming catalog, tend to be the most surprising of the year. Filled with pre-recorded bits and based on bizarre meta conceits, they’re as much comedy shows as they are game reveals. This year, the showcase is hosted by No More Heroes developer Suda51 in a giant robot, so make of that what you will.
3. Guerrilla Collective
June 11, 11 am Eastern & June 13, 4 pm Eastern (watch here)
Guerrilla Collective hosts two shows this summer, with events on June 11 and June 13. Both showcases feature brand-new game reveals and news on previously announced titles. It’s a great place to hear about intriguing games the bigger shows tend to overlook.
2. Wholesome Games Direct
June 11, 12:30 pm Eastern (watch here)
Having grown out of a Twitter community, Whole Games Direct is dedicated to shining a light on games with cozy and hopeful themes. That includes chill, lighthearted games like Unpacking, Ooblets, and Cat Cafe Manager, but there’s room for action, too. It’s probably the best show to tune into for games to help you relax or fill your need for something like Animal Crossing.
1. Capcom Showcase
June 13, 6 pm Eastern (watch here)
Capcom is a major publisher likely to show up at the year’s biggest events, but it holds a showcase of its very own, too. This year, Capcom says it features updates on previously announced titles. That means we’re likely to get news on the recently announced Resident Evil 4 remake, Resident Evil Village’s upcoming VR update, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, and more Street Fighter 6. Don’t get your hopes up, but there’s a chance we could also see new games, like the long-rumored Dragon’s Dogma sequel (pretty please, Capcom).
