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A new creator-led gaming event is making its debut this year. The New Game Plus Showcase 2026 is built around one clear idea. Show games honestly, without paid promotions or sponsored slots. The focus stays on developers, real gameplay, and open discussion.
The first-ever showcase goes live on January 8, 2026. Below is everything you need to know, including start times for all regions.
What is the New Game Plus Showcase 2026
The New Game Plus Showcase 2026 is a community-driven gaming event created by content creators, not publishers. It is designed to give upcoming games proper attention without forcing paid placements into the show.
The showcase is founded by Luke Stephens, Luality, Jake Lucky, IamRob, Blue Thunder, and HUN2R.
According to early information, the show will feature around 45 games across different genres. The trailer already teased titles like Beautiful Light and Escape the Backrooms, hinting at a mix of indie projects and lesser-known upcoming releases.
No sponsors. No ads. Just games.
New Game Plus Showcase 2026 start time for all regions
The event begins on January 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time and will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch through the official New Game Plus channels.
Here is the full timing list by region:
- Pacific Time: January 8 at 1:00 PM
- Mountain Time: January 8 at 2:00 PM
- Central Time: January 8 at 3:00 PM
- Eastern Time: January 8 at 4:00 PM
- UTC: January 8 at 9:00 PM
- Central Europe: January 8 at 10:00 PM
- Moscow: January 9 at 12:00 AM
- India: January 9 at 2:30 AM
- China: January 9 at 5:00 AM
- Japan: January 9 at 6:00 AM
- Australia East: January 9 at 8:00 AM
- New Zealand: January 9 at 10:00 AM
If you miss the live stream, full replays are expected to remain available on the same platforms.
Why this showcase matters
Most gaming showcases today are packed with marketing deals and paid reveals. The New Game Plus Showcase takes a different route. Developers get time to talk. Games get shown as they are. Viewers get transparency.
This format also helps smaller studios that usually get buried during big publisher events. For players who enjoy discovering new games early, this showcase could quickly become a yearly favorite.
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