The Biggest Game Releases to Look Forward to in 2022

For a lot of people the New Year symbolises a fresh start; what’s done is done and when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve it’s a chance to look forward and get excited for what’s to come. For some people that might mean a new job or moving house – for others that means getting excited that the new releases are drawing ever closer. With 2022 tantalisingly close, now seems like a great opportunity to take a look at some of the games you’re not going to want to miss next year.
What Can We Expect to See From New Games in 2022?
As you might expect, a majority of the games we’re looking forward to in 2022 are releases from franchises that we’re already familiar with. When games have a following like many of the popular ones do, fans start to get excited about the next version of the game and what we might expect to see from any new releases. One thing that we are starting to see a rise in how often it is being used is things like microtransactions and pay to play elements of different games. Although these don’t affect your chances of winning the game (you can win without them) they can make winning a little quicker or add an exciting element to the game. However, these transactions usually come at a gamble- because you often pay for something that you aren’t sure what it is until you have completed your transaction, and there is no going back if you’re unhappy with the prize you have been given.
Critics of gaming have focused on the pay-to-win aspect of gaming for several years – some liken their usage to online casino models like those found on these gambling sites. As yet there are no real regulations surrounding these microtransactions, but when you consider that it costs real money to take part and that you might not win it probably is only a matter of time before some rules are brought in surrounding this type of gaming. After all, if you do want to join an online casino you have to be above 18, show ID and have your account verified; which are not the same hoops people have to jump through in order to take part in microtransactions. Those that see this way of betting in a game in the same way as online gambling will certainly be calling for stricter measures to ensure everyone taking part stays safe.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Nintendo Switch)
Admittedly you don’t need to wait long for one of the most exciting releases of 2022 to drop. Pokemon Sword and Shield was arguably one of the games that propelled the Nintendo Switch onto everyone’s wish lists, alongside the Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing New Horizons.
January 2022 will see the first open-world Pokemon game ever released for the Switch. Pokemon Legends: Arceus has already caused a huge stir among Pokemon fans. The game is set long before any of the other games in the series currently. The game will have you exploring the Sinnoh region in order to discover Pokémon and create the world’s first Pokedex. For hard-core Pokémon fans, getting a chance to free roam the Sinnoh region is not to be missed.
Dying Light 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
New year, new zombie-filled game. Post-Apocalypse and zombies have continued to be the most popular games for years now so a 2022 release calendar wouldn’t be right without mentioning at least one. Dying Light 2 follows a hugely successful debut for the series in 2015. The gap between the two releases has allowed for huge technological advances and will bring forward some stunning graphics that make it feel like you’re living in the game world. The game is stated to have a strong narrative, a much more reactive world and improved combat from the first game. It’s definitely going to be one to add to your wish list!
Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)
If you’re a fan of racing games then you’ve probably owned at least one Gran Turismo game in your life. For the 7th release in the series, the head of PlayStation Studios has said that they are pulling elements from all of the previous games in the franchise to create an experience that feels unique but also very much part of the franchise. While details of the latest game in the series are few and far between at the moment, a new trailer for Gran Turismo 7 shows graphics that are so realistic it feels like you could be in the car yourself!
Redfall (Xbox Series X, PC)
If you’re an Xbox or PC gamer on the lookout for something brand new, then Redfall is one to watch. Arkane Austin is creating a brand new open world, co-op shooter called Redfall. It’s set in a Massachusetts town called Redfall. The town is under siege by vampires who have blocked the sun. There is only you and a handful of other survivors, so you need to team up to find innovative ways to become the ultimate vampire slayers. Being a totally new franchise there aren’t many other details about the game, but a lot of people are already getting excited.
Stray (PS4, PS5, PC)
Finally, if you’re bored of the standard shooter game then Stray is for you. You play as a stray cat in a cyberpunk world full of robots. The aim is to untangle an ancient mystery using only the help of a small drone. There is currently no release date and nothing more than the premise of the game, but if you’re looking for something unique then this is definitely it.
2022 isn’t even here yet and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting year for game releases. There are loads of big names releasing sequels on some of the newest platforms, as well as some incredible indie creators shaping up to launch new franchises. Start saving now because you’re probably going to want everything!