Unpacking the Biggest Games Coming in 2022: A Year of Unprecedented Releases
As highlighted in the accompanying video, 2022 promised to be a landmark year for the gaming industry, brimming with an extraordinary lineup of highly anticipated titles. Due to significant delays from the previous year, over 100 games were slated for release, transforming 2022 into one of the most exciting periods in recent memory for gamers across all platforms. From monumental first-party exclusives to eagerly awaited multi-platform blockbusters, the sheer volume and diversity of upcoming video games in 2022 created a landscape rich with potential. This detailed breakdown expands on the key releases, exploring the trends and standout titles that defined this remarkable year for gaming.
The Overflow Effect: Why 2022 Became a Banner Year for Gaming
The abundance of game releases in 2022 wasn’t merely a stroke of luck; it was, in large part, a direct consequence of the global challenges faced by game developers in 2020 and 2021. Production cycles were heavily impacted, leading to numerous titles being pushed back. As a result, 2022 inherited a backlog of ambitious projects, creating an unprecedented release schedule. This accumulation meant that gamers could look forward to a more concentrated period of high-quality releases, ranging from innovative indie experiences to massive, AAA open-world adventures. The video spotlights 48 of these biggest games, offering a glimpse into the diverse offerings.
However, this deluge also presented challenges. Gamers often faced difficult choices, prioritizing which titles to invest their time and money into. The concentration of so many high-profile games within a single year meant increased competition for player attention and wallets, a significant factor for publishers and developers.
Early Year Blockbusters: Setting the Tone for 2022’s Gaming Schedule
The year kicked off with immediate impact, showcasing a diverse range of genres and developer ambitions. January and February alone featured several major players, establishing the high bar for the months to follow.
- Rainbow Six Extraction (January 20): This tactical co-op shooter brought a sci-fi horror twist to the Rainbow Six universe, challenging players with extraterrestrial threats.
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus (January 28): A significant departure for the Pokémon franchise, this title introduced open-world exploration and action RPG elements, fundamentally altering the traditional formula. Data indicates it sold over 6.5 million units globally in its first week, a testament to its fresh approach.
- Dying Light 2: Stay Human (February 4): Offering expansive parkour traversal and robust combat in a zombie-infested world, Techland’s sequel delivered on its promise of player choice impacting the narrative and open world.
- Horizon Forbidden West (February 18): A PlayStation tentpole, this sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn expanded Aloy’s journey across a stunning post-apocalyptic landscape filled with colossal robotic creatures. The original title alone sold over 20 million copies by 2022, setting high expectations for its follow-up.
- Elden Ring (February 25): Without doubt, one of the most anticipated video games of 2022, FromSoftware’s collaboration with George R.R. Martin delivered an expansive, challenging open-world action RPG that quickly garnered universal critical acclaim and sold over 13.4 million units by March 2022, just over a month after launch.
This initial wave underscored a trend: established franchises were evolving, and new intellectual properties were making bold entrances, catering to a wide spectrum of player preferences, from the strategic depth of Total War: Warhammer 3 to the unique martial arts action of Sifu.
Spring and Summer Surprises: Continued Momentum and Anticipation
As 2022 progressed, the flow of significant releases remained robust. The spring saw a mix of vibrant Nintendo exclusives, engaging RPGs, and new takes on beloved universes.
- Gran Turismo 7 (March 4): This PlayStation exclusive continued the legacy of realistic racing simulation, appealing to motorsport enthusiasts with its stunning graphics and detailed car models.
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (March 25): A spin-off from the Borderlands series, this fantasy-themed looter shooter blended humor with classic RPG tropes, offering a refreshing take on its established mechanics.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Spring 2022): Nintendo continued its strong output with Kirby’s first foray into 3D platforming, captivating fans with its charming design and innovative Mouthful Mode. The game quickly achieved significant sales, reinforcing the enduring appeal of the Kirby franchise.
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Spring 2022): This ambitious title allowed players to experience all nine Skywalker saga films in LEGO form, offering expansive levels and humorous retellings. Its launch saw record-breaking sales for a LEGO game, selling over 3.2 million copies in its first two weeks.
- Saints Row (August 23): The reboot of the beloved open-world action series aimed to redefine its over-the-top identity with a new setting and cast of characters, seeking to capture a new generation of fans while retaining the essence of its chaotic gameplay.
While many of these titles arrived with specific release dates, others were presented with broader “Spring” or “Summer” windows, reflecting the fluid nature of game development schedules. Yet, the consistent stream of high-quality titles ensured there was always something new on the horizon.
The Year’s Grand Finale: Fall and Holiday Season Blockbusters
The latter half of 2022 was arguably the most packed, featuring some of the absolute biggest games poised to dominate sales charts and discussions. This period showcased the industry’s heaviest hitters across multiple platforms.
- Starfield (November 11): Bethesda’s first new IP in over 25 years, this ambitious space-faring RPG promised an unparalleled scale and depth, becoming a flagship exclusive for Xbox Series X|S and PC. The anticipation surrounding a new Bethesda RPG was immense, drawing comparisons to their past successes like Skyrim and Fallout.
- God of War Ragnarök (2022): Arguably the most anticipated PlayStation title, this sequel continued Kratos and Atreus’ epic Norse saga. The 2018 predecessor sold over 23 million copies by 2022, establishing a monumental benchmark for its follow-up. Its release was expected to be a system-seller for the PS5 and a fitting send-off for the PS4.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel (2022): Another colossal Nintendo Switch exclusive, the follow-up to the revolutionary Breath of the Wild aimed to expand on its groundbreaking open-world design and physics-based gameplay. The original sold over 29 million units, setting the stage for its successor to be one of the most impactful titles of the year.
- Hogwarts Legacy (2022): Set in the Wizarding World, this action RPG allowed players to create their own witch or wizard and explore the magical school in the 1800s. Its potential appeal to the vast Harry Potter fanbase made it one of the most commercially significant multi-platform releases.
- Marvel’s Midnight Suns (Second Half 2022): From Firaxis Games, the creators of XCOM, this tactical RPG brought together Marvel’s iconic heroes in a narrative-driven adventure, blending strategic combat with card-based mechanics.
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2022): Rocksteady Studios, renowned for the Batman Arkham series, ventured into a new DC universe with this action-adventure, tasking players with confronting corrupted versions of the Justice League.
The sheer number of high-profile releases in late 2022 illustrated the robust health of the gaming market. Major franchises and new IPs alike vied for attention, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the gaming year.
Analyzing the Trends of 2022’s Gaming Landscape
Beyond the individual titles, 2022’s release schedule offered several insights into the broader gaming industry:
Cross-Generational Development Dominates
Many of the listed games, such as Dying Light 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War Ragnarök, launched across both last-gen (PS4, Xbox One) and current-gen (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) consoles. This strategy maximized player reach during a period when current-gen consoles were still experiencing supply constraints, a practical business decision supported by market data showing millions of active last-gen consoles still in use.
The Rise of Ambitious Open Worlds
Titles like Elden Ring, Starfield, and Hogwarts Legacy underscored the industry’s continued investment in expansive open-world experiences. These games promised hundreds of hours of content, rich lore, and freedom of exploration, catering to players seeking deep immersion. The average playtime for open-world games often exceeds 50 hours, demonstrating their value proposition.
Diverse Genre Representation
While RPGs and action-adventure titles were prevalent, 2022’s lineup showcased a healthy mix of genres. Tactical shooters like Rainbow Six Extraction, strategy games like Total War: Warhammer 3, horror titles such as The Callisto Protocol, and platformers like Kirby and the Forgotten Land all found a place, indicating a thriving and varied ecosystem of game development.
Key Platforms and Exclusives
PlayStation continued its strong narrative-driven exclusives with titles like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarök. Nintendo maintained its unique appeal with franchise entries like Pokemon Legends: Arceus and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel. Xbox, in contrast, focused on building its ecosystem with major day-one Game Pass additions like Starfield and Redfall, aiming to attract subscribers with high-value offerings.
The year 2022 was indeed a monumental period for gaming, delivering a spectacular array of titles that catered to virtually every taste. The sheer density of quality games, from long-awaited sequels to ambitious new IPs, cemented its legacy as one of the best years for upcoming video games in recent history. Players were truly spoiled for choice, navigating a landscape rich with memorable adventures and pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
