2022 could be one of the best years ever for video games, with titles like Elden Ring, Gran Turismo 7, and Starfield already dated.
2021 was certainly a better year than its predecessor, both in general and in terms of video games, but it still wasn’t exactly great. Even if they did make it to launch, almost every major game was delayed at least once, with everything else being pushed back into 2022.
That doesn’t mean they’re safe from further delays though and the following schedules should be considered subject to change for almost every game. If they do arrive on time though this spring’s line-up is set to be one of the best ever, thanks to games like Elden Ring, and then big name titles later in the year like Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 2.
With some games, like God Of War Ragnarök, there’s no clue as to when they might be out, but at the moment they’re definitely due this year. When the video games world will return to normal is currently a mystery but development schedules will likely be backed up for several years to come, with an unusually large number of games already not due until 2023 or beyond.
Video game releases confirmed for 2022
20 January – Rainbow Six Extraction (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC/Stadia)
It’s hard to know exactly how big Ubisoft expects this multiplayer spin-off to be, but it’s the first time the franchise has gone fully sci-fi and the first brand new Rainbow Six in seven years.
28 January – Pokémon Legends: Arceus (NS)
A strange time of year to release a Pokémon game but this is a major experiment for the franchise, since it’s the first fully open world entry that seeks to improve significantly on Sword and Shield.
4 February – Dying Light 2: Stay Human (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
One of many games scheduled for this year that have been delayed time and time again, but this time the open world parkour zombie game looks like it’s finally ready for release.
17 February – Total War: Warhammer 3 (PC)
Henry Cavill’s most anticipated game of the year (probably) and the final part of the Total War trilogy, which given the quality of the previous entries should end up as one of the best strategy games of the year.
18 February – Horizon Forbidden West (PS4/PS5)
Sony’s Christmas plans were ruined by the pandemic but this would’ve-been Christmas title is looking like the most graphically accomplished game on the PlayStation 5 – and perhaps of all time.
22 February – Destiny 2: The Witch Queen (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC/Stadia)
2022 is set to be a big year for Destiny 2, with this widely anticipated new expansion expected to be one of the game’s most important milestones so far.
25 February – Elden Ring (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
The early front-runner for game of the year, based on both FromSoftware’s reputation and last year’s network test, the only real concern is whether it’ll actually hit its release date.
4 March – Gran Turismo 7 (PS4/PS5)
Sony’s other big exclusive for the start of the year, although it is a cross-gen game and not next gen only. It’s also the first numbered Gran Turismo sequel in eight years.
4 March – Triangle Strategy (NS)
The follow-up to Octopath Traveler is not technically a sequel, as while it features a similar HD-2D art style the turn-based combat is closer to Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics.
25 March – Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
A fantasy themed spin-off that’s basically the Borderlands 2 DLC Assault on Dragon Keep expanded out into a full game, which is a perfectly good idea as that was always the best one.
March 2022 – Grand Theft Auto 5 (XSX/PS5)
The prerequisite for an announcement on GTA 6 is for the next gen versions of GTA 5 to finally be released, but after major delays they still don’t have a specific release date.
Q1 2022 – Cyberpunk 2077 (XSX/PS5)
CD Projekt seem to have escaped the threat of serious legal problems following the disastrous launch of the last gen versions but there’s still very little that’s been seen of the constantly delayed next gen editions.
Early 2022 – Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
Lucasfilm could’ve made another trilogy in the time it’s taken this game to make it to release, but if that means it suffers from less bugs than the usual Lego game then it’s all to the good.
17 April – Sociable Soccer ’22 (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
After debuting first on mobile, Jon Hare returns with the spiritual sequel to football classic Sensible Soccer. But can it offer any real competition to the inevitable FIFA 23?
28 April – S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chernobyl (XSX/PC)
A long-awaited sequel to the classic mix of first person shooter, action role-player, and survival horror. Now thankfully NFT free.
24 May – Forspoken (PS5/PC)
Square Enix’s new action role-player hasn’t been too convincing so far, from what’s been shown in previews, but it’s a welcome attempt to establish a brand new IP.
Q2 2022 – Kirby And The Forgotten Land (NS)
For non-fans, Kirby games all tend to meld into one another, but this is the first fully 3D title and the weird post-apocalyptic setting looks like it might be a lot of fun.
Q2 2022 – Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp (NS)
Delayed from Christmas, this remake of the classic turn-based strategy games no longer has a release date, but it’s still one of our most anticipated games of the year.
Q2 – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition (XSX/PS5)
Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t the only CD Projekt game getting a next gen makeover this year, as the developer’s most popular game returns for what is hopefully the definitive edition.
Second half 2022 – Marvel’s Midnight Suns (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
The new strategy game from the creators of XCOM has the unfortunate honour of being the first 2022 release to be delayed and won’t now be out at the beginning of the year, but somewhere towards the end.
23 August – Saints Row (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
Fans already seem determined to hate this reboot, and certainly the main playable characters seem to be a major downgrade from the original, but hopefully the open world mayhem will be up to par.
Q3 – Redfall (XSX/PC)
The first Bethesda game to be an Xbox exclusive is a vampire-themed multiplayer game from Arkane Studios, although in this case the Austin studio that made Prey.
11 November – Starfield (XO/XSX/PC)
Rather than Fallout or The Elder Scrolls, Bethesda has pushed ahead with a brand new sci-fi action role-player about which we still know virtually nothing.
Autumn 2022 – Dead Space remake (XSX/PS5/PC)
Seemingly inspired by the success of Capcom’s Resident Evil remakes, and likely to work in a similar manner, this marks the long-awaited return of EA’s sci-fi survival horror series.
Christmas 2022 – Sonic Frontiers (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
Being optimistic about Sonic the Hedgehog games has brought nothing but misery over the years but maybe, just maybe, this new open world adventure will be the exception to the rule.
2022 – Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC/Stadia)
It’s been in early access for over a year now, but the full release is still supposed to be this year. Although that’s unlikely to include a console version, which still hasn’t been officially confirmed.
2022 – The Callisto Protocol (XSX/PS5/PC)
You wait years for a new Dead Space and then two come along at once, or rather EA’s official remake and this spiritual sequel by one of the original creators.
2022 – Gotham Knights (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
Warner Bros. were particularly badly hit by pandemic delays but this co-op action role-player featuring Batman’s various sidekicks seems the closest to release, even though it doesn’t have a date yet.
2022 – Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (XSX/PS5/PC)
Batman: Arkham creators Rocksteady have been quiet for a very long time and this co-op shooter seems a little underwhelming so far, but hopefully it won’t be another Marvel’s Avengers.
2022 – Hogwarts Legacy (XO/PS4/XSX/PS4/PC)
Delay number four for Warner (if you include Lego Star Wars) was this big budget role-player set in the pre-book/movie history of Hogwarts. Although the ongoing controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling is going to make it a hard sell for some.
2022 – Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5/PC)
As with Deathloop, Sony tied up Ghostwire: Tokyo as a timed exclusive long before Microsoft bought Bethesda. This a new first person action adventure from the makers of The Evil Within.
2022 – A Plague Tale: Requiem (NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
A Plague Tale: Innocence was a surprise hit both critically and commercially so it’s going to be interesting to see if lighting will strike twice, especially considering the sequel seems to have largely the same premise.
2022 – Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope (NS)
It’s not often Nintendo give the keys to their most important franchise to an outsider but Ubisoft Milan did a great job with the original XCOM inspired game and hopefully the sequel will be even better.
2022 – Sniper Elite 5 (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
Rebellion hinted at the game’s existence over a year ago but it ended up being one of the last games to be unveiled in 2021, with the ability to invade other players’ games Dark Souls style.
2022 – Splatoon 3 (NS)
Although it often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves in the West, Nintendo’s third person online shooter is their most exciting new IP in years and a third entry is very welcome.
2022 – The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild sequel (NS)
There’s no clue as to when in the year this might be released, or even what its real name is, but considering the quality of the original this is automatically one of the most anticipated games of 2022.
2022 – The Lord Of The Rings: Gollum (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
Developer Daedalic Entertainment don’t have a lot of experience with big budget action adventures, since most of their previous games are graphic adventures, but this does look promising.
2022 – God Of War Ragnarök (PS4/PS5)
Unlike Sony’s other big delays this has no release date at the moment, which probably means it’s aiming for later in the year – perhaps as the big Christmas release for the PlayStation 4 and 5.
2022 – Bayonetta 3 (NS)
Although we did finally get a gameplay trailer in 2021, it’s still hard to believe the impossibly long wait for PlatinumGames’ action adventure sequel might finally be nearing an end.
Video game releases that might be in 2022
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (XSX/PC)
Technically this doesn’t have a release year yet but given the gameplay demo at The Game Awards in December it seems likely Microsoft is aiming for a late 2022 launch.
Fable (XSX/PC)
Given how long it was rumoured before it was finally announced this has probably been in development for quite a while, but the lack of any gameplay footage makes it hard to guess when exactly it’ll be out.
Final Fantasy 16 (PS5)
Rumours have long held that the next numbered sequel is further along in development than many realise, so there is an outside chance it could be released in 2022.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (NS/PC)
Officially there’s no word at all on when the sort-of-sequel to indie Metroidvania Hollow Knight will be released but it’s been so long now Team Cherry must surely be nearing the end.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (XO/PS4/PC)
Delayed so many times its release date is now simply TBA, it’s hard to know what’s going on with this once highly anticipated action role-player.
Video game releases that are unlikely for 2022
Overwatch 2 (XO/PS4/NS/PC)
Officially this has no release date at all but according to an investor report Blizzard are now aiming for 2023. Although given the troubles at the company it’ll be lucky to make even that.
Diablo 4 (XO/PS4/PC)
This is even less likely to make it out this year, given the problems at Blizzard, but there should at least be some major new updates on how it’s getting on.
Assassin’s Creed Infinity
If Ubisoft had a new Assassin’s Creed planned for 2022 they’d probably have started talking about it by now, but instead they’ve concentrated solely on Valhalla’s DLC, including the upcoming Dawn Of Ragnarök.
Dragon Age 4
Considering BioWare recently said there’d be no news on Dragon Age 4 until 2022 suggests this is going to be 2023 at the earliest, with Mass Effect 4 even further off.
Perfect Dark (XSX/PC)
It’s unclear when to expect his reboot of Rare’s sci-fi first person shooter or why Microsoft had to bus Crystal Dynamics in to help out with development, but it’s unlikely to be out this year.
Metroid Prime 4 (NS)
Given the lack of previews in 2021 there seems zero chance this will be out until at least next year. The best you can probably hope for is a gameplay preview at E3 in June.
Beyond Good And Evil 2
The most likely outcome for this game is that it’ll be officially cancelled sometime in 2022, given the apparent lack of progress and the exit of series creator Michel Ancel.
Grand Theft Auto 6
The best guess at the moment is that a new GTA is several years away, which makes even hopes of an announcement this year a major longshot.
Half-Life 3
Valve’s renewed interest in console style gaming means an announcement is more likely than previous years, although recent rumours suggest serious development hasn’t even started yet.
Video games confirmed for 2023 or highly unlikely for 2022
Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS5)
Marvel’s Wolverine (PS5)
Alan Wake 2 (XSX/PS5/PC)
Wonder Woman (XSX/PS5/PC)
Slitterhead (PC)
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic Remake (PS5/PC)
The Outer Worlds 2 (XSX/PC)
Ubisoft’s Star Wars game
Everwild (XSX/PC)
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
MachineGames’ Indiana Jones game
Io Interactive’s Project 007 (XSX/PS5)
The Elder Scrolls 6
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Video games also confirmed for 2022:
12 January – Monster Hunter Rise (PC)
14 January – God Of War (PC)
28 January – Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection (PS5)
8 February – Sifu (PS4/PS5/PC)
8 February – OlliOlli World (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
8 February – Rumbleverse (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
10 February – CrossfireX (XO/XSX)
17 February – The King of Fighters 15 (PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
28 February – Grid Legends (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
February – Evil Dead: The Game (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
3 March – Babylon’s Fall (PS4/PS5/PC)
16 March – Tunic (XO/XSX/PC)
17 March – Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (PS4/NS/PC)
18 March – Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
Q1 – Salt And Sacrifice (PS4/PS4/PC)
Early 2022 – Stray (PS4/PS5/PC)
30 June – Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course (XO/PS4/NS/PC)
Q1/Q2 – AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PC)
Q2 – Moss: Book 2 (PSVR)
22 September – Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
Q3/Q4 – Kerbal Space Program 2 (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
Q4 – Homeworld 3 (PC)
Late 2022 – Company Of Heroes 3 (PC)
Christmas 2022 – Sea Of Stars (NS/PC)
2022 – Untitled Need For Speed game (XSX/PS5/PC)
2022 – Star Wars: Hunters (NS)
2022 – MultiVersus (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
2022 – Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt (PS5/PC)
2022 – Two Point Campus (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
2022 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge (NS/PC)
2022 – Metal Slug Tactics (NS/PC)
2022 – Frostpunk 2 (PC)
2022 – Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals (PS4/NS/PS5/PC)
2022 – Nightingale (PC)
2022 – Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (XO/PS4/NS/XSX/PS5/PC)
2022 – Open Roads (XO/PS4/XSX/PS5/PC)
2022 – Ark 2 (XSX/PC)
2022 – Slime Rancher 2 (XSX/PC)
2002 – Digimon Survive (XO/PS4/NS/PC)
2022 – Sol Cresta (PS4/NS/PC)
2022 – Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora (XSX/PS5/PC/Stadia)
2022 – Little Devil Inside (XO/PS4/NS/PS5/PC)
2002 – ARC Raiders (XSX/PS5/PC)
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