As the gaming year progresses, players worldwide eagerly anticipate the next wave of immersive experiences. The video above has offered a tantalizing glimpse into some of the most exciting new games of 2022, focusing specifically on titles slated for release in the second half of the year. While release dates are always subject to change in the dynamic world of video game development, this comprehensive guide expands on those highlighted titles, offering deeper insights into their worlds, mechanics, and why they are being so widely anticipated. Prepare to explore a diverse array of genres, from action-packed shooters and stealth adventures to sprawling RPGs and strategic combat, all set to arrive across major consoles and PC.
Navigating the Second Half of 2022’s Anticipated Game Releases
The latter half of any gaming year often delivers some of its most impactful titles, and 2022 is no exception. A rich tapestry of games is being prepared, promising to captivate players with innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and stunning visuals. Our journey through these upcoming releases is designed to provide you with all the essential details, complementing the overview provided in the video, and ensuring you are well-informed about the adventures that await.
1. Evil West: A Supernatural Western Showdown
Kicking off our list of new games of 2022 is Evil West, an action-packed third-person shooter that promises unadulterated video game fun. Developed by Flying Wild Hog, this title plunges players into an alternate Wild West where vampires and other monstrous entities have overrun the frontier. As a lone vampire hunter, equipped with a six-shooter, an arsenal of gadgets, and a powerful lightning-fueled gauntlet, players are tasked with obliterating these supernatural threats. The game is being designed as a linear adventure, focusing on explosive combat and gory finishing moves, reminiscent of action titles from the 2000s and 2010s. Its premise alone, combining cowboys with gothic horror, ensures a unique blend of familiar and fantastic elements.
- Release Date: September 20, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter, Action, Horror
2. High on Life: Sci-Fi Comedy from Squanch Games
From the creative minds at Squanch Games, led by Justin Roiland (co-creator of Rick and Morty), comes High on Life. This first-person shooter distinguishes itself with its signature brand of surreal humor and bizarre sci-fi aesthetics. Players will find themselves interacting with an array of sentient, talking alien guns, each possessing its own unique personality and comedic timing. The game is celebrated for its commitment to off-the-wall comedy, bolstered by a talented cast of voice actors and comedians. After successfully developing several compelling VR projects, Squanch Games appears to be aiming for a larger-scale, ambitious title that seeks to be a refreshing departure from traditional shooters. (Note: The video states an October 5th release, which is the confirmed date for PC and Xbox.)
- Release Date: October 25, 2022
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Comedy, Sci-Fi
3. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum: A Stealthy Middle-earth Journey
Venturing into the shadows of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum offers a unique perspective on Tolkien’s epic saga. This title, developed by Daedalic Entertainment, focuses entirely on the tormented creature Gollum (or Sméagol), emphasizing stealth, platforming, and narrative choices rather than combat. Given Gollum’s inherent weakness, players are encouraged to avoid direct confrontation, utilizing his agility and cunning to navigate the treacherous environments. The game’s art style presents a fresh interpretation of iconic characters and locations, distinct from the beloved films. While initial gameplay trailers have generated mixed reactions, the prospect of a truly dedicated stealth experience in the Lord of the Rings universe remains an intriguing proposition for fans.
- Release Date: September 1, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre: Stealth, Action-Adventure
4. Stray: A Feline Adventure in a Robot City
Few games have captured collective attention quite like Stray, the “cat game” that stole hearts with its charming premise. Players embody a lost cat in a beautifully rendered, seemingly abandoned cyberpunk city populated solely by robots. This third-person adventure blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and light platforming as the feline protagonist, accompanied by a small drone companion, seeks to unravel the city’s mysteries and find a way home. The game thoughtfully incorporates authentic cat behaviors, allowing players to scratch furniture, knock objects off shelves, and generally embody the mischievous yet endearing nature of a housecat. Its unique perspective and atmospheric world have positioned it as one of the standout indie darlings among the upcoming games of 2022.
- Release Date: July 19, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Platformer
5. Marvel’s Midnight Suns: Tactical Superhero Strategy
Firaxis Games, renowned for its XCOM series, brings its tactical prowess to the Marvel Universe with Marvel’s Midnight Suns. This turn-based strategy RPG brings together a roster of iconic Marvel heroes, including Wolverine, Doctor Strange, Blade, and Ghost Rider, to confront a supernatural threat led by Lilith, the Mother of Demons. The game features a unique card-based combat system for executing moves and attacks, encouraging strategic depth and team synergy. Beyond combat, players will manage a customizable base, forging bonds with heroes, and influencing the narrative through dialogue choices. The darker tone and strategic gameplay offer a fresh take on the Marvel franchise, appealing to both comic book enthusiasts and fans of deep tactical experiences.
- Release Date: October 7, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre: Turn-Based Strategy, RPG
6. Skull and Bones: Ubisoft’s Long-Awaited Pirate Saga
After years of development and anticipation, Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones is finally setting sail. This pirate adventure game places players in the boots of a custom-created pirate captain, navigating the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean. The core gameplay revolves around naval combat, ship customization, and resource management, allowing players to engage in thrilling battles, explore exotic locations, and build their piratical empire. While a single-player campaign is included, much of the excitement is expected to stem from its multiplayer aspects, allowing crews of friends to conquer the seas together, akin to titles like Sea of Thieves but with a distinct Ubisoft approach to realism and progression. This title is expected to deliver a robust pirate fantasy.
- Release Date: November 8, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Naval Combat
7. Splatoon 3: More Ink-Slinging Fun
Nintendo’s beloved colorful shooter returns with Splatoon 3, bringing back its signature competitive multiplayer, innovative gameplay modes, and vibrant art style. This latest installment for the Nintendo Switch promises an expanded single-player adventure set in the “Splatlands,” a new desert-themed region, alongside the always-addictive 4v4 ink-turf wars. New weapons, abilities, and customization options are being introduced, aiming to deepen the strategic depth and creative expression that the franchise is known for. The unique mechanic of transforming between humanoid and squid forms to traverse environments and refill ink makes Splatoon a standout in the shooter genre, captivating players with its unique blend of chaotic fun and strategic ink-flinging action.
- Release Date: September 9, 2022
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter, Multiplayer
8. Saints Row: A Daring Reboot
The irreverent open-world series receives a complete reboot with simply Saints Row. Dropping the numerical suffix, this new entry rebuilds the franchise from the ground up, introducing a fresh cast of characters and a new desert-inspired city called Santo Ileso. Players create their own “Boss” and assemble a new criminal empire, engaging in the signature over-the-top antics and chaotic sandbox gameplay that defines the series. While some initial skepticism was expressed about the reboot’s ability to retain the series’ outrageous humor and freedom, previews have confirmed that the core tenets of Saints Row — insane hijinks, extensive customization, and a playful disregard for realism — are firmly intact. It promises a return to gloriously silly open-world fun.
- Release Date: August 23, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Genre: Open-World, Action-Adventure
9. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Generation IX Arrives
Marking the official beginning of the ninth generation of the Pokémon series, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are eagerly awaited game releases for the Nintendo Switch. Following the innovative open-world design elements introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, these titles are set to deliver a fully 3D, wide-open world experience for a more traditional Pokémon adventure. Players will explore vast landscapes, capture new Pokémon, and engage in turn-based battles, all within a vibrant new region. While details are still emerging, the promise of a truly expansive and interconnected world where players can seamlessly transition between different environments has generated considerable excitement among both long-time fans and newcomers.
- Release Date: November 18, 2022
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Genre: RPG, Adventure
10. Atomic Heart: BioShock-Inspired Soviet Sci-Fi
Atomic Heart is an exceptionally ambitious first-person shooter set in an alternate-history Soviet Union, heavily inspired by the atmospheric storytelling and aesthetic of the BioShock series. Players will navigate a dystopian world filled with malfunctioning robots, grotesque mutated creatures, and experimental technologies. The game’s unique blend of retro-futurism, psychological horror, and intense combat has captivated audiences since its reveal. While a firm release date has been elusive due to the turbulent development cycle that often plagues ambitious projects, it is still expected in Q4 2022, though patience is being encouraged to ensure a polished final product. Its creative vision and distinctive setting position it as a truly unique title among the anticipated games of 2022.
- Release Date: Q4 2022 (Subject to change)
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Action, RPG, Horror
11. Overwatch 2: The Evolution of a Hero Shooter
Overwatch 2 represents a significant evolution for Blizzard’s popular hero shooter. While much of the initial focus has been on its PvP (Player vs. Player) beta, which introduced new heroes, maps, and a shift to 5v5 team compositions, the game is also set to feature a robust PvE (Player vs. Environment) story mode and hero missions. A major announcement confirmed that Overwatch 2 will be a free-to-play release, making the competitive multiplayer accessible to a broader audience. This shift is set to invigorate the game’s community and introduce a fresh meta for competitive players, with new strategic layers to explore. Hardcore fans will appreciate the nuanced changes to heroes and gameplay, while new players can jump in without an upfront cost.
- Release Date: October 4, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Hero Shooter, Multiplayer, PvE
12. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: A Sprawling JRPG Epic
Monolith Soft continues its acclaimed JRPG series with Xenoblade Chronicles 3, a highly anticipated title for the Nintendo Switch. Known for its vast open worlds, intricate character building, and engaging action-oriented combat, the Xenoblade series offers hundreds of hours of exploration and storytelling. This installment aims to connect the narratives of its predecessors, Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, bringing together characters and themes into a grander saga. With deep lore, a unique battle system that blends real-time action with tactical commands, and a memorable cast, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is poised to be a standout title for JRPG enthusiasts, delivering on the promise of expansive adventure and emotional depth.
- Release Date: July 29, 2022
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Genre: JRPG, Open-World, Action RPG
13. Scorn: A Giger-Inspired Biopunk Nightmare
Scorn is a first-person horror game that stands out with its incredibly unique and disturbing aesthetic, heavily influenced by the biomechanical art of H.R. Giger, the designer behind the Alien xenomorph. Players are thrust into a grotesque, organic world constructed from flesh, bone, and machinery, where the environment itself seems to be alive and hostile. Gameplay appears to blend exploration, environmental puzzle-solving, and sparse, visceral combat, though the exact balance of these elements remains somewhat enigmatic. The game has been a long time coming, with its striking visuals and oppressive atmosphere promising a truly unsettling and memorable experience for those brave enough to delve into its biopunk nightmare. It’s a prime example of distinct new games of 2022.
- Release Date: October 21, 2022
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: First-Person Horror, Puzzle, Adventure
14. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: A Gritty Return
The immensely popular Call of Duty franchise returns with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed 2019 reboot. Known for its realistic military campaigns, cutting-edge graphics, and fast-paced multiplayer, this installment is expected to build upon the successes of its predecessor. While specific details about the campaign and multiplayer innovations are gradually being revealed, the game is set to deliver intense action and a compelling narrative that pushes the boundaries of cinematic storytelling in gaming. For many, a Call of Duty release is an annual event, and Modern Warfare 2 aims to provide both familiar thrills and fresh experiences to keep the series at the forefront of the FPS genre.
- Release Date: October 28, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
15. Gotham Knights: The Bat-Family Steps Up
With Batman tragically deceased, Gotham Knights tasks the remaining Bat-Family — Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood — with protecting Gotham City from a rising criminal underworld, including villains rarely seen in games like the Court of Owls. This open-world action RPG offers both single-player and cooperative two-player experiences, allowing heroes to team up and cruise through Gotham’s streets on Bat-cycles. While combat shares similarities with the Arkham series, it introduces new mechanics tailored for cooperative play and individual character abilities. As a dedicated fan of Batman lore, the opportunity to explore Gotham as different members of the Bat-Family and delve into new narratives is highly anticipated, despite some initial concerns about combat fluidity that only hands-on play can truly address.
- Release Date: October 25, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Genre: Action RPG, Open-World, Co-op
16. A Plague Tale: Requiem: A Darker, More Desperate Journey
Following the harrowing narrative of A Plague Tale: Innocence, A Plague Tale: Requiem escalates the stakes for Amicia and her supernaturally gifted brother, Hugo. This single-player action-adventure game continues their desperate struggle for survival in a plague-ridden, rat-infested France. Amicia, having matured, is depicted as a more capable and formidable survivor, suggesting an increased focus on combat alongside the series’ hallmark stealth and puzzle-solving elements. Hugo’s mysterious powers are also explored further, promising new gameplay mechanics and narrative complexities. The first game was praised for its emotional depth, brutal beauty, and unique blend of historical fiction and supernatural horror. Requiem aims to build upon this foundation, delivering an even more intense and unforgettable experience. (Note: The transcript listed “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion” at this spot but described A Plague Tale: Requiem. For accuracy, this entry covers A Plague Tale: Requiem.)
- Release Date: October 18, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version), PC
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth, Survival Horror
17. Hogwarts Legacy: An Immersive Wizarding World RPG
Hogwarts Legacy promises to be the definitive Harry Potter game many fans have been waiting for. This open-world action RPG allows players to create their own student, choose their Hogwarts house, and embark on a unique adventure set in the wizarding world during the late 1800s, centuries before the events of the Harry Potter books. As a prequel, it introduces an original story and new characters, allowing players to discover untold history and face previously unseen dangers. The game combines exploration of iconic locations like Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade, learning spells, brewing potions, and taming magical beasts, with a compelling narrative. The concept of attending classes while also engaging in a grand magical quest fulfills a long-held desire for an immersive school-life RPG, filling a void perhaps left by titles like Bully or Persona in a different fantastical setting. It’s set to be a highlight of the upcoming game releases 2022 holiday season.
- Release Date: Holiday 2022 (Exact date TBD)
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre: Action RPG, Open-World
18. God of War Ragnarök: Kratos and Atreus’ Next Chapter
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated new games of 2022, God of War Ragnarök continues the epic saga of Kratos and Atreus in the Norse realms. Following the critically acclaimed God of War (2018), this sequel promises to escalate the conflict as Fimbulwinter gives way to the prophesied Ragnarök. Players can expect larger, more detailed worlds to explore, an expanded combat system with new abilities for both Kratos and Atreus, and a deeper dive into Norse mythology. The narrative is a particular draw, with the relationship between father and son at its core, exploring themes of destiny, choice, and familial bonds. The tease of formidable new antagonists like Freya and Thor further amplifies the excitement for this visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure, promising a truly unforgettable gaming experience.
- Release Date: November 9, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash
More Anticipated Titles for 2022
While the video highlighted the top games, several other promising titles are also expected to grace screens this year. These additions only further cement 2022 as a packed year for anticipated game releases across various platforms.
- The Last of Us Part I: A full remake of the original, beloved game, rebuilt for the PlayStation 5 and PC to leverage modern technology and visual fidelity.
- Sons of the Forest: The much-awaited sequel to the popular survival horror game, The Forest, promising more terrifying encounters and intricate base-building.
- Sonic Frontiers: A new direction for the iconic hedgehog, featuring an “open-zone” platforming adventure that aims to reinvent the Sonic formula.
- Outlast Trials: The next terrifying installment in the Outlast horror series, this time offering a multiplayer experience in a Cold War-era setting, though a specific release date is still pending at the time of writing.
- Soul Hackers 2: A cyberpunk RPG from Atlus, blending traditional Japanese role-playing elements with futuristic themes and demon-summoning mechanics.
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion: A remaster of the PSP classic, bringing the prequel story of Zack Fair to modern platforms with updated graphics and gameplay, initially listed as #5 in the transcript but correctly noted here as a bonus title for 2022.
The latter half of 2022 is truly shaping up to be an extraordinary period for gaming, offering something for every type of player. From high-octane action to deep strategic experiences, and from heartwarming narratives to chilling horror, the variety among these new games of 2022 ensures that the coming months will be filled with countless hours of entertainment. Keep an eye on these releases, as they are poised to leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape.
