The new year is finally upon us, so it’s time to clear the 2021 game backlogs in anticipation of the games’ release in 2022. Here at Team Xbox, we always look forward to what’s just over the horizon, so we’ve been thinking about releasing our most anticipated titles in 2022. With this in mind, we decided to interview various members of the team. There’s something for everyone this year, from big-budget blockbusters to starfield (Spoilers: it actually made the list twice) and elden ring to indie darlings like tunic and Atomic Heart.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the games we can’t wait to play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in the coming year, including many coming on day one of Xbox Game Pass.
Somerville (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
It’s simply stunning – with beautiful and visceral art and audio that weaves around the story of a family navigating the perils of a post-apocalyptic Earth. When the Jumpship team shared their vision with me years ago, I was thrilled. Because at its core, this game is about doing whatever it takes to protect those you love. What is more important in life? – Sarah Bond, CVP, Game Creator Experience and Ecosystem.
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
starfield (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
There are so many great games coming out this year, but if I had to pick the game I’m most looking forward to, this would have to be it starfield. I love the worlds and experiences that Todd Howard and the team at Bethesda Game Studios have created over the decades as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout are two of my absolute favorite franchises. I really like how Todd talks about how it’s not just a game where they create starfield, but also a universe. I can’t wait to escape into this new sci-fi universe and explore everything they will bring to life starfield. – Bonnie Ross, head of 343 Industries
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
redfall (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
Sometimes you see a game’s trailer and you just know it’s going to be something special. Joining forces in an open world filled with vampires is definitely going to scratch a very specific but longstanding itch, and I’m all for it. Then again…there’s something about venturing alone in the dark that calls my name. In any case, redfall makes me count down to the release later this year. Oh, and who could forget that sick reload animation from Layla? – Malik Prince, Communications Manager, Content Creator Relations
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
slime breeder 2 (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
In this sequel to the squishy hit slime grower, you can continue your adventure as Beatrix LeBeau on her journey to Rainbow Island in slime breeder 2. Collect slime, build a conservatory and discover more about what has made 10 million players happy with slime. As a bonus, Xbox Game Pass comes on day one! – Larry Hryb, Major Nelson of Xbox
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
tunic (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
I can’t wait to play tunic. I love action-adventure games and this little fox in a big world stole my heart at E3 2018. I look forward to exploring, fighting and discovering the mysteries of this world. – Mary McGuane, Studio Head, Xbox Game Studios
Marvel’s Midnight Sun (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
In addition to see how Sea of Thieves Developed in 2022, looking forward to Marvel’s midnight suns. I love the bold character choices and art style, and I’m a huge fan of the Firaxis team and the Marvel Comics-related storylines. This game feels like it was made for me. – Craig Duncan, Rare Studio Head
Atomic Heart (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
I’m a fan of story driven first person games as I had the chance to see the insane graphics Atomic Heart and the crazy brilliant world that Mundfish has created, I can’t wait to play and experience it first hand. I look forward to seeing what the millions of Game Pass players think too! – Matt Percy, General Manager of Xbox Business Planning
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
Gotham Knights (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
Gotham Knights is one of my most anticipated games of 2022. Rocksteady redefined the DC Batman universe and created one of my personal favorite franchises with the Arkham series of games. I can’t wait to see WB Montreal taking it even further with four new characters and co-op action gameplay. – Jason Ronald, Head of Xbox Platform
Rainbow Six extraction (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
After playing on vacation The department 2 I’m super excited with my husband and son Rainbow Six extraction coming January 20th (especially now that it’s coming to Game Pass on day one). Co-op PVE shooter FTW in McKissick’s household! – Ashley McKissick, CVP of Gaming Experiences Engineering
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
The setup for Savathûn in 2021 was a lot of fun The Witch Queen. From the crafting updates discussed to being able to wield my own Glaive in combat, this Guardian is ready to band together and see what kind of journey Bungie will take us on. See you on the Starside! – Josh Stein, Xbox Social Media Manager
A Plague Tale: Requiem (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
So many. rats. Seriously, all rats. Simply everyone. A Plague Story: Innocence left me with a “what’s up with this boy and why are there so many rats and what’s up?” feeling so I’m looking forward to solving that in Requiem and maybe just seeing how many rats they really animate can screen simultaneously. I expect it to be a lot… (should go without saying, but I’m excited for day one of PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass!) – Megan Spurr, Community Lead for Xbox Game Pass
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
dying light 2 (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
I’m not going to lie: I’m not usually a huge, expansive, open-world, action-zombie survival guy. But 500 hours sounds great, so I’m looking forward to Techland’s massive open world action zombie survival game for 2022. – Seth Schiesel, Head of Executive Communications for Xbox
starfield (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
My most anticipated game of 2022 is the first new universe in 25 years from the incredibly talented minds at Bethesda Game Studios. It reminds me of the magic of early space exploration and I expect it will be a game that will define the next generation. – Aaron Greenberg, General Manager of Games Marketing
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
Like many people my age, Star Wars has been a big part of my life, well, my entire life. I love the LEGO Star Wars games because they are the perfect way to pass my love of Star Wars on to the little padawans in my life and this collection will allow us to play through LEGO versions of all nine films. I just hope my colleague Temuera Morrison will voice Jango and Boba Fett like he has in other Star Wars games. – Tom Mahoney, Director of Third-Party Game Marketing
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)
I’ve always had a thing for post-apocalyptic adventures and STALKER 2 is just right for what I enjoy. It has everything: atmospheric pictures, a dark world and characters with personality. – Brian Fargo, Studio Head, inXile Entertainment
On day one of Game Pass on PC, Console and Cloud.
Saints Row (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
the Saints Row Series gave me vivid gaming memories: Hot drop onto a roof with Kanye Saint row 3to become a superhero in Saints Row 4, laughed until I cried playing mini-games in the original. I was always ready for whatever next Saints Row would be, but what does this surprise announcement trailer look like? give it to me now – Jeff Rubenstein, Director of New Platforms
elden ring (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)
Ohhhhhhh, Elden Ring. From the original Dark Souls to Axe, I’ve mastered all of From Software’s action RPGs multiple times and I enjoy that incredibly satisfying feeling of conquering every challenge that’s thrown at me. I’m also a fan of open world games as I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. There’s pretty much nothing that appeals to me more than an open world from software title, and that’s exactly what I’ll get when Elden Ring comes out in February. I can’t wait to fight massive bosses with nothing but a sword and my reflexes. Bring it on! — Will Tuttle, Editor-in-Chief of Xbox Wire
