As 2021 drew to a close, it was evident that almost two years of the Covid-19 pandemic had affected the games industry. From ever present PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X console shortages worldwide, to a shift to a more hybrid working format for many studios, 2021 was certainly a unique year for the industry.

With 2022 now in full swing, we’re looking ahead to what’s shaping up to be an exciting year for the industry. Numerous huge titles and returns of beloved franchises are slated for a 2022 release as well as hopefully the return of full in-person events.

There are plenty of games to get excited about this year, so check out the team’s personal most anticipated games of 2022.

Debbie Lloyd, Senior Account Manager

It was difficult to narrow down just one game that I’m most excited about this year. But, as a hardcore Final Fantasy VII fan, my most anticipated game has to be Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis, coming to iOS and Android. Bringing three games together (Before Crisis, Crisis Core and Dirge of Cerberus) I can’t wait to dive into (or back into, in some cases) these companion stories to one of my favourite games of all time, and all completely free to play whenever and wherever I feel like it.

Paulina Ziecik, Office Manager

One of the biggest and most anticipated games coming out this year has to be Horizon Forbidden West. This is a continuation of the story from Horizon Zero Dawn, which, for me, was one of the best games I’ve ever played. I cannot wait to explore more lands, stories and new dangerous machines in an even bigger open world. The game is coming out a day before my birthday, so I think that’s a great excuse to get my hands on Collectors Edition ASAP.

Niall De’Ath, Account Manager

This year sees a surprisingly large number of long anticipated titles finally set to release, which has already set a wildly high bar for 2022. I’m always fascinated by how games change during their development, so first on my list is Dying Light 2, a game that despite a large number of challenges has seemingly managed to stay true to its objectives of a story driven but vast open world.

Stewart Clark, Junior Account Executive

After finally managing to get my hands on a PlayStation 5 last year, I am very much looking forward to Sony’s numerous anticipated exclusive releases this year. Horizon Forbidden West looks an absolute delight with its more water-based and tropical setting, as well as God of War Ragnarök, which looks to be continuing Kratos’ exhilarating expansion into Norse mythology with his son Atreus. Despite not having any games slated for a 2022 release so far, I’m particularly anticipating some big news for Naughty Dog and I’m hopeful that they will announce a brand new franchise this year.

Matthew Holden-Williams, Junior Account Executive

Long before deciding on a career in PR I wanted to be an astronaut, and if I’m being completely honest with myself, I don’t think I’m over the fact that I will never be an astronaut (It’s the glasses!) So, my most anticipated game for 2022 is Kerbal Space Program 2! I am itching to get back into the cockpit with the hapless little green men. Although, my frequently explosive habit of strapping as many boosters to a rocket as I can means that they may be less enthused about my return.

James Wright – Account Director

I’m now loathed to include STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl as it has been through development hell and most recently, there has been another delay, meaning one of my most anticipated titles which was meant to be coming to Xbox Game Pass in April may now not see the light of day until later in the year, or even 2023, reports suggest. But despite this, it is going to be one of the biggest titles launching on Game Pass in 2022 (not developed by Microsoft) and expect when it eventually lands, it will be all kinds of wonderful horror RPG greatness.

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Mark Hamill – Associate Director

It’s got to be Final Fantasy XVI. A return to high fantasy? Naoki Yoshida at the helm? We haven’t heard too much about it yet – but it has been heavily hinted to release this year (wishful thinking?). Given it’s the 35th anniversary of Final Fantasy this year, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. In the meantime, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin from the team behind Nioh, and the post Zodiark-Hydaelyn saga content being released this year on Final Fantasy XIV will keep my Final Fantasy habit sated.

Liam G – Senior Digital Designer

My top upcoming release is Company Of Heroes 3, and I’ll explain why. My favourite strategy title (and probably game, full stop) has to be Civilization. Sadly that’s not due a new release this year, however my favourite period of Civ gameplay is the modern era when the speed at which the human race advanced industrially and mechanically provided the most exciting moments of gameplay, and where there was a race to be the first to this era where the tactical winner was normally decided. I’ve also been a huge fan of Battlefield games because the innovative level of physics based destruction marries well with war torn environments (and hiding in a building doesn’t guarantee any level of safety!).