5 Gaming Trends to Watch Out For in 2022

It’s hard to believe we’re already in 2022, but that also means it’s time to look forward to what the year has in store in the world of gaming.

Year after year developers are pushing technology to the limits to bring us cutting edge graphics, more immersive gameplay and more epic storylines. We’ll see brand new titles, reimaginings of classics, tantalising sequels and the year of the metaverse(s). Despite the pandemic throwing up a load of problems across all industries – video games included – it seems that evolution is inherently tied up with gaming, which is part of what makes it so exciting. Without further ado, let’s look at 5 gaming trends to whet your appetite for the year ahead.

Zelda-likes

When Zelda: Breath of the Wild dropped back in 2017 it felt more like a breath of fresh air. Gone were some of the more irritating, clunky trappings of the series (markers, item checklists, and cascading objectives) with a firm emphasis on naturalistic and intuitive exploration and discovery of the vast and beautiful open world. One of the main positive features of Breath of the Wild is the ability to climb almost anything in the game, meaning that you don’t have to tread an established path.

Not only did the game enchant long time fans of the classic series, it also inspired a glut of “Zelda-likes”. These include the sequel to Breath of the Wild, which is much anticipated, Sonic Frontiers, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Elden Ring. The year 2022 is the year open world games are going to become more open.

Metaverses

In the wake of Facebook’s rebirth as Meta expect to see many established titles adopt the format of the Metaverse, as well as a deluge of brand new games embracing it.

Gaming is about to become even more multiplayer, if such a thing was possible. Expect to see a heavier focus on social interaction, with a new dimension added with the news that AR/XR headsets from Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are on the way. Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox are three big titles who have already bitten the apple, and more will surely follow as the year goes on.

Casino games

Online casinos have been swelling in popularity in recent years and seem to be attracting a whole new audience of, well, gamers into their establishments.

Part of the reason for this phenomenon is the development of games that utilise the cutting edge graphics seen in other parts of the gaming world, especially with slot machines. And expect to see more incorporation of storylines, levels, and gameplay that goes beyond the spin of the roulette wheel or the flop of aces on the card table as 2022 goes on. New players needn’t worry about finding a reputable place to play, with sites like irishluck.ie providing honest reviews for online casinos and betting sites since 2016, they are equipped. Online casinos are also suited to mobile devices, another reason that draws more and more punters in.

Superheroes

The year 2022 will see a diversification from the superhero game template that has served many franchises well in recent years. Rather than a third-person adventure format with plenty of combat action and jumping about, developers are looking to add some depth with more role playing elements and character development.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that we won’t have anything from the big hitters in the genre – Marvel’s Midnight Suns, a tactical role-playing game, set to drop this year, is highly anticipated, with a customisable central character and a playable roster that includes Iron Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel and Blade. We’ll also see some retro action with TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, a side-scrolling beat ’em up in the vein of Double Dragon. And if you need more absurdly violent faced paced action, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League from Arkham developer Rocksteady is due to come out this year.

The reboot

We mentioned the effects of the pandemic on the gaming industry. Well, some developers have chosen to play it safe this year, cautiously releasing reboots of old and beloved classics. But this doesn’t mean it’ll be boring, as there is a lot to look forward to.

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is coming, finally. Actually a reboot of a reboot (the original Sands of Time came out in 2003 as an update of the classic 1989 version), the game had been pushed back twice since its announcement in 2020, as fans reacted badly to the trailer. However, Indian studios Ubisoft Mumbai and Ubisoft Pune who are behind the release seem to be happy with it now. For some serious nostalgia there are original Playstation titles being rebooted too – expect to see new versions of Vagrant Story, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Bushido Blade hitting the shelves.

So, lots to look forward to in 2022. No matter what genre of game you’re into, the developers have you covered.