Xbox Team Pick Their Most Anticipated Games Of 2022

As we look ahead to gaming in 2022, we all have our own lists of games to look forward to. This year, the Xbox team has put together their own list, with some of the company's biggest faces sharing their 2022 gaming highlights.

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer doesn't chime in this time around (he's probably hella busy), but Major Nelson, Aaron Greenberg, Sarah Bond and more have told us what they're most looking forward to in 2022.

Without further ado, here's the full list:

Somerville

It’s just stunning – with art and audio that is beautiful and visceral, wrapped around the story of a family navigating the perils of post-apocalyptic earth. The moment the Jumpship team shared their vision with me years ago, I was hooked. Because at its core, this game is about doing all you can to protect those you love. What in life is more important?

- Sarah Bond, CVP, Game Creator Experience and Ecosystem

Starfield

There are so many great games coming out this year, but if I had to pick the game that I am most excited about, it would have to be 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 all-time favorite franchises. I really like how Todd talks about it isn’t just a game they are creating in Starfield, but also a universe. I can’t wait to escape into this new science fiction universe and explore everything they will bring to life with Starfield.

- Bonnie Ross, Head of 343 Industries

Redfall

Sometimes you see a game’s trailer and you just know it’s going to be special. Squadding up in an open world full of vampires is definitely going to scratch a very specific, but long-standing, itch and I’m all for it. Then again… there’s something about venturing into the darkness alone that is calling my name. Either way, Redfall has me counting down the days until it releases later this year. Oh, and who could forget that sick reload animation from Layla?

- Malik Prince, Communications Manager, Content Creator Relations

Slime Rancher 2

In this follow up to the squishy smash hit Slime Rancher, you’ll be able to continue your adventure as Beatrix LeBeau on her trek to Rainbow Island in Slime Rancher 2. Collect slime, build a conservatory, and discover more of what made 10-million players happy with slime. As a bonus, it is coming on day one to Xbox Game Pass!

- Larry Hryb, Xbox’s Major Nelson

Tunic

I can’t wait to play Tunic. I love action-adventure games and that tiny fox in a big world stole my heart at E3 2018. I’m looking forward to the exploration, combat and discovering the secrets of this world.

- Mary McGuane, Studio Head, Xbox Game Studios

Marvel's Midnight Suns

In addition to seeing how Sea of Thieves evolves in 2022, I’m looking forward to Marvel’s Midnight Suns. I love the bold choice in character roster as well as the art style and I’m a big fan of the Firaxis team and Marvel comic-related storylines. This game feels made for me.

- Craig Duncan, Rare Studio Head

Atomic Heart

I’m a sucker for first-person, story-driven games, having had the opportunity to see the insane visuals for Atomic Heart and the crazy, brilliant world that Mundfish has created, I can’t wait to play and experience it firsthand. I’m looking forward to seeing what the millions of Game Pass players think too!

- Matt Percy, General Manager of Xbox Business Planning

Gotham Knights

Gotham Knights is one of my most anticipated games in 2022. Rocksteady redefined DC’s Batman universe and created one of my personal favorite franchises with the Arkham series of games. I can’t wait to see how WB Montreal expands it even further with four new characters and co-op action gameplay.

- Jason Ronald, Head of Xbox Platform

Rainbow Six Extraction

After spending the holidays playing The Division 2 with my husband and my son, I’m super excited for Rainbow Six Extraction coming out on January 20 (especially now that it is hitting Game Pass on day one). Co-op PVE shooters FTW in the McKissick household!

- Ashley McKissick, CVP of Gaming Experiences Engineering

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

The setup for Savathûn in 2021 has been a lot of fun for The Witch Queen. From the crafting updates that have been discussed to the ability to wield my own Glaive in battle, this Guardian is ready to squad up and see what kind of journey Bungie is about to take us on. See y’all starside!

- Josh Stein, Xbox Social Media Manager

A Plague Tale: Requiem

So. Many. Rats. Seriously, all of the rats. Just all of them. A Plague Tale: Innocence left me with a “what is up with this boy and why are there SO MANY RATS AND WHAT IS GOING ON” feeling, so I’m excited to resolve that in Requiem, and maybe just to see how many rats they really can animate on screen at the same time. I expect it’s a lot… (also should go without saying, but excited for day one with PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass!)

- Megan Spurr, Community Lead for Xbox Game Pass

Dying Light 2

Not gonna lie: I’m not usually a huge expansive open-world action zombie survival guy. But 500 hours sounds great, so for 2022 I’m looking forward to Techland’s expansive open-world action zombie survival game.

- Seth Schiesel, Director of Executive Communications for Xbox

Starfield

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 that it will be a game that defines the next generation.

- Aaron Greenberg, General Manager of Games Marketing

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Like a lot of people my age, Star Wars has been a big part of my life for, well, my whole life. I love the LEGO Star Wars games because they’re the perfect way to pass my Star Wars love on to the little padawans in my life and this collection will allow us to play through LEGO-fied versions of all nine movies. I just hope my fellow Kiwi Temuera Morrison voices Jango and Boba Fett like he has in other Star Wars games.

- Tom Mahoney, Director of Third-Party Games Marketing

Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl

I always have a soft spot for a post-apocalyptic adventure and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is right on point for what I enjoy. It’s got everything: Moody visuals, a foreboding world, and characters with personality.

- Brian Fargo, Studio Head, inXile entertainment

Saints Row

The Saints Row series has provided me with vivid gaming memories: hot dropping onto a rooftop to Kanye in Saints Row 3, becoming a superhero in Saints Row 4, laughing til I cried playing minigames in the original. I was always down for whatever the next Saints Row would be, but looking like that surprise announce trailer? Give it to me now.

- Jeff Rubenstein, Director of New Platforms

Elden Ring

Ohhhhhhhhhh, Elden Ring. From the original Dark Souls to Sekiro, I’ve beaten all of From Software’s action-RPGs multiple times, relishing in that incredibly satisfying feeling of besting every challenge that’s been thrown at me. I’m also a sucker for open-world games, having 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 be getting when Elden Ring drops in February. I absolutely can’t wait to battle massive bosses with nothing but a sword and my reflexes. Bring it on!

- Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief

What's your most anticipated Xbox game of 2022? Let us know below.