2022 was a year to remember for gamers. From stunning graphics and spellbinding open worlds to engrossing lore and storytelling, the best games of 2022 had it all. Sequels to triple-A titles like God of War: Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West sure delivered, while indie gems such as Stray and Cult of the Lamb surprisingly took the world by storm.
Can 2023 meet the same standards, then? With several delayed games finally coming out, and as many exciting sequels to beloved franchises slated for release, the coming year looks to be just as promising as the last. So, here are some much-anticipated video games to look forward to in the upcoming months.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy looks to be the game every Potterhead feverishly dreamt of. Developed by Avalanche Software in collaboration with Warner Bros., this RPG will be the first open-world set within the wizarding universe penned by J.K. Rowling. Kicking off in fifth year, players will be able to explore Hogwarts like never before, attending witchcraft classes and going on adventures in iconic locations such as the Forbidden Forest or Diagon Alley. Of course, brewing potions, taming mythical creatures, and confronting fellow witches and wizards in wand-to-wand combat will also be on the menu.
Initially scheduled for release in 2021, though, Hogwarts Legacy was postponed to 2022’s holiday season. But as fans were expecting to get a cartridge waiting for them under the Christmas tree, developers once again delayed the game’s release date to early 2023. And bad news piled up lately, as the PS4 and Xbox One versions were yet again pushed to April 4. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch owners were told to wait until July 25 to get their hands on a copy. Still, the release on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S remains unaffected by these last-minute changes and will roll on February 10.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In 2017 came the Zelda adventure millions of fans had always wanted. A true game-changer, Breath of the Wild took the franchise to the next level by introducing a ground-breaking open-world setting. Five years later, the title has sold a whopping 25 million units worldwide. And the next instalment in the beloved series might be heading for an equally resounding success. Incidentally, Tears of the Kingdom already bagged an award for most-anticipated game at the Game Award 2022.
A direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, the twentieth game in the franchise will pick up where its predecessor left off. But developers are also cooking up some intriguing new mechanics, such as the ability for Link to dive from the skies. Little else is known, apart from the footage disclosed in a short trailer posted last September. Thankfully, avid fans only have to wait until May 12, 2023, for that much-awaited comeback to Hyrule on the Nintendo Switch.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
The Assassins are going back to their roots with the upcoming title in Ubisoft’s flagship franchise, coming out on PC and consoles sometime in 2023. Returning to the Middle East after sixteen years, Assassin’s Creed Mirage will embark players across 9th-century Baghdad alongside Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. With only one city to explore extensively, a refined focus on assassination, and more stealth-oriented gameplay, the future game sets out to be a thrilling throwback to the original. Despite leaks hinting at it, though, Mirage won’t introduce lootboxes nor an in-game gambling system.
Indeed, the game was briefly – and mistakenly – thought to be rated AO. Gamers expecting some Middle-Eastern-themed gambling may thus turn to real money casinos instead. Pokies like Simbat’s Aladdin or JILI’s Ali Baba await among hundreds of fun-filled machine slots. Better yet, newcomers and long-time players can claim lofty rewards like welcome offers and free spins. Classic tabletop games also abound to make bank, from Blackjack to live poker and dice-based strategy games reminiscent of Valhalla’s Orlog minigame.
Here you have it, three of the most anticipated video games to hit the shelves in 2023. And many more titles are hyping gamers up, from Bethesda’s ambitious sci-fi adventure, Starfield, to much-awaited remakes like Silent Hill. Sequels like Final Fantasy XVI and Diablo IV may also be smashing hits in the making. So, which game are you most eagerly craving? Let us know down below.
