2022 continues to be a massive year for video games. Between franchises such as God of War, Pokemon, and Harry Potter, the PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch, PC, and Stadia have some mammoth titles to host. Here’s a look into the biggest games and potential release dates.

The beginning of 2022 will signal over a year since the PS5, and Xbox Series X took video games to the ninth generation of consoles. Developers have had plenty of time to chew the fat and harness the power of the consoles to create immense AAA experiences.

There’s also plenty of mileage left for the Nintendo Switch, and of course, PC, Stadia, and Steam are always pushing the envelope.

With 2022 already delivering Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Rainbow Six Extraction, and Gran Turismo 7, the remainder of the year is also looking to bring the heat. Here’s a look at the top AAA video games coming in 2022.

PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, Steam & Stadia video games in 2022

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 release date: Fall 2022

For the first in almost 20 years, the Call of Duty franchise will be breaking its annual release schedule in 2023. This means that players will be stuck with CoD’s 2022 title, Modern Warfare 2 for two years.

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The 2022 iteration of the iconic franchise is set to be a direct sequel to 2019’s Modern Warfare. The game will be built on a brand-new engine, and the development of the game is being led by Infinity Ward.

Gotham Knights release date: October 25, 2022

A Gotham City without the caped crusader is a strange thought, but that’s the threat that faces it as Bruce Wayne is dead.

In Batman’s place, his former proteges need to step up and protect Gotham, batting away any threats of crime perpetrated by some of its most evil supervillains. Featuring co-operative mode, players can take control of these plucky heroes and hopefully do Batman proud.

Hogwarts Legacy release date: Holiday 2022

There have been many Harry Potter movie tie-in games, but there still hasn’t been an authentic RPG experience that lets you become your own wizard – until now.

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Hogwarts Legacy will let fans worldwide finally live out their dream of attending Hogwarts, and the game allows players to select their House, the classes they do, and customize their character, all the while fighting monsters and completing quests.

God of War: Ragnarok release date: 2022

Players got a juicy look at the next epic adventure in Santa Monica’s God of War franchise during the 2021 PlayStation Experience. Kratos and Atreus are set to battle with Freya, possibly Thor, and their own demons.

God of War Ragnarok looks like it’s expanded upon the reboot to incorporate more NPCs, more spectacular gameplay, and a gripping narrative that will test the bond between father and son.

Final Fantasy XVI release date: late 2022

The hype surrounding Final Fantasy XVI is beginning to mount as we get deeper into 2022. It’s the collaboration between Square Enix and the combat designer of Devil May Cry 5, Ryota Suzuki that has fans of the franchise excited.

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The developers have confirmed that they would release additional information about the sixteenth game in the mainline Final Fantasy franchise around Spring 2022. Hopefully, this will include a release date giving RPG fanatics something to look forward to.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet release date: late 2022

2022 is a great year to be a Pokemon fan. Shortly after the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Nintendo wasted no time announcing their newest mainline titles. Pokemon Violet and Pokemon Scarlet will introduce players to the ninth generation of Pokemon games.

Nintendo has already shared details about the game including the implementation of open-world areas as well as the three starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 release date: delayed to 2023

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 could easily be one of the most anticipated games of all time.

Breath of the Wild took the world by storm in 2017 with its rich, expressive world that deviated from the conventions of traditional Zelda games. Many millions of copies sold later, and fans everywhere are desperate for the next chapter for Link in this gorgeous, sprawling version of Hyrule.

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Unfortunately on March 29, 2022, Nintendo announced that Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 would be pushed back to a 2023 release date.

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That completes our guide to the biggest and most anticipated video games that are due to arrive in 2022. For all the latest news and guides on these games and more, stay tuned to Charlie INTEL!

Image Credit: Avalanche Software / WB Games Montreal / Nintendo / Game Freak / Square Enix / Santa Monica Studios / Ubisoft / Activision

Activision Blizzard were set to lay off members of Warzone developer Raven Software’s Quality Assurance team, and developers walked out in protest. Now, Activision Blizzard have confirmed that all US QA Testers across the whole company will become full-time employees with better pay and full benefits.

Back in December 2021, Warzone developers Raven Software received news from Activision Blizzard that there would be significant layoffs, particularly in the Quality Assurance department. This surprise announcement received severe backlash, and the QA Testers staged a walkout in protest, days before Warzone’s major Pacific update.

After months of protests and unionizing, Activision Blizzard informed its staff on April 7, 2022, that all of its 1,100 QA testers will receive a full-time contract, an hourly wage increase, and access to full benefits.

An Activision Blizzard spokesperson announced that they will convert “all US-based temporary and contingent QA team members at Activision Publishing (AP) and Blizzard – nearly 1,100 people in total – to permanent full-time employees starting July 1.”

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“Additionally, we are increasing the minimum hourly rate for these team members to $20/hr or more effective April 17,” they continued. “These employees also will be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus plan and will have access to full company benefits.”

They explained that this decision follows the process of “converting temporary and contingent employees, including 500 at AP’s studios, to permanent full-time employees,” which began last year.

NEW: Activision Blizzard announces all US based QA testers will be converted to full time employees, access to full benefits, and a hourly wages increase to minimum $20/hr.

Statement from the company + internal email: pic.twitter.com/SWsD8aKfAW

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) April 7, 2022

In an internal email, Activision Chief Operating Officer Josh Taub explained how their business model has changed to an “always on,” approach, which means they are “further refining how our development teams work together.”

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“QA is, and continues to be, critical to our development success. We have amazing QA teams in place that work hard to ensure our players have the best possible gaming experiences – thank you!” he said.

Mike Ybarra, Head of Blizzard, relayed the same message to all of Blizzard’s staff, explaining the remaining US-based QA Testers will be made full-time employees, receive the pay rise, and gain access to increased benefits.

Image Credit: Activision Blizzard

NFTs are a hot topic, and it seems that Activision could dip a toe into the controversial scene, with a well-known leaker claiming the company are “considering” the inclusion of non-fungible tokens in upcoming Call of Duty titles.

If you’ve been on the internet over the past year, it’s been impossible to avoid NFTs. While some see them as the future of technology, others view them as possible scams.

From independent creators to soccer clubs like Liverpool FC, plenty of people and organizations are getting involved in NFTs, and according to a well-known Call of Duty leaker, Activision could be next.

RalphsValve, who recently claimed that Modern Warfare 2 has 11 development teams working on it, discussed the possibility in tweets on April 4.

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“With the overhaul in Call of Duty’s UX/UI, Infinity Ward plans to personalize [Activision accounts], incorporating Global Calling Cards, Emblems, Avatars, and Statistics,” he wrote. “NFT Inclusion is reportedly being considered by Activision.”

“NFTs have been under review, and in consideration, for a few months.”

NFT’s have been under review, and in consideration, for a few months. With EA’s immediate backlash against NFT’s, It can totally fall through.

MTX and Content structures are influenced by trends and predictions, NFT’s just seem to be that at the moment.

— Ralph (@RalphsValve) April 4, 2022

While Ralph says that Activision are thinking about NFTs, it could still fall through, especially after the backlash EA received after calling them “the future of our industry.” Ubisoft were slammed after introducing NFTs into Ghost Recon Breakpoint.

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How NFTs would work in Call of Duty remains to be seen. It may be that certain emblems, calling cards, or skins could only be purchased as NFTs, but that could leave players frustrated that they’re missing out on cool cosmetics.

Of course, this is all just a leak for now, so take it all with a pinch of salt. Whether Activision chooses to follow through on this idea remains to be seen, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated on any developments.

Image Credits: Activision