The year 2022 has been eventful for gamers, with the highly acclaimed games Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök making waves. However, there have been some bumps along the way, such as the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. This situation is yet to be resolved. Additionally, the ban of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) earlier this year has had a significant impact on the emerging esports industry in India. Another notable aspect of 2022 has been the excessive hype and discussion surrounding Web3 and blockchain gaming, which has mostly been futile.
In the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, host Akhil Arora engages in a conversation with industry insider and Orbital veteran Rishi Alwani and Screen Rant game guides editor Akshay Bhalla to delve into the world of gaming in 2022.
2022 in gaming: the biggest news
Arora initiates the discussion by asking the guests what they consider to be the most significant development in gaming this year. Bhalla highlights the reveal of Starfield as a major relief, considering the concerns surrounding Bethesda games. Alwani finds the GTA VI leak to be utterly absurd, given its scale with over 90 clips, which is unprecedented in the gaming industry. Alwani also emphasizes the impact of the BGMI ban in India on the local gaming industry and esports scene.
However, the most colossal news in terms of financial implications has been Microsoft’s ongoing struggle with the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Alwani secretly wishes for the resolution to take even longer, as he believes Microsoft’s attempt to purchase such a massive studio reflects their failure to deliver first-party titles on next-generation Xbox consoles. Bhalla points out that acquiring the immense market presence of Activision has the potential to completely reshape the gaming landscape, especially considering the popularity of franchises like Call of Duty.
Our favorite games of 2022
The conversation then shifts to the games that the participants enjoyed playing the most in 2022 and would eagerly return to in the following year. Bhalla surprises with his choice of Triangle Strategy, available on Switch and PC. He was captivated by the game’s tactical gameplay and intriguing storyline. Alwani cheekily opts for a three-way tie between Soul Hackers 2, Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak expansion, and Final Fantasy XIV.
The Best Games of 2022
What to expect in 2023?
In the final segment of this week’s Orbital episode, the discussion delves into the participants’ expectations and hopes for the world of video gaming in 2023. Bhalla believes that Starfield will be a make-or-break moment for the Xbox Series S/X. Conversely, Alwani eagerly anticipates the release of a Switch Pro next year, particularly with a new Zelda game on the horizon. He hopes that the Switch can match the performance of the Steam Deck.
Regarding performance, Bhalla suggests that it’s time for the next-generation consoles, namely the PS5 and Series S/X, to shed the burden of the previous generation and focus on showcasing the full capabilities of the current hardware, with titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Otherwise, he fears that these consoles will be wasted as a mere transitional generation.
To listen to the complete in-depth discussion, click the play button on the embedded Spotify player above.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
