Starfield has been delayed. Of that, surely everyone knows by now. Another suggested 2022 launch, Redfall, also by a Bethesda studio, has also been delayed. As far as the Xbox’s 2022 line-up goes, that’s all that we had confirmed. While Xbox Game Pass means that there’s no shortage of new games for Xbox Series X|S gamers, it does make it much harder to attract new customers to the platform. Xbox needs more content. So what could replace Starfield in 2022?

What Could Replace Starfield in 2022?

Undoubtedly primed to be the Xbox big hitter in 2022, Starfield is no longer in such a position. The highly anticipated RPG – of which we still know very little – will likely still feature prominently in the upcoming Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, on 12th June. However, with the title confirmed for launch in 2023, there has to be something else to replace Starfield in 2022. Doesn’t there?

Here’s a look at some of the titles Xbox could be banking on to replace Starfield as this year’s holiday hit.

Gears of War Remastered art

Gears of War Remastered Collection

Rumours have been circulating on this one for ages. While far from there being anything substantial to go on, it makes sense. The Master Chief Collection remains the premier way to play Halo at present – despite the launch of Halo Infinite – and Gears is Microsoft Game Studios’ runner up shooting game franchise right now. The original Gears of War was remastered for Xbox One, so it would be nice to see the sequels get the same treatment. That said, all of the original titles benefit from a frame rate boost and other niceties on Xbox Series X|S, so would a makeover be enough to attract attention?

Forza Motorsport 8

A new Forza Motorsport title was teased during the Xbox July 2020 Showcase. The game was then labelled as ‘in early development’. However, no release window was provided. As we progress further into 2022, it seemingly becomes more likely that Forza Motorsport 8 will release this year. Turn 10 Studios have hinted numerous times that more information on Forza Motorsport was arriving this year. With Forza Horizon 5 launching at the end of 2021, the Xbox lineup is ripe for another flagship racing title. Forza Motorsport games have historically released in the latter half of the year, so we could be looking at a holiday release for Forza Motorsport 8 in 2022.

Deathloop keyart

Deathloop

While not 100% confirmed for 2022, it seems highly likely that one Bethesda game will make it onto Xbox this year. Deathloop originally launched last year as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. With that deal coming to an end, it’s highly probably that Deathloop will be used to patch over some of the cracks in a pretty sparse looking Xbox release schedule. However, with the game already being available on the competing format, it’s hardly a replacement for Starfield in 2022.

Scorn

Scorn is a title that has been on Xbox gamers’ radars for some time. It’s a highly anticipated sci-fi FPS, with some very H.R. Giger (of Alien fame) vibes. Hopes are high that Scorn can provide a unique single-player FPS experience. However, there are two issues facing the title. Firstly, it’s had surprisingly little press coverage to date, meaning awareness is very low amongst mainstream gamers. Secondly, it’s a timed exclusive, as is Xbox’s other FPS hopeful for 2022…

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl keyart

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl

The game has already suffered a delay into 2022, before being pushed to later this year. Now, the Ukraine based development team has, understandably, suggested that development has become a secondary priority. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is still currently penned in for a late 2022 release. However, don’t be surprised if it ends up slipping into 2023 along with Starfield and Redfall.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

A highly anticipated game, for sure. However, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide currently has few ties to the Xbox marketing machine, despite being a console exclusive. In fact, unlike the other games featured in this article, it’s not yet been announced that the game will be available via Xbox Game Pass. It seems logical, but then again, nothing can be taken for granted.

Starfield screengrab

More First-Party to Replace Starfield in 2022?

Perfect Dark. Fable. Avowed. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Everwild. The forthcoming Xbox line-up seems incredible. However, it’s highly unlikely that any of these titles will be ready for release in 2022. Could Exo Mecha make the list? At this point, it’s the only candidate looking likely. And that’s set to be a free-to-play title.

We’ll undoubtedly find out what Xbox has in store for the rest of the year at the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, on 12th June. Whether any of these titles are big enough to replace Starfield in 2022 however, that’ll certainly be up for debate.

Categories: Games