January 18: Microsoft announce they have acquired ActivisionBlizzard, creators of Call of Duty, Warcraft, Candy Crush, Tony Hawk, Diablo, Overwatch, Spyro, Hearthstone, Guitar Hero, Crash Bandicoot, StarCraft and many more for $68.7 billion.[5]
January 20: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is given a release date of April 5, 2022.[6]
January 21: Xbox celebrates the Year of the Tiger with 15 custom “Luckiest Xbox Series S” consoles which are given away in a sweepstakes competition in China.[7]
January 21: Head of Xbox Phil Spencer states Xbox will continue to honor all existing agreements upon the acquisition of Activision Blizzard meaning that Call of Duty will continue to be released on PlayStation for the foreseeable future.[8]
January 25: 343 Industries announce that Halo Infinite has reached over 20 million players. [9]
January 27: Games with Gold for February are announced.[10]
January 31: The first full trailer for the Halo TV series is released, with a release date of March 31 also given for the series.[12]
January 31: Sony acquires Bungie for $3.6 billion, the current developers of Destiny and former developers of the Halo franchise.[13]
February
February 4: Rockstar announces that the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise is in "active development".[14]
February 4: Dying Light 2 Stay Human is released on PC and Xbox consoles.[15]
February 4: Minecraft and PUMA release a collection of Minecraft themed clothing[16].
February 8:Jump Force is delisted from online storefronts.
February 10: Grounded reaches 10 million players and receives a new update[17].
February 10: CrossfireX is released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S[18].
February 15: The next-gen update for Cyberpunk 2077 is released.[19]
February 15: The Halo TV series is confirmed to be getting a second season.[20]
February 23: Twitch live steaming on Xbox consoles receives a vast number of improvements, including the ability to start and manage a stream without launching the Twitch app.[21]
February 25: Elden Ring is released on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PCs.[22]
March 1: Microsoft Flight Simulator is released on Xbox Game Streaming meaning that it can now be played on Xbox One consoles, despite only being released for Xbox Series X|S consoles PC.[24]
March 2: Ukraine asks Xbox and PlayStation to suspend sales of their products in Russia following the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.[25]
March 3: Xbox Teams Up with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwight Howard for New Dream Space Collaboration.[26]
March 4: 343 Industries gives the first details on Season 2 of Halo Infinite. It is also revealed that co-op campaign will be pushed back to the middle of Season 2 and flighting for Forge will begin in Season 3.[27]
March 4: Microsoft suspends all new product sales in Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[28]
March 7: A new white Xbox Elite Series 2 controller supposedly leaks online.[29]
March 9: Metacritic awards Xbox Game Studios as the winner of its twelfth annual Game Publisher Rankings countdown for 2021.[30]
March 9: The March System update is released for Xbox consoles, including the ability to pin games to Quick Resume and remap the Button to other functions.[31]
March 14: Xbox Cloud Gaming receives various performance improvements for iOS and iPadOS devices.[32]
March 22: Xbox reveals a custom Xbox Series S and two unique Xbox Wireless controllers inspired by the film Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to be given away in a sweepstakes on Twitter.[34]
March 23: 30 days of Paramount+ is added as a Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perk in preparation for the upcoming Halo TV series.[35]
March 24: The first episode of the Halo TV series premiers on Paramount+ to mixed reviews.[36]
March 25: Halo partners with footwear manufacturer, Wolverine to create 117 pairs of spartan-inspired boots.
March 30: Games with Gold for April are revealed, including; Another Sight, Hue, Outpost Kaloki X, and MX vs ATV Alive.[37]
April
April 5: Xbox announces the Xbox Mentoring Program, a program aimed at partnering women in gaming careers.[38]
April 5: MLB The Show 22 is released on Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass.[39]
April 29: Xbox and Marvel Studios collaborate to give fans the opportunity to win a set of custom controllers and Xbox Series S inspired by the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.[47]
April 30: Games with Gold for May are revealed, including; Yoku’s Island Express, The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk, Hydro Thunder Hurricane, and Viva Piñata Party Animals.[48]
May
May 3: Season 2 of Halo Infinite begins, introducing a new battle pass and additional multiplayer modes.[49]
May 4: The May Update is released for Xbox consoles. An update for the Xbox mobile app is also released introducing the ability for users to create, share and upload stories to their profile for other users to view.[50]
May 4: The Deep Pink Xbox Wireless controller is revealed, being the first new standard wireless controller to be made available in 2022.[51]
May 4: To celebrate Star Wars Day, Xbox collaborates with Star Wars to give players the chance to win custom LEGO Star Wars inspired Xbox Series S consoles.[52]
May 6: Xbox makes Fortnite available for free on Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving users the chance to play Fortnite on mobile devices once again, after the game was removed from mobile app stores in 2020.[53]
May 17: It is announced that Fall Guys will become free to play on all platforms and be released on Xbox and other consoles on June 21.[54]
May 20: Older Sonic titles are removed from digital store fronts ahead of the release of Sonic Origins.[55]
May 31: Metal Gear Solid V and Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes’s online services for Xbox 360 are shutdown.[57]
May 31: Games with Gold for June are announced, including: Aven Colony, Project Highrise: Architect’s Edition, Super Meat Boy and Raskulls.[58]
May 31: Xbox Design Lab closes temporarily, as Xbox tease something new will be coming to the service soon.[59]
June
June 2: Capcom announce a remake of Resident Evil 4 which will be released in March 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5.[60]
June 2: Marvel and Xbox partner to create a custom Xbox Series S and Xbox Wireless controller inspired by the upcoming Disney+ series, Ms. Marvel that can be won through a sweepstakes on the Xbox Twitter account.[61]
June 6: Forza Horizon 5 surpasses 20 million players.[62]
June 7: The Wild Update is released for Minecraft.[63]
June 9: Xbox Cloud Gaming is made available in New Zealand and Argentina.[64]
June 9: Xbox outline how they play to continue planning their gaming platform for the next twenty years. Details include plans to bring Xbox Cloud Streaming to Samsung smart TVs, creating more options for Xbox Design Lab and continuing to expand and update Xbox Game Pass.[65]
June 9: The theme of the first expansion for Forza Horizon 5 accidentally leaks online, revealing to be another Hot Wheels themed expansion.[66]
June 10: Goat Simulator 3 is announced and will release Fall 2022 for Xbox and PC.[67]
June 12: The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is held. The full list of announcements from the show can be seen below.[68]
Redfall; First gameplay trailer and release date of 2023
Hollow Knight Silk Song; Gameplay trailer, will release Day One on Game Pass
High on Life; Gameplay trailer and release date of October 2022
League of Legends (PC), League of Legends Wild Rift (mobile), Legends of Runeterra (PC and mobile), Teamfight Tactics (PC and mobile) and Valorant (PC) will all be released on Xbox Game Pass in Winter for their respective platforms, all including added benefits.
A Plague Tale Requiem; new gameplay trailer, will be released in 2022 and available on Game Pass Day one.
Forza Motorsport; a new trailer is shown as well as an in depth look at gameplay as well as the new day/night and weather system with developer commentary. The game is also given a release date of Spring 2022 and will release Day One on Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Microsoft Flight Simulator's 40th Anniversary Edition; a trailer for a new edition of the game is shown that will be made available for free for those that own the original game. The new edition will include various airports and other aircraft that was featured in previous titles in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series and will be released in November 2022. Additionally, the Pelican from the Halo series, is added as a flyable vehicle in a free update that is released as soon as the showcase ends.
Overwatch 2; a new trailer is shown, the game will be released to the public in early access on October 4, 2022 for Xbox and PC. Another trailer is also shown revealing a new hero for the game.
Ara: History Untold; New strategy game is announced with an intended release date of 2023.
The Elder Scrolls Online, Fallout 76; New content updates are announced for both Bethesda titles, with The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle releasing on June 21, 2022 and Fallout 76 - Expeditions: The Pitt coming in September 2022.
Forza Horizon 5; the first expansion for the game is officially announced. The Hot Wheels expansion includes ten new cars as well as a variety of new content set in the Hot Wheels themed map. The expansion releases on July 19, 2022.
ARK 2; new cinematic trailer is shown for the game. The game is aiming to release in 2023.
Scorn; New gameplay trailer as well as a release date of October 21, 2022 is shown.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn; First look at gameplay, title will release Day One on Game Pass for both Xbox and PC in early 2023.
Minecraft Legends; A brand new action strategy Minecraft game is announced and will release some time in 2023.
Lightyear Frontier; Gameplay trailer including a release window of Spring 2023.
Gunfire Reborn; Gameplay trailer, will be ported to Xbox Series X|S and made available on Game Pass when it releases in October 2022.
The Last Case of Benedict Fox; Announcement trailer, will release in 2023 for Xbox Series X|S and PC and also be on Game Pass.
As Dusk Falls; Launch date trailer, will release on July 19, 2022 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC and launch on Game Pass.
Naraka: Bladepoint; Game will be ported to Xbox Series X|S on June 23, 2022 and also be available on Game Pass. An Xbox One version is also in development.
Pentiment; Announcement trailer, will release in November 2022 and launch on Game Pass.
Grounded; Game will be fully released with a completed story and many new items in September 2022.
Ereban: Shadow Legacy; Announcement trailer, will release in 2023 for console and PC as well as launch on Game Pass.
Diablo IV; Necromancer, the game's fifth and final final class type is announced. Additionally new gameplay with developer commentary is shown.
Sea of Thieves; Season 7 trailer is shown, including new ship customization options. The update will be released on July 21, 2022.
Ravenlok; Announcement trailer, will release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Game Pass in 2023.
COCOON; Announcement trailer, will release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Game Pass in 2023.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty; Cinematic announcement trailer, will release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Game Pass in early 2023.
Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable; Announced to be coming to Xbox and PC on separate dates, with the first being Persona 5 Royal on October 21, 2022.
Hideo Kojima announces that Kojima Productions will be partnering with Xbox Game Studios to create a new game with a "never before-seen concept" that will make use of Microsoft's cloud technology.
Starfield; First gameplay is shown that explores some of the game's different environments, ship, character and settlement customization is shown. It is also revealed that the game will feature over a hundred different systems with over a thousand different explorable planets.
June 14: Xbox Games Showcase: Extended 2022 is held, including more details on previous information as well as a few new announcements.[69]
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre; Gameplay reveal and will release in 2023.
Valheim; Will be released on Game Pass for PC sometime in 2022 and be released for Xbox consoles during 2023.
Fall Guys; Halo collaboration is announced and will include an event held between June 30 and July 4. Various Halo themed skins will also be added to the game.
June 14: Fallout 76’s Test Your Metal Update is released.[70]
June 16: Updates for the Xbox app on PC are made available, including a performance indicator for titles as well as improved search accuracy.[71]
June 16: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is released on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC as well as on Xbox Game Pass.[72]
June 16: More details on Overwatch 2 are revealed. New seasons for the game will release every nine weeks and will include either a new hero, a new map as well as new cosmetics. Additionally it is announced a beta for the game will be held on June 28.[73]
June 21: Fall Guys is released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.[74]
June 22: Power On: The Story of Xbox, the six part mini-series sharing behind the scenes details on the development of the Xbox, receives multiple awards including; Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Camera Editing, People’s Voice Webby Award for Documentary (Video Series & Channels) and Honoree for Entertainment (Video Series & Channels), as well as 16 Telly Awards including 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze.[75]
June 22: Sonic Origins is released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.[76]
June 28: Games with Gold for July are revealed including; Beasts of Maravilla Island, Relicta, Thrillville: Off the Rails, Torchlight.[78]
June 30: The Xbox app is made available on Samsung 2022 Smart TV's giving users the ability to stream games directly to their TV without the need for a console.[79]
June 30: The Fall Guys x Halo crossover event begins, with Halo themed cosmetics being added to Fall Guys and a Fall Guys themed back accessory cosmetic for Halo 3 being added for free to Halo: The Master Chief Collection.[80]
July
July 5: Nub Adventures is released on Xbox Series X|S.
July 6: It is announced that October will be the last month that Xbox 360 titles are included with Games with Gold, due to the limit being reached of the number of Xbox 360 games that could be added to the service.[81]
July 8: Xbox unveils a custom Thor Love and Thunder Xbox Series X console inspired by Thor's hammer Mjolner that users could win in a sweepstakes on Xbox's Twitter account.[82]
July 8: Xbox reveal a custom Xbox Series S bundle inspired by the Disney film Rise. The bundle includes a custom Xbox Series S console, controller, Xbox Wireless Headset, an xScreen attachment and a custom carry case for all of the previously mentioned items. The bundle could be won in a sweepstakes on the Xbox Twitter page.[83]
July 13: Konami announce that delisted Metal Gear Solid games will be made available for digital purchase again for the 35th Anniversary of Metal Gear Solid.[84]
July 19: The Hot Wheels Expansion for Forza Horizon 5 is released.[85]
July 19: As Dusk Falls is released for Xbox consoles and PC as well as Xbox Game Pass.[86]
July 20: It is announced that Discord voice chat will be coming to Xbox consoles in the near future. The feature began rolling out to select Xbox Insiders on this day with more information to be revealed later.[87]
July 28: Games with Gold for August are revealed, including; Calico, ScourgeBringer, Saint’s Row 2 and Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine.[88]
July 29: Goat Simulator 3 gets a release date of November 17.[89]
August5: Xbox partners with Interscope Records, benny blanco, BTS and Snoop Dogg to create a one of a kind "singing" Xbox controller to celebrate the launch of their new single; Bad Decisions. The controller could be won through a sweepstakes on the Xbox Twitter page.[91]
August 10: Xbox announce their plans for gamescom 2022, which will be held later in August.[92]
August 23: Death Stranding is made available on PC Game Pass.[94]
August 23: The Saints Row reboot is released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.[95]
August 25: Xbox make their annual appearance at gamescom.[92]
August 30: Games with Gold for September are announced, including; Gods Will Fall, Double Kick Heroes, Thrillville and Portal 2.[96]
August 30: A custom Pac-Man World Re-Pac console is revealed and made available in a sweepstakes via the Xbox Twitter account.[97]
September
September 6: The Edgerunners update is released for Cybperpunk 2077, being the last update for the Xbox One version of the game before support is dropped for the console.[98]
September 7: A system update is released for Xbox consoles that includes a noise suppression option when in a party chat as well as the ability to launch the game shown in a friends capture of said game.[99]
September 7: The Xbox Elite Series 2 - Core is revealed. The Core model being a more affordable version of the standard Elite Series 2 that does not include any of the additional back paddles or thumb sticks that are normally bundled in with the standard Series 2. A separate bundle containing these additional components will be released shortly after the release of the controller that will be available in a White finish, with many more color options coming later in the year.[100] It is possible that this is the same controller that was leaked in March earlier in the year.
September 8: Following the announcement that support will be dropped for the Xbox One version of Cyberpunk 2077, it is announced that players that purchased the Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Xbox One X console will receive a reimbursement as the bundle was previously said to include the first expansion of the game.[101]
September 8: A new version of the Xbox Dashboard with larger tiles is made available to select Xbox Insiders, with a planned release of 2023 for the new home screen.[102]
September 9: Gears of War pledges 1% of all future net revenue will go towards suicide prevention.[103]
September 9: The annual Minecraft Live broadcast is given a date of October 15.[104]
September 13: Discord voice chat on console is made available to all users.[105]
September 13: An enhanced version of the original Goldeneye 007 is announced for Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass.[106]
September 18: Ninety videos showing fifty minutes of work-in-progress footage of the next Grand Theft Auto title are leaked online. Footage consisted of animation tests, gameplay, conversations between characters and the first look at the two playable protagonists Jason and Lucia. The leak was described as one of the biggest in video game history.[107][108][109]
September 19: Rockstar Games acknowledge the Grand Theft Auto leak, stating that while they are extremely disappointed to have any details on their next game shared this way, there has been no disruption to development and everything will continue as planned.[110]
September 20: Deathloop is released on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass.[111]
September 21: The September Xbox System update is released. The update added the ability to customize the color of the LED on Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, a revamp of My Games & Apps layout and various new storage options for installing games.[112]
September 21: The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller and the components pack for it is released.[113]
September 22: Slime Rancher 2 is released on Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass.[114]
September 27: The Mineral Camo Xbox Wireless controller is revealed and released, making it only the second standard Xbox controller to be released for 2022.[115]
September 27: Grounded is fully released after previously being in early access since 2020.[116]
September 29: Games with Gold for October are revealed, including; Windbound and Bomber Crew: Deluxe Edition.[117]
October 3: Xbox collaborates with Rockstar Energy Drink and Doritos to bring exclusive prizes and DLC for various games by purchasing the previously mentioned products.[118]
October 4: Microsoft Flight Simulator (40 years), Forza Horizon (10 years), Age of Empires (25 years), Fallout (25 years) and Dishonored (10 years) celebrate their anniversaries with special in game events and sales.[119]
The 1.20 Update is released with new features including; the camel mob, hanging signs, chiseled bookshelves, and new building items that can be crafted with bamboo.
Seven new default skins will join Steve and Alex in the Minecraft launcher and Dressing Room on Bedrock Edition on November 29.
Gameplay and new trailers are shown for the upcoming game Minecraft Legends, releasing in Spring 2023.
New content for Minecraft Dungeons including a first look at Season 3 is shown.
Batman DLC is shown and will be added to the Minecraft Marketplace soon.
Various new creator tools are shown, including a mob creator tool.
The winner of the mob vote is announced, with the Sniffer making up over half of all votes over it's opponents the Rascal and Tuff Golem.
October 18: Design Lab becomes available for Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, with the ability to customize various aspects of the controller as well the carrying case and other interchangeable parts.[124]
October 19: The October Xbox System update is released, including the ability to change TV volume from the console, adjustments to power mode names and the option for users to change their home Xbox. Additionally, an update is released for the Xbox mobile app adding the ability to trim the lengths of clips and share them directly to medal.tv.[125]
October 20: The 2022 Halo World Cup begins, being held at Washington State Convention Center.[126]
October 21: Gotham Knights is released for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.
October 23: The 2022 Halo World Cup comes to a close with Optic Gaming beating Cloud9 in the final game of the series and becoming Halo World Cup Champions.[126]
October 26: During an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Phil Spencer reveals that the Xbox streaming stick also known as Project Keystone has been put on an indefinite hold.[124]
October 28: Games with Gold for November are revealed, including; Praetorians – HD Remaster and Dead End Job.
October 28: For the first time ever, the Age of Empires series will be released on console, with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition given a release date January 31, 2023.[125]
October 31: During an interview on the SameBrain podcast, Phil Spencer states that "it's been too long since we've shipped what people would say is a big first-party game. Call of Duty is coming, God of War is coming--which is great--Nintendo's had a good year. But in general, I would say we've been a little light."[127]
November
November 8: The Winter Update is released for Halo Infinite, adding long awaited features such as Forge, campaign network co-op, mission replay, improved Match XP, new modes and maps and many more improvements to the game.[128]
November 11: Microsoft Flight Simulator celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a 40th Anniversary edition of the latest instalment in the long running franchise.[129]
November 12: Xbox Fanfest Trivia is held, taking place live on Twitch with a variety of prizes and giveaway available for participants.[130]
November 14: Xbox announce the Xbox Series S Gilded Hunter Bundle for release on November 30, in time for the Holiday season. The bundle includes a standard Xbox Series S and Xbox Wireless controller as well as nine in game cosmetics and virtual currency for Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys.[131]
November 15: Pentiment is released on Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.[132]
November 16: Three months of Apple TV+ and Apple Music is made available as a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.[133]
November 16: Call of Duty Warzone 2.0 is released for Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.[134]
November 16: The November Xbox Update is released, including features such as the ability to join a Discord voice channel directly from the console without the need for the mobile app, Store Wishlist and Sale notifications and a new Captures app.[135]
November 16: Xbox Cloud Gaming is made available for select 2021 model Samsung Smart TVs. Controller rumble support is also made available for Cloud Gaming on the Xbox app.[136]
November 18: Nub Adventures is released on Windows.
November 22: Sea of Thieves Season Eight is released.[137]
November 29: Games with Gold for December are revealed, including; Colt Canyon and Bladed Fury.[138]
December 4: Fortnite Chapter 3, Season 4 is released, with Doom Slayer being added as a player cosmetic included in the Battle Pass.[140]
December 6: Halo Infinite receives an update introducing a new map, Empyrean a remake of Halo 3'sThe Pit. Additionally, all armor cores are made available for free for all users in this update, with all cadet armor coatings also made available for every armor core. The highly anticipated, Custom Games Browser is also released early to all users in this update, with it previously being slayed for a Season 3 (March 2023) release.[141]
December 7: Microsoft Flight Simulator reaches 10 million players.[142]
December 8: Fall Guys and Gears of War collaborate to bring in game cosmetics based on Marcus Fenix and Kait Diaz to the game. Additionally, Marcus Fenix returns to the Fortnite item shop for a limited time.[144]
December 9: The Game Awards are held, with Elden Ring winning Game of the Year.[145]
December 13: High on Life is released on Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.[146]
December 20: High on Life becomes Xbox Game Pass's biggest launch for the year.[147]
December 29: Games with Gold for January 2023 are revealed, including; Iris Fall and Autonauts.[148]
Button to other functions.[31]
