This year has been a pretty eventful one for gaming, thanks to the numerous genre-defining releases on all platforms. Gamers have got to enjoy titles like Elden Ring which has raised the bar for open-world gaming, games like Horizon Forbidden West that have demonstrated the graphical impressiveness that the current generation is capable of, and Sifu which proves that the indie scene is still alive and well. There are still plenty of major titles to look forward to in 2022, although the middle of the year does bring with it a bit of a lull.
Though the remainder of the most anticipated games are mostly stacked up for the end of the year, it does not mean that July is a dry month. Gamers will still be treated to many new releases across numerous genres from both AAA and indie studios. Whether players are looking for high-speed racing or to see the world through the eyes of a cat, there is something to satisfy everyone.
The Biggest Games to Look Out for in July
Perhaps the most interesting game releasing in July is BlueTwelve Studio's Stray, a game about a cat who, in a cyberpunk world inhabited by cyborgs, seeks to find its way home. It is an open-world game, and players will progress through exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Trailers released reveal that the world of Stray is immersive and busy, filled with narrow alleys, dingy pubs, and strange robots with CRT monitors for heads. It is not an entirely safe world, however, and players will have to contend with enemies known as Zurks that attack in swarms. The game is scheduled to release on July 19th for PC, PS4, and PS5, and it will be available free to PS Plus Extra, Deluxe, and Premium subscribers at launch.
Speed-lovers should keep their eyes on F1 22, the latest entry in Codemasters F1 racing franchise. There have been new additions implemented to the series, including adaptive AI that adjusts the pace of AI vehicles to the player's performance to keep the player on their toes across races. The game will also feature F1 Life, a hub mode allowing players to collect virtual items such as clothing, accessories, and vehicles. Fans of VR will also be happy to know that F1 22 will support VR on PC for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets. The game is scheduled to release on July 1st on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. F1 22 will not be the only sports game releasing in July, however, and gamers can also expect Matchpoint - Tennis Championship, a game that promises to bring an immersive tennis experience. It launches on July 7th on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
All Games Releasing in July 2022
The aforementioned blockbusters aren't the only games of note that'll appear in the coming month. These are all the games that gamers can expect in July:
- AI: The Somnium Files - Nirvana Initiative - July 8 (Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One)
- Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series - July 8 (Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- Loopmancer - 13 July (PC)
- Clanfolk - July 14 (PC)
- As Dusk Falls - July 19 (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- Endling - Extinction is Forever - July 19 (Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One)
- Hell Pie - July 21 (Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- Wayward Strand - 21 July (Nintendo Switch, PC)
- Live a Live - 22 July (Nintendo Switch)
- Bear and Breakfast - July 28 (PC, Nintendo Switch)
- Sweet Transit - July 28 (PC)
- Digimon Survive - July 29 (Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One)
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - 29 July (Nintendo Switch)
As seen, there is plenty to keep gamers occupied, especially on the Nintendo Switch which will enjoy multiple new releases. Additionally, gamers can inject new life into some old games through DLC, thanks to the release of Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels DLC which drops on 19 July. For gamers whose anticipated releases come later in the year, it could be a good opportunity to dip into an eccentric title such as Stray.