I remember the electric atmosphere of The Game Awards 2022 like it was yesterday. Geoff Keighley’s stage was lit with the promise of new worlds and the return of beloved heroes. As a gamer, I had my wishlist ready, hoping for concrete release dates and fresh gameplay. Now, in 2026, I find myself looking back at that night with a knowing smile—some of those anticipated titles have shaped my gaming library, while others remain elusive phantoms.

One of the most hyped reveals was the promise of a release date for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Back then, it felt like Ubisoft was finally listening to fans craving a return to the series’ roots. I remember watching the trailer and praying for a 2023 launch. That August 2023 release did happen, and Mirage delivered a compact, stealth-focused adventure that I enjoyed immensely. It didn’t reinvent the wheel, but its respect for the original formula was a cozy nostalgia trip.

Then there was Baldur’s Gate 3, a game that had lived in early access for two years. I’ll never forget the exact date they announced at the show—August 31, 2023. That moment sent my D&D-loving heart into a frenzy. Now, with the Definitive Edition out, I can say it’s the greatest CRPG I’ve ever played. The branching narrative and freedom still blow my mind when I start a new character, and seeing that early access screenshot reminds me of how far it has come.

Black Myth: Wukong was the dark horse I couldn’t stop thinking about. The Souls-inspired combat and mythological Chinese setting looked incredible. Game Science’s 2023 release target felt almost too ambitious. Fast forward to 2024, and I was grinding through its punishing yet beautiful world, marveling at the fluid transformations and epic boss fights. It turned out to be a masterpiece that perfectly blended the novel Journey to the West with modern action-RPG sensibilities. That second preview image from the ceremony still captures the majestic dread I felt.

The tease of Elden Ring DLC was a no-brainer. We all knew something was coming, and the Game Awards 2022 gave us just enough hope. I hung onto every rumor until Shadow of the Erdtree finally released in 2024. The expansion was everything I wanted—hauntingly beautiful, brutally difficult, and packed with lore. Sometimes I still return to the Lands Between, chasing that first-playthrough wonder.

Final Fantasy XVI demanded a summer 2023 release window, and the ceremony delivered the exact date: June 22, 2023. I cleared my calendar for that one. The dark, political narrative and flashy combat divided some fans, but I loved every Clive Rosfield moment. It was a bold new direction for the franchise, and playing it felt like breathing fresh air into a cherished series.

Then there was Hollow Knight: Silksong. Oh, Silksong. I laugh bitterly now, in 2026, because it’s still a beacon of hope that never quite lands. Team Cherry remained silent for years, and despite another gameplay trailer in 2025, we’re still waiting. I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched the E3 2021 trailer just to feel something. It’s the ultimate “clown meme” game, but my love for Hornet remains undimmed.

Spider-Man 2 was a concrete 2023 title, and when it dropped in October that year, I couldn’t put it down. Swinging through a snowy New York as both Miles and Peter while taking on Venom was a dream. That reveal of the black suit at the ceremony still gives me chills. It’s easily one of my most-replayed PS5 games.

Wishful thinking brought us Persona 6. Back in 2022, it was pure speculation, but here in 2026, we finally have a confirmed title and a worldwide release next year. I am counting the days. The Game Awards 2022 might not have revealed it, but the seeds of anticipation were planted that night.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 carried a heavy emotional weight. GSC Game World’s defiant return to development after the invasion of Ukraine was a story of resilience. When the game eventually launched in late 2024, it was rough but soulful. Playing it felt like honoring the team’s struggle, and I’ll always respect the courage behind every pixel.

Lastly, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Pushed to 2023, it finally arrived in February 2024 to mixed reviews. I played through it with friends, and while the live-service elements grated, the story had its moments. It never reached the heights we hoped, but it closed a chapter that the 2022 ceremony had teased.

Looking back, The Game Awards 2022 was a pivotal night. It gave me some of my favorite gaming experiences of the decade and taught me patience. If there’s one lesson I carry into 2026, it’s that hype is a double-edged sword—but when it pays off, there’s nothing quite like it.