Even with theSaints Rowdelay into August, February 2022 still looks to be a big month for video games. Set close to the end of many companies’ fiscal year, February offers an opportunity for publishers and developers to get a full month of sales in before closing the book on 2021.
With such a variety of games releasing in February 2022, though, it’s unclear which might actually end up as the best-selling title for the period. There are at least three massive games dropping at some point in February, as well as a highly anticipated expansion, which makes things even harder to predict. However, it’s very possible that the game no one expects will actually be the most successful.
Dying Light 2 is the Dark Horse
Last month,Dying Light 2developer Techlandannounced that it would be shifting from a December 2021 release date to a February 2022 release date. It seemed a strange shift given that February was already so crowded (this was announced prior to theSaints Rowdelay, by the way), but thinking on it more it actually could still work inDying Light2’s favor.
For starters,Dying Light 2is currently first of the big games to release in February, on the 4th. For many, the first game available is hard to resist, regardless of quality. Not to mention, coming out of a relatively light fall 2021 season, many gamers might be excited to get their hands on something new.Dying Light 2swoops in to fit that bill.
Another advantage thatDying Light 2has is its cross-gen status. Techland plans to releaseDying Light 2on every major platform,including Nintendo Switch. So, regardless of what platform a gamer owns, there will be a new game available to them on February 4th. Admittedly,Elden Ringis a cross-gen game as well, but it doesn’t have a Switch version planned.
In ourpreview ofDying Light 2earlier this month, we played the PS4 version ofDying Light 2and it ran surprisingly well. Obviously, there were some visual downgrades compared to the next-gen and PC versions of the game, but it’s a positive sign that Techland was willing to show the last-gen versions. Anytime a developer is upfront with a game, there is less of aCyberpunk 2077feeling.
Furthermore,Dying Light 2has a broader appeal thanElden Ring. MostFrom Software games sell very welland even win tons of awards, but they are not for everyone. The widely known difficulty curve, for example, is a deterrent to some players. On the other hand,Dying Light 2is less focused on being challenged, and more on smashing zombies.
Horizon: Forbidden West PS5 Sales Potential
The other big new title releasing during February 2022 isHorizon: Forbidden West, but it is a PlayStation exclusive. Yes,Horizon: Zero Dawnsold over 10 million copiesfor PS4 andForbidden Westcould likely top that on PS4 and PS5, but exclusives usually are limited in their overall reach. For those curious, the firstDying Lighthas reportedly sold 17 million copies since its launch.
WhileHorizon: Forbidden WestandElden Ringare likely seen asDying Light 2’s biggest competition, it will also be competing for attention withDestiny 2’s Witch Queen expansion. Mileage may vary when it comes to investment into Witch Queen, though, so it’s possible to juggle both games.
Which February 2022 Game Should You Buy?
For many gamers, the choice will be easy: get all of them. But for those who are on a budget or only interested in a specific genre, maybe one of these choices will suffice.
However, when it comes to which of these games is likely to be the best seller,Dying Light 2could very well surprise people. It has quite a few elements working in its favor, even if bothElden RingandHorizon: Forbidden Westmight get more attention online.
MORE:Dying Light 2 Parkour and Combat are Huge Improvements
