The Game Awards of 2022 revealed a variety of interesting up-and-coming new titles, while also showcasing a few DLCs for some of 2022's biggest and most popular games. From what was shown, gamers should feel optimistic about what's to come from the gaming industry in 2023.
Each video game trailer showcased during the event was exciting in its own way. While some simply announced a developing title, others went above and beyond by illustrating gameplay, showcasing cutscenes, and offering brief looks into how their stories will unfold. Though The Game Awards debuted some great trailers, some were arguably better than others.
7 Crime Boss: Rockay City
There were several new games announced at The Game Awards, and while most evoked a great deal of excitement among video game players, the trailer for Crime Boss: Rockay City completely stole the show for fans of first-person shooters.
Each shot of the trailer revealed a lot about what this game will entail. Players will take control of Travis Baker (voiced by Michael Madsen) as they explore Rockay City's crime-filled world. Most of the trailer's emphasis is placed on crediting the extraordinary cast, but it also takes time to showcase some gameplay. The style of the world seems very reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, but with its own unique take on the crime genre. Crime Boss: Rockay City has yet to be given a release date, so gamers may have to wait a while before they can get their hands on it.
6 Meet Your Maker
For gamers who enjoy manufacturing their own unique experiences, Meet Your Maker seems to meet their requirements. Developed by Behavior Interactive (the creators of Dead by Daylight), this title could very well be one of the most experimental games the studio has produced so far.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Meet Your Maker will task its players with building their own unique level before attempting to get through it themselves. While the trailer doesn't show any gameplay, the premise could not be any clearer. Those wishing to let their creative juices flow in Meet Your Maker can do so on April 4, 2023.
5 Death Stranding 2
Though the original Death Stranding received mixed reviews during its release, it's hard not to get excited about the upcoming sequel. The announcement trailer, presented at The Game Awards by Hideo Kojima, showcases the aftermath of Sam and Fragile's first adventure, but it seems their troubles are far from over.
In place of gameplay, Kojima Productions opted to fill the Death Stranding 2 trailer with beautiful cutscenes that allude to what's next in the story. It follows Fragile as she attempts to flee from an unknown pursuer, before unveiling Sam, rocking a new look, in the trailer's latter half. The original game's graphics were already impressive, but it seems Kojima Productions have gone above and beyond to bring this next chapter to life from this in-depth cinematic trailer.
4 Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
The announcement of the Burning Shores DLC has confirmed that Aloy's journey in Horizon: Forbidden West is far from over. The trailer itself doesn't showcase any gameplay, but the brief portion of the world Aloy explores in it is more than enough to satisfy fans until the game releases.
The main portion of the trailer depicts Aloy soaring through the skies atop a Sunwing. Like in Horizon: Forbidden West's base game, the visuals are stunning, but the primary focus of the trailer takes place at the end, where a giant machine-like lifeform emerges from behind the Hollywood sign before quickly destroying it. It's a terrifying sight to behold, but fans of the series will need to wait until April 19, 2023, if they wish to experience it for themselves. What makes this trailer so effective is the lack of information it supplies. Very little is revealed, but it's hard not to be curious about what's being shown.
3 Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Keanu Reeve's portrayal of Johnny Silverhand was one of Cyberpunk 2077's biggest selling points. Though some believed his role in the game's story would be fairly brief, they were eventually disproved when the game was released.
As if this reputable actor's presence wasn't already exciting enough, the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty trailer revealed that Idris Elba will also be lending his likeness and acting talent to the DLC. While only a brief snippet of gameplay was shown, the story of Cyberpunk 2077 appears to be going in a promising direction. Fans of the game will be able to obtain the Phantom Liberty DLC at some point during 2023.
2 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
The long-awaited sequel to EA's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, received its second trailer during The Game Awards. While the debut trailer presented the game's basic premise, this new one revealed so much more.
From viewing the trailer, it seems that Cal Kestis has grown a great deal since his first appearance. While controlling him, the player will be able to use newly implemented team attacks, customize Lightsabers beyond what they could before, and travel across certain levels while atop an alien creature. The primary focus of this trailer is placed on gameplay, which is great considering all the new things Cal can do. Fans of the Star Wars franchise will be able to experience all of this and more when Jedi: Survivor releases on March 23, 2023.
1 Final Fantasy 16
The final trailer showcased during The Game Awards proved to be one of the most exciting ones featured. It offered a little more of an insight into Clive's upcoming quest to protect his younger brother, Joshua.
The trailer doesn't showcase too much gameplay, but it certainly captures how much of a spectacle combat will be when the game releases on June 22, 2023. While there is still very little known about Final Fantasy 16's main characters, this trailer offered a brief look into their personalities and fighting abilities, while also revealing a few enemies they will face on their journey. What's great about this trailer is its ability to convey so much of the game's story within three minutes, without ever saying too much.