The most popular and exciting video games often end up becoming the most exciting esports games as well, which is why we wanted to take a look at the 10 most exciting esports games of 2022. We compiled this list based on analysis from industry experts, current popularity, and our own predictions regarding which of these games will continue to dominate in the next few years. These are listed in no particular order and include the following titles
1) Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
The original Battle Royale game is still a massive hit, with huge esports events such as PUBG Corp’s PUBG Global Invitational and a $2 million winner-takes-all tournament at Gamescom last year. The exciting format has spread far and wide across various genres, but PUBG remains top dog in its genre.
2) Dota 2
It is a multiplayer online battle arena video game developed and published by Valve Corporation. In Dota 2, two teams consisting of five players compete to collectively destroy a large structure defended by their opponent known as The Ancient, whilst defending their own. As in Defense of the Ancients, heroes in Dota 2 are based on hero characters from Warcraft III. Players assume control of one hero which has unique abilities and differing styles of play.
3) Fortnite
Currently available in beta, Fortnite is set to be released as a free-to-play battle royale title for iOS and Android later in 2019. The game has already attracted big name sponsors such as McLaren, who will feature their cars on in-game billboards. With easy to understand graphics and mechanics, Fortnite could become one of esports’ most watched games by 2022.
4) Call of Duty
Three years after Black Ops 4 launched and even as interest in Fortnite esports wanes, Call of Duty remains a top esport. Why is that, and how much longer can it last? In a perfect world—or maybe just in our perfect world—Call of Duty would be replaced by another game with more diverse appeal, but there’s something to be said for a game that gets so many people watching.
5) Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO)
Since its release, CSGO has earned millions upon millions of players. With over 15 million daily players, it is far and away one of today’s most popular games. While CSGO came out in 2012, it has been popular since its release and shows no signs of slowing down. With an International every year that offers prizes in excess of $20 million USD, CSGO will continue to be a top esport for years to come.
6) FIFA
FIFA is easily one of video gaming’s oldest and most storied series. But as a game, it’s beginning to show its age. Still, there’s no denying that FIFA 18 is a blast to play, especially when you’re playing online against human opponents.
7) League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends (LoL) is a free-to-play video game developed and published by Riot Games for Microsoft Windows and macOS. Released in 2009, it is currently one of most popular competitive games played professionally around the world. With over 67 million active players per month, LoL has become a major part of internet culture due to its popularity in streaming media and content creation.
8) Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter video game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It was released in May 2016 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Overwatch assigns players into two teams of six, with each player selecting from a roster of over 20 characters, known as heroes. Players on a team work together to secure and defend control points on a map or escort a payload across the map in a limited amount of time.
9) Rainbow Six Siege (R6S)
R6S is going to be huge in 2022. The esports community was small but dedicated until they got support from Ubisoft. They have large-scale tournaments, with awesome prizes and a growing community. This game has legs and will only get bigger as more people enter its competitive scene. It’s also one of my personal favorites, so I’m hoping for big things from R6S in six years!
10) Rocket League
In recent years, it’s become clear that there’s a big market for sports games that emphasize mechanical skill. Esport leagues have sprung up around MOBAs, FPSes, racing games, and more. So naturally, it makes sense that developer Psyonix would try to capture a piece of that pie with Rocket League.