February 2022 is more crowded than ever thanks to Elden Ring

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Bandai Namco announced that Elden Ring has been delayed and will now release on February 25, 2022. That makes February 2022 very crowded as we have other big games also launching in that month, such as Horizon Forbidden West, Saints Row, Dying Light 2, the next Destiny 2 expansion, and a lot more.

Just look at this lineup of games planned to launch in February 2021: 

  • February 4 - Life is Strange Remastered Collection

  • February 4 - Dying Light 2 Stay Human 

  • February 15 - Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires 

  • February 17 - The King of Fighters XV

  • February 18 - Horizon Forbidden West 

  • February 22 - Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

  • February 22 - Sifu

  • February 22 - Monark

  • February 25 - Elden Ring

  • February 25 - Saints Row 

It’s going to be a nasty fight for people’s attention in February as I’ve never seen a month at the beginning of the year to be this packed with big titles. 

I wonder though - as I write this, are other studios contemplating if they should stick with their current plan or announce a delay to get out of the crowded month? It wouldn’t be a bad idea and I’m sure many wallets will appreciate the news. 

For January 2022, people will have a bit of breathing room now as the Switch’s Pokemon Legends: Arceus and the PC port of Monster Hunter Rise are the only games currently slated for that month. 

Elden Ring’s Closed Network Test

Elden Ring was originally slated for a January 21, 2022 release. Together with the delay announcement, From Software also announced a Closed Network Test for the game this November. Selected players can test and try out the game but only for a limited time on specific days. 

The Closed Network Test will be available from November 12 - 15 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One during these times: 

  • November 12 - 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM GMT+8

  • November 13 - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM GMT +8

  • November 14 - 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM GMT +8

  • November 15 - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM GMT+8

Those in Southeast Asia can register here for a shot at being one of the players during the Closed Network Test. Cross-play will be available between their respective console generations but PlayStation players will not be be able to play against Xbox players during the test. 

Elden Ring is the latest game from the makers of Dark Souls and Sekiro and is said to be the largest game they ever created. It will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on February 25, 2021.