“May you live in interesting times…”
That basically sums up 2020 in a nutshell. With a pandemic and lockdowns (among other things), the world has been shocked to its core. One pandemic later, and we are finally at the end of 2020’s line.
Though this year feels like it has lasted forever, here is a look back at some 2020 gaming highlights.
Xbox Game Pass
I keep saying Xbox Game Pass is the best thing I have subscribed to because it just keeps getting better and better. This year saw so many good games added to the service.
We saw how the perk system works, which is a neat little feature. Xbox is really pushing Game Pass and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
How About That Zenimax Acquisition?
Microsoft bought out Zenimax, which means Bethesda is an Xbox Game Studios developer now…that’s a little crazy.
Skyrim: Special Edition is already on Game Pass, and so is Fallout 76 and Elder Scrolls Online, including the Morrowind DLC. This was a big move by Microsoft and I’m sure there are big things in the pipeline (ahm, Starfield and Elder Scrolls VI).
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 finally came out, but it was met with much backlash after deceptive review rules, a buggy console port, and missing features.
The game is getting more stable with each update, but this one hurt. Many were left disappointed after one of the most-anticipated games of the decade released in such a poor state.
I am keen to see how Cyberpunk 2077 plays when it is fixed and fully realised on next-gen consoles.
Next-Gen Consoles Released
Is it just me or did the next-gen console releases quietly come in and out?
Maybe it was the state of the world or something, but I hardly noticed it. I haven’t seen a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X in my stores and it isn’t because either were sold out. There’s just no sign of them.
Some of my friends bought an Xbox Series X, but the moment doesn’t feel as big as when the Xbox One came out. Maybe it’s just me because a new console has been the last thing on my mind this year. (Though, I’m thinking of picking up a Series X sometime this year.)
To say 2020 was a ‘meh’ year is an understatement. But at least games kept us sane through hard lockdowns and stressful times.
For many, games were a crutch. Our consoles or PC is our connection to our friends. Gaming is our adventure. This has been a hectic year, but one thing I’m thankful for is video games keeping me sane.
Here’s to what will hopefully be a better year.
