Though November's video game releases featured many AAA titles, December also features a fair share of anticipated titles such as Halo Infinite and the long-awaited console port of Among Us. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID pandemic forced many game developers to delay projects due to working from home, chip shortages, and other unforeseen obstacles. Thankfully, the resulting release dates ensured gamers won't have to wait much longer for many popular franchises. Before 2021 comes to a close, several titles may become the new 'must have' game on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch systems.
Most AAA titles launched into the competitive market before December to earn a spot on the 2021 Game Awards ballot, but many developers delayed into December 2021, January 2022, and beyond. All games announced may experience delays before their release date, and players have no insurance current release dates will remain set. All interested players should consult official websites and social media pages to ensure the release information for each title hasn't changed. In a year full of hurdles for the gaming industry, it's likely that more developers could delay their products into 2022 for quality assurance or to prevent unrealistic crunch time for their teams.
Perhaps the most anticipated December video game release is Halo Infinite, 343 Industries' long-awaited sequel to Halo 5. This title features a significant departure from past Halo titles, utilizing an open-world, free multiplayer, and a massive story campaign. While Halo Infinite's multiplayer featured a surprise release last month, Halo Infinite's campaign is still over a week away. Xbox fans can look forward to this product's release in early December and may take advantage of the game's holiday release as an early gift for loved ones. While Halo Infinite is an Xbox and PC exclusive, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch fans can also look forward to their fair share of exclusive content.
- December 8: Halo Infinite (PC, XBO, XBX/S)
The Nintendo Switch has dozens of new ports and original titles launching in December. While Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have already been released, and Pokémon Legends Arceus is scheduled for a 2022 release, several series are taking advantage of the lull. Hack n' slash titles like Firegirl 2 and other beloved franchises like Yu-Gi-Oh! find their way to the handheld in early December as well. In addition, while AAA PlayStation exclusives like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn are coming in 2022, each system has many upcoming games.
Anvil: Vault Breakers Comes To Steam Early Access On December 2nd
Anvil: Vault Breakers is one of the first December releases for PC systems, with its console versions having released back in June 2021. Players take the role of alien treasure hunters in a top-down, roguelike sci-fi experience. Randomly generated levels filled with interstellar enemies block the path towards the game's 'Vaults,' a cradle of power and the pinnacle of intergalactic loot. As players progress, their characters unlock new abilities to face challenges in other galaxies. Teamwork is vital, and interested parties should be ready for cooperative multiplayer to make or break their experience. In a release window competing with many AAA titles, Anvil: Vault Breakers is a brilliant game that players can't miss.
Like most modern titles, Anvil: Vault Breakers is breaching new frontiers and reaching new players with a PC port. Many developers have begun sharing a PC-oriented mindset to boost player numbers and sales. However, the latest chip shortage and struggle of many gamers to acquire pieces for their PCs may influence numbers. Additionally, Anvil: Vault Breakers likely falls short compared to other titles releasing at similar times, such as Halo or Final Fantasy. 2021 has been a challenging year for games, with many products launching prematurely or suffering from a collection of bugs. Hopefully, Anvil: Vault Breakers can offer players a smoother experience in a less-than-perfect industry.
Halo Infinite Campaign Comes To Xbox And PC On December 8th
Perhaps the most anticipated December 2021 game is Halo Infinite, the latest chapter in Master Chief's epic sci-fi adventure. Initially announced back in E3's 2018 conference, Halo Infinite suffered severe delays thanks to the pandemic and other unforeseen consequences. Its original release date was pushed back an entire year, leading to its December 2021 release date. 343 Industries treated the patient community to an early release of Halo Infinite's free multiplayer component, which received criticism due to slow progression, limited game modes, and heavily monetized customization. It's unknown whether December 8th will bring an update for multiplayer, but players who purchase the campaign are confirmed to have access to exclusive customization and multiplayer items.
Halo Infinite explores Zeta Halo, a distant installation running rampant with Covenant soldiers and a Halo Wars faction called The Banished. While Master Chief seeks to conquer this alien threat, he also works towards finding Cortana and ending her plots. He accomplishes this by seeking out a mysterious AI known as The Weapon, whose identity and goals are unknown. However, unlike other Halo titles, players have a much more accessible range of the world and aren't restricted to single levels. A crashed Pelican serves as a sort of 'hub' for players to return to, and they are often joined by Marine AI, whose programming has vastly improved from earlier titles. While many content creators already have their hands on Halo Infinite's campaign, the public can join them on December 8th. Unfortunately, Forge and Co-op won't launch until 2022.
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker Releases On December 7th After Delay
Initially scheduled for a late November release, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker received a last-minute delay to ensure the expansion's smooth release. After a decade on the MMO market, players should feel some reassurance at developers' continued investment in the product. Yoshi-P's choice to delay the expansion was difficult and accompanied by many apologies for players who had requested time off to complete the product. However, due to the year of botched launches and bugs, its delay likely allowed for more quality control. While Endwalker maintains a significant portion of Final Fantasy XIV's standard mechanics in new quests and PvP instances, it also introduces a new Island Sanctuary mode.
Island Sanctuary departs from Final Fantasy XIV's nonstop combat and thrilling exploration to offer players a more peaceful pastime. Like Genshin Impact's garden, players can tend to their gardens and interact with some of their many pets. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is the biggest expansion to the MMO, meaning players can expect a lengthy grind to reach max level and improve their gear. While this should come as an exciting announcement to veteran players, new players can also take this time to jump into the game while long-time fans are occupied with the new addition.
Among Us Releases December 14th For Xbox & PlayStation Consoles
Among Us took the internet by storm when content creators brought attention to the game in the thick of the pandemic. Though it initially suffered from an influx of players, hackers, and more, InnerSloth did its best to produce timely updates and fix bugs. While the game's popularity has died away in some corners of the internet, servers are still live and filled with players to deceive and manipulate their companions. After the game's exciting success, InnerSloth released a roadmap that promised exciting additions to the game to expand its lifespan and player base. One of the biggest expansions to the game is its console versions, which releases in the second full week of December.
Many popular gaming titles have begun embracing limited exclusivity to secure more sales and an increased player population. Similar to God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn's transition from PlayStation exclusivity to a shared PC title, Among Us is pursuing further compatibility by porting to PlayStation and Xbox on December 14th. Though some players have moved away to other games, Among Us' console versions and updates are sure to boost player numbers in time for the holiday season. While many families are still unable to meet for the holidays, they can at least blow one another out of airlocks with the proper consoles and servers.
All Major December Releases For Xbox, PlayStation, PC, And Switch
- December 2: Anvil: Vault Breakers (PC)
- December 2: Solar Ash (PC, PS4, PS5)
- December 2: Archvale (Switch, PC)
- December 2: Hot Wheels Unleashed: Hot Wheels Pass Vol. 1 Batman (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 2: Warhammer 40,000 Battlesector (PS4, PS5, XBO, XBX/S)
- December 2: The Kids We Were: Complete Edition (Switch, PC)
- December 3: 6Souls (Switch, PC)
- December 3: Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain (Switch)
- December 3: Chorus (PS4, PS5, PC, XBO, XBX/S, Stadia)
- December 3: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc - Anniversary Edition (Switch)
- December 3: Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Anniversary Edition (Switch)
- December 3: Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony - Anniversary Edition (Switch)
- December 3: Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition (Switch)
- December 3: Happy's Humble Burger Farm (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch)
- December 3: Word Forward (Switch)
- December 3: Spellforce Reforced (PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XBX/S)
- December 7: 9-Ball Pocket (Switch)
- December 7: Ever Forward (PS5, PS4, Switch)
- December 7: Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker (PC, PS4, PS5)
- December 7: Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) – Physical
- December 7: LOVE 3 (Switch)
- December 7: Twelve Minutes (Switch)
- December 7: Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel: Saikyou Battle Royale (Switch)
- December 8: Halo Infinite (PC, XBO, XBX/S)
- December 8: Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space Remastered (XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 8: Transient: Extended Edition (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 9: Blasphemous: Wounds of Eventide (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 9: Kubinashi Recollection (Switch)
- December 9: Monopoly Madness (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 9: Monster Rancher (Switch)
- December 9: Monster Rancher 2 (Switch)
- December 9: Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX (Switch)
- December 9: Sol Cresta (PS4, Switch, PC)
- December 9: Super Impossible Road (Switch)
- December 9: Wytchwood (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 13: Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon (PS4, Switch)
- December 14: Among Us (PS4, PS5, XBO, XBX/S)
- December 14: Asteroids: Recharged (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 14: Firegirl: Hack' n Splash Rescue (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 15: Aeterna Noctis (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 15: The Letter: A Horror Visual Novel (Switch)
- December 16: Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 16: Hashihime of the Old Book Town Append (Switch)
- December 16: Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
- December 17: HIM & HER 3 (Switch)
- December 23: Tunnel of Doom (Switch)
- December 25: American Man (Switch)