Rugby 22
A rugby union sequel with official licenses and mixed critical reception.
Rugby 22 is a rugby union simulation video game from developer Eko Software and publisher Nacon. It hit PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on 22 January 2022. The title follows Rugby 20 and was later followed by Rugby 25.
The game was first announced during Nacon Connect in July 2021, with its release date set for 22 January 2022 across all platforms. It holds official licenses for most national teams, including Australia and New Zealand, and includes real player names and kits for France, Fiji, Italy, Ireland, Georgia, Wales, Scotland, and Japan. National teams with generic kits are South Africa, England, the United States, Samoa, Tonga, and Argentina. Licensed leagues are the Top 14, Pro D2, and the United Rugby Championship, while Premiership Rugby appears with generic league and team names and kits.
Critics gave Rugby 22 mixed or average scores, according to Metacritic. The Loadout awarded it 4/10, noting that while the improved tactics feature is welcome, the game feels stuck in the early 2000s and lacks modern sports-game features. Wales Online called it the best rugby game in 15 years, praising its on-field gameplay as the closest to modern rugby since Rugby 08, but also pointed out that long, looping miss-passes from rucks can break the game for either side. The Telegraph described the gameplay as clumsy and outright glitchy.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Rugby 22
- Developer
- Eko Software
- Publisher
- Nacon
- Engine
- Havok
- Released
- 27 January 2022
- Genre
- Sports, simulation
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Windows · Xbox One · Xbox Series X/S
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Rugby 22 was first revealed during Nacon Connect in July 2021, with a scheduled launch on 22 January 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Windows. The game features official licenses for the majority of national teams, including Australia and New Zealand, and includes official players and jerseys for France, Fiji, Italy, Ireland, Georgia, Wales, Scotland, and Japan. Other national teams appear with generic kits: South Africa, England, United States, Samoa, Tonga, and Argentina. Licensed leagues include Top 14, Pro D2, and United Rugby Championship, while Premiership Rugby is fully generic in league name, team names, and kits.
Reader's Guide
Rugby 22 received mixed or average reviews from critics according to Metacritic. The Loadout rated the game 4/10, noting that while the new and improved tactics feature was a welcome addition, the game felt stuck in the early 2000s with a lack of modern-day features expected in the sports genre. Wales Online called it the best rugby game in 15 years, stating that gameplay-wise it was probably the closest any title had come to capturing modern rugby and certainly the best on-field game since Rugby 08, though it noted imperfections such as the game rewarding long, looping miss-passes from rucks. The Telegraph described the gameplay as clumsy and downright glitchy. The game's significance lies in its attempt to simulate modern rugby union with official licensing for many national teams and leagues, but its reception highlighted a divide between on-field improvements and a perceived lack of contemporary features.
Did You Know?
- Rugby 22 was developed by Eko Software and published by Nacon.
- It features official licenses for national teams including Australia, New Zealand, France, Fiji, Italy, Ireland, Georgia, Wales, Scotland, and Japan.
- The Loadout rated the game 4/10, calling it 'a game stuck in the early 2000s'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rugby 22?
Rugby 22 is a rugby union simulation video game built by Eko Software and released by Nacon. It slots in as the sequel to Rugby 20 and was later succeeded by Rugby 25.
When did Rugby 22 come out and on which platforms?
The title launched on 22 January 2022 across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Nacon first unveiled the game and its release window during their Connect showcase in July 2021.
Which national teams and players are officially licensed in Rugby 22?
The game carries official licenses for most national rugby union sides, including Australia and New Zealand. Real player names and authentic kits are available for France, Fiji, Italy, Ireland, Georgia, Wales, Scotland, and Japan.
How was Rugby 22 received by critics?
The game pulled mixed-to-average scores on Metacritic, landing squarely in the middle of the critical spectrum. Reviewers generally found it competent but unremarkable for the annual rugby sim formula.
Where does Rugby 22 fit in the series timeline?
It picks up right after Rugby 20 as the previous entry in Eko Software's rugby franchise. Rugby 25 then followed as the next installment, making Rugby 22 the 2022 chapter of the ongoing series.
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