Assassin's Creed Mirage and Call of Duty on Game Pass shaped 2022's wild gaming news—here's how those stories aged by 2026.
As someone who has been playing games for as long as I can remember, I've learned that some weeks in the industry feel like a rollercoaster. Back in early September 2022, that was exactly the case. A flood of announcements, leaks, and reveals had everyone talking—and now, sitting here in 2026, I can look back and see how those stories actually played out. Some aged like fine wine, others… not so much. So let me take you on a personal trip down memory lane, with a few modern updates sprinkled in.
🗡️ Assassin's Creed Mirage: From Leak to Reality
Ubisoft just couldn't wait, could they? After months of rumors, the company accidentally leaked details on its own store before officially confirming that the next Assassin's Creed would be called Mirage. The setting? Baghdad. That was all we got at the time, but the promise of a full reveal at the September 10 Ubisoft Forward kept us hooked. I remember theorizing with friends about whether it would return to the series' stealth roots. Well, fast forward to 2026, and Mirage has been out for a while—launched in October 2023, to be precise. And yes, it did feel like a love letter to the original games. The bustling streets of Baghdad, the focus on parkour and silent takedowns—it was a refreshing change of pace after the massive RPGs. I sunk dozens of hours into it, and I still boot it up just to soak in the atmosphere.
🎮 Call of Duty on Game Pass: The Drama That Won't Quit
Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was the elephant in the room for what felt like forever. That week, Phil Spencer chimed in again—partly to reassure fans, partly to repeat himself. The big takeaway? Heavy hitters like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch would be coming to Game Pass. Cue the collective panic from PlayStation owners who thought they'd lose access. But Spencer and co. reaffirmed that CoD would not be ripped away from PlayStation. Looking back from 2026, it's almost funny how much hand-wringing there was. Microsoft finally closed the deal in 2023, and sure enough, Call of Duty titles started popping up on Game Pass. PlayStation players? They're still playing. The sky didn't fall. Sometimes the internet just needs something to worry about.
🐾 Gizmo Joins MultiVersus: Cuteness Overload
Just as I was getting comfortable with Morty in MultiVersus, the devs teased the next fighter. The clue? A pair of unmistakable paws poking out of a box. Gizmo from Gremlins was coming. And not only that—Stripe would be a separate character, not just an alternate skin. I remember the excitement in the community; everyone was arguing about whether Gremlins even have paws (they do, apparently). MultiVersus has had its ups and downs since then, but Gizmo remains one of my favorite picks. There's something deeply satisfying about raining adorable chaos on your opponents.
⚠️ Halo Infinite's Roadmap: A Masterclass in Disappointment
For a game literally called Infinite, it sure struggled to keep people engaged. August 2022 came and went without the co-op campaign that was promised. Then September 1 rolled around, and 343 dropped a new roadmap. Co-op campaign? Pushed to November 8—two years after launch. The Forge beta would also start that day, but couch co-op was quietly scrapped. I remember the collective groan from the Halo community. I was one of them. I wanted to love Infinite, but the delays and missing features made it hard. These days, the game is in a better place—co-op eventually arrived, and Forge has produced some incredible creations—but that roadmap was a bitter pill to swallow.
🎨 Pokémon's Grafaiai: The Painting Primate
Gizmo wasn't the only adorable creature making headlines. Pokémon kicked off the week with mysterious markings on trees and rocks, building hype for a brand-new monster. The reveal? Grafaiai, a painting Pokémon that would debut in Scarlet & Violet. Naturally, everyone assumed it was related to Smeargle. That theory hasn't been fully debunked, but Grafaiai carved its own identity. In 2026, it's a fun, if niche, addition to the Pokédex. I've used one on my team, and its signature move, Doodle, is a neat gimmick. Not every new Pokémon becomes a fan favorite, but Grafaiai definitely left its mark—literally.
🧟 The Last of Us Part 1: A $70 Debate
By the time that week ended, The Last of Us Part 1 had launched. I remember the heated arguments about whether a remake was necessary, and whether $70 was too steep. Naughty Dog's directors emphasized restraint—they picked and chose which improvements would best enhance the original. Improved graphics, gameplay, and accessibility options were the selling points. I eventually picked it up, and I have to admit, the remake is gorgeous. But was it essential? That's subjective. In 2026, we've also got The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered and a hugely successful TV show, so the franchise is bigger than ever. Still, that $70 price tag remains a talking point.
📊 Quick Recap: Where Are They Now?
| Story | 2022 Status | 2026 Update |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin's Creed Mirage | Confirmed, set in Baghdad | Released Oct 2023, return to stealth roots |
| CoD on Game Pass | Announced, PlayStation safe | Microsoft acquired Activision, CoD on Game Pass |
| Gizmo in MultiVersus | Teased, then confirmed | Playable, fan favorite |
| Halo Infinite roadmap | Co-op delayed, couch co-op scrapped | Co-op eventually arrived, Forge thriving |
| Pokémon Grafaiai | Revealed for Scarlet & Violet | Available, niche but memorable |
| The Last of Us Part 1 | Launched at $70 | Remake praised, franchise expanded |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Looking back at that week in 2022, I'm struck by how much has changed. Some promises were kept, others were broken, and a few surprises caught us off guard. As a gamer, I've learned to take announcements with a grain of salt—but also to enjoy the ride. The industry moves fast, and 2026 is already shaping up to be another wild year. If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that I'll be right here, controller in hand, ready for whatever comes next.
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