Vampire Survivors: My Unlikely Game of the Year for 2022

"I just don't get it, it looks so basic." These were my words on a fateful day in June 2022, a statement I would soon come to regret. As the year drew to a close, it became clear that my gaming experience was dominated by a £2.09 game I had never intended to play, and it was all thanks to Vampire Survivors. With a year marked by moving houses and a desire for relaxation in my games, I found solace in this unexpected gem. Despite its simple gameplay, Vampire Survivors offered a depth and addictiveness that I couldn't resist, making it the perfect companion for my Steam Deck. As I delved deeper into the game, I discovered a world of complexity and strategy, with a wide range of characters, weapons, and perks to unlock. The game's auto-pilot aspect and pick-up-and-play nature made it an ideal fit for my busy lifestyle, and I found myself playing it for hours on end, always chasing that next run. What started as a casual curiosity turned into an obsession, and I'm grateful for the joy and escapism it brought me. With its humble beginnings and massive popularity, Vampire Survivors is a testament to the power of indie games and the communities that form around them. It may not be the most conventional Game of the Year choice, but for me, it's a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the most happiness, and that's exactly what Vampire Survivors did for me in 2022.