- The gaming industry is resilient and expected to grow in 2023, with revenues reaching $187.7 billion.
- Console sales have skyrocketed, led by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Mobile games remain a dominant force, accounting for nearly half of the industry's total revenue.
As the sun sets on 2023, it's time to look back at the year's digital masterpieces. From groundbreaking graphics to heart-touching stories, here are the 20 best video games of 2023.
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It's been a long time since video games had a year as big as 2023. From instant classics to unexpected releases, the year gave gamers some of the most memorable interactive experiences in recent history. The best part is that no one has been forgotten: from Nintendo to Steam Deck players, 2023 has democratized access to high-level games for everyone.
Although the usual problems and disappointments were not absent from 2023, the good things outweighed the bad this year. With all of this in mind, putting together a list of the best games of 2023 seems almost daunting. Still, every game on this list deserves all the accolades and praise, whether it's a AAA game or an indie game.
But before we talk about our picks for the best games of 2023, it's worth taking a closer look at the financial situation of the video game industry. Given the ever-higher budgets of AAA games and the increase in the base price of some games to $70, one might expect a decline in the gaming world. Yet the truth is that gaming has never experienced such momentum.
Collect lots of coins
2023 has been a year of ups and downs for the video game industry, highlighting its resilience and growing pains. According to Newzoo, revenue is expected to reach $187.7 billion, a modest increase of 2.6%. The landscape shows successes and difficulties. It's all part of the course of this whirlwind year.
Console sales are soaring, likely surpassing 7.4%, thanks to Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series and cross-gen titles. This highlights the industry’s ability to overcome economic challenges and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Rumors of a new Nintendo console have affected global Switch sales somewhat – but that was to be expected. After all, at this point, the Nintendo Switch has become an indispensable part of almost every living room. Everyone already owns Nintendo's hybrid console, so a new model – or a next-gen entry at all – makes perfect sense in 2024.
Mobile games remain a strength, and are expected to reach $92.6 billion, or nearly half of the sector's total revenue. Titles like PUBG Mobile and its innovative multiplayer experiences continue to captivate audiences around the world, demonstrating the reach and engagement inherent in mobile gaming.
Cloud gaming services such as Microsoft's xCloud and Sony's PlayStation Now are gaining ground, providing platform-agnostic access to massive game libraries, democratizing gaming and reaching audiences that transcend traditional barriers of ownership from a console or PC.
The competitive gaming scene continues to explode, with esports revenue expected to reach $2.2 billion by 2023, the rise of professional leagues, global tournaments and dedicated platforms specifically for audiences consolidating esports as a force in mainstream entertainment.
Although it is still in its early stages, the integration of AI into game development offers vast potential. From automating tedious tasks to creating dynamic, personalized experiences, AI promises to revolutionize the industry's creative process.
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Working conditions in the gaming industry
The pressure to meet release deadlines can lead to unsustainable working conditions for developers, leading to burnout and stifling creativity. Industry-wide efforts to promote a healthier working environment are essential to long-term sustainability. Microtransactions, loot boxes, and other in-game purchases remain a hot topic of debate.
Balancing developer revenue and fair consumer practices is essential to maintaining player trust and avoiding predatory monetization tactics. Although the Metaverse offers exciting possibilities, its current form has technical limitations and needs a clear goal.
Integrating metaverse experiences into engaging games and addressing practical concerns such as hardware accessibility is essential for long-term success. At the end of 2023, the games industry is at a crossroads.
The year's victories demonstrate its resilience and potential, while the challenges reveal areas that require introspection and reform.
By tackling these issues and strengthening the industry, 2024 can be a year with more highs and fewer lows, ensuring that the joy of gaming continues to reach a wide audience – different imitations around the world .
The year 2023 has served up a veritable buffet of gaming delights, from thunderous blockbusters to indie gems glowing in the shadows. Games have been fertile ground for innovation and reinvention, whether involving vast landscapes or intimate narratives. While every hand clutched to a controller and every head adorned with a helmet has its pantheon of champions, here at the Fortress of Solitude we take a closer look at the offerings of the past year, dissecting not only the pixelated thrills , but also the narrative depth, technical mastery and lasting impact that each game leaves in its wake.
Join us for an uncompromising exploration of the year’s gaming landscape. We'll rank the titles that pushed boundaries, stirred emotions, and redefined what it means to play. Ready to distinguish the pixelated contenders from the shining stars of the video game pantheon?
Without further ado, here is our selection of the best games of 2023:
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20. Hogwarts Legacy
Developer: Avalanche Software
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5
For countless Potterheads, the ultimate dream has always been to not just relive Harry's adventures, but to actually live within the magical walls of Hogwarts itself. This year, that lifelong fantasy finally came true with Avalanche Software's Hogwarts Legacy – an enchanting open-world action RPG that takes players into the wizarding world for thrilling new adventures of their own design .
Immerse yourself in the beloved world of J.K. Rowling like never before as you solve complex puzzles, master powerful spells, and uncover long-held secrets hidden throughout the vast Hogwarts grounds. While not perfect, Hogwarts Legacy is a magical love letter to Potter audiences. It has been designed down to the smallest detail to make all the childhood dreams of the students of the iconic school come true. Its ambition alone is enough to make it one of the best games of 2023.
From exhilarating wizard duels to fun visits to Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Legacy is full of joys, big and small, for die-hard Harry Potter fans. Its rich world rewards exploration and constantly surprises you with hidden depths and Easter eggs that demonstrate Avalanche's adoration for the franchise.
19. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Developers: CD Projekt Red/CD Projekt
Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S
One of gaming's most impressive redemption arcs continues with Cyberpunk 2077's first – and seemingly only – DLC, Phantom Liberty. This is not a simple addition to the story like Hearts of Stone was for The Witcher 3: Phantom Liberty reinvents the Cyberpunk 2077 formula from top to bottom.
The expansion brings a plethora of changes to the character progression system, including balance tweaks that should please even the most die-hard RPG fans. As for the plot, Phantom Liberty turns the sci-fi dystopia on its head by introducing an unexpected spy thriller that's as exhilarating as it is technically impressive.
It is also worth highlighting the excellent acting of Idris Elba in this DLC. The veteran actor plays Special Agent Solomon Reed – the perfect opposite of Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand. While Dogtown is disappointing, the rest of the expansion serves as the perfect swan song for one of the most controversial games in recent history.
18. Starfield
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Todd Howard and Bethesda Softworks broke the mold in 2023, to everyone's surprise. Instead of releasing the usual annual re-release of Skyrim, the studio presented us with Starfield, Bethesda's first original intellectual property in 25 years.
Instead of Tamriel or the Capitol Wasteland, Starfield takes players on a sci-fi space journey with a surprisingly open galaxy and a variety of planets to explore. Bethesda's usual heaviness remains intact, however. This isn't necessarily a negative point, especially if you're a fan of Oblivion's “unique” charm.
While some will say that Starfield is far from being one of the best games of 2023, the fact that it is not a simple Skyrim is enough to earn it a few points.
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17. Lana’s Planet
Developer: Wishfully Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
This PC/Xbox exclusive invites players to join its eccentric characters on an epic journey where each image resembles a work of art. Planet of Lana perfectly blends 2D and 3D, resulting in a unique visual style.
From giant sea creatures to calming meadows, Planet of Lana is an unforgettable action platformer that will appeal to even the most art-loving gamers. The fact that the game is also available on Game Pass also means that players with a subscription can try it out before purchasing. In all honesty, the developers of Planet of Lana deserve support.
16. Metroid Prime Remastered
Developer: Retro Studios
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
The Metroid Update is a masterful remaster that proves that some games can stand the test of time. The transition from GameCube graphics to Switch graphics is astounding. Environments are bursting with vibrant detail, from the ancient Chozo Ruins to the icy wastes of Phendrana Drifts. Character models and textures are getting a much-needed overhaul.
While the graphics and controls have been modernized, the heart and soul of Metroid Prime has remained intact. The atmospheric environments, enigmatic story, and exhilarating combat have been returned to their original glory. Scanning enemies and objects to learn more about the alien world of Tallon IV remains as captivating as ever. When it comes to Nintendo's hybrid console, Metroid Prime Remastered is one of those overlooked titles that could easily be one of the best games on the platform in 2023.
15. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Developer: Ubisoft Bordeaux
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
In a year marked by huge open-world epics and genre-shattering innovations, a smaller, more focused title managed to steal the hearts of many gamers. Assassin's Creed Mirage is a welcome return to the series' roots with a focused, story-driven adventure set in Baghdad during the rule of the Abbasid Caliphate.
Mirage departs from recent Assassin's Creed titles by returning to the franchise's roots. Instead of pseudo-RPGs like Odyssey and Valhalla, this adventure leans more on the series' famous rooftop parkour and tactical assassinations.
Still, the ongoing story fits in well with what we last saw in Valhalla. Mirage allows players to discover another side of the enigmatic Basim, as the story takes place ten years before Eivor sails to Britannia.
14. Mortal Kombat 1
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
In a year of phenomenal game releases, Mortal Kombat 1 stands tall, uppercutting its way into the hearts (and spines) of fighting game fans. Mortal Kombat 1 is not only a brutal brawler, it's also a masterpiece of reinvention, infusing classic MK magic with never-before-seen mechanics and surprisingly deep storytelling.
As its name suggests, Mortal Kombat 1 functions as a reboot of the franchise. Yes, another one. By introducing new and alternate versions of familiar characters, MK1 promises to be one of the best brawlers of the year – and for fighting game fans, one of the best games of 2023. Ai- Did I mention that Omni-Man and Homelander are in this game? Because it is. And they're great for Mortal Kombat.
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13. Flirting
Developer: Black Salt Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Dredge is another great game that has been praised for its unique blend of fishing, deck-building, and Lovecraftian horror. It doesn’t just put you in the shoes of a happy fisherman. You're a wanderer looking for work in the enigmatic coastal town of Greater Marrow, and fishing is your meager gateway to its mysteries.
From reeling in bioluminescent jellyfish to battling serpentine eels, the fishing is surprisingly varied and exciting. Each shot feels like a puzzle to solve, testing your reflexes and ingenuity to navigate the unknown.
12.Pikmin 4
Developers: Nintendo EPD/Eighting
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Pikmin 4 is more than a charming sequel; it's a beautifully refined evolution of the Pikmin formula, flourishing in a delightful dance between strategy, exploration, and surprising emotional depth. Pikmin 4 has been praised by fans for its adorable visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and new strategic options introduced with the Ice and Glow Pikmin.
New Pikmin types make Pikmin 4 even more strategic than its predecessors. The title nevertheless retains the charm and laid-back atmosphere of its predecessors, making it one of the best games of 2023 for Switch owners looking for a laid-back approach to the RTS genre.
11. Final Fantasy XVI
Developer: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows
In a year overflowing with quality RPGs, Final Fantasy XVI rises like a phoenix, spreading its wings and seizing a fiery throne as one of the best games of 2023. It's more than a Final Fantasy, it's a masterpiece of world-building, combat, and storytelling, a title that breathes fire into the series' rich legacy while carving its own path of unforgettable experiences.
Gone is the road movie side of Final Fantasy XV, make way for a story of surprising maturity. It's safe to say that the Final Fantasy series has never seemed more mature, both in its themes and its presentation. Action RPG fans will definitely enjoy this journey into the unforgiving world of Valisthea, even if it has been criminally overlooked.
10. Diablo IV
Developer: Blizzard
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Like a demonic specter riding a Warg, Diablo IV has etched its name into the annals of the biggest games of 2023. The game is a brutal and beautiful reimagining of the Diablo universe, a symphony of gore, loot, and character customization that will have you slaying demons and dancing depravity long after the rooster crows. So grab your soul stone, sharpen your mind, and descend into the fiery depths of Sanctuary.
While fans of mobile games still have to spend hours playing Diablo: Immortal, Diablo IV presents an evolution of the classic looting game formula. Dangerously addictive, this hellish game is easily one of the most controversial picks for the best games of 2023.
9. Hi-Fi Rush
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Platforms: Windows, Xbox Series X/S
A stylish action rhythm game with an explosive soundtrack and infectious energy, Hi-Fi Rush burst onto the scene with its vibrant graphics, offbeat humor, and surprisingly deep combat system. It's a joyful celebration of rhythm games and a welcome burst of originality in the AAA space.
Released by surprise exclusively on Microsoft platforms (at first), Hi-Fi Rush retains the fun side of a bygone era of video games. Imagined by the creative mind of Shinji Mikami, the game is a testament to the quality of Tango Gamework's efforts. Hi-Fi Rush came onto the scene when no one expected it, and it ultimately became one of the best games of 2023.
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8. Street Fighter 6
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Arcade
Street Fighter 6 combines nostalgia and bold innovation to deliver an experience that is both familiar and new. SF6 reinvigorates the series while remaining faithful to previous games, delivering a deep and rewarding fighting game experience wrapped in a vibrant and captivating world. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to fighting games, Street Fighter 6 invites you to step into the ring and unleash your inner champion.
The game now introduces a more cinematic story mode, which follows a character that the player creates from scratch. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of SF6 character creation is the feeling of limitlessness it provides. Players can create all manner of crazed fighters or hideous abominations, and watch in amazement as Chun-Li and Zangief treat them as if they were an ordinary person. For that alone, Street Fighter 6 is one of the best fighting games we've seen in a long time.
7. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is filled with deep story, rich world-building, and lightsaber battles that will ignite the Jedi Master in you. Cal Kestis is back, older, wiser and marked by his fights against the Empire. Survivor delves into its emotional turmoil, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the burden of wielding the Force. The narrative isn't afraid to be dark, with mature themes weaved into the Star Wars universe in new and impactful ways.
The Star Wars galaxy seems alive and larger than ever. As for the lightsaber fights, they are unrivaled. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes everything that made its predecessor great while weaving a deeper, more mature story, creating a breathtaking Star Wars adventure that's both familiar and thrilling.
6. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, iPadOS, macOS
The survival horror classic gets a stunning modern overhaul, retaining its chilling atmosphere and thrilling tension while adding graphical fidelity and refined gameplay mechanics. Resident Evil 4 Remake is a faithful reimagining that pays homage to the original and offers a new experience for veterans and newcomers alike.
This remake brings many quality of life improvements over Capcom's classic, including the ability to walk and aim at the same time. The game also features a greater number of moves for Leon's knife techniques, transforming the beloved character into a virtual John Wick.
5. Baldur’s Gate 3
Developer: Larian Studios
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, Xbox Series X/S
The popular RPG series delivers a sprawling adventure filled with tactical combat, complex choices, and endless customization. Deep world-building, gripping storytelling, and faithful adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons rules make this game a dream come true for RPG fans.
Baldur’s Gate 3 won every major Best Game of 2023 award, including the coveted The Game Awards grand prize. Combining strong voice performances, a gripping plot, and surprisingly addictive dice-based combat and dialogue gameplay, this is undoubtedly one of the best role-playing games ever made.
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4. Alan Wake 2
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Alan Wake 2 is an odyssey that transcends expectations and redefines what a psychological thriller video game can be. Remedy Entertainment's signature mix of Twin Peaks-style mystery and Stephen King-style dread reaches new heights here.
The narrative masterfully juggles multiple timelines, unreliable narrators and shifting realities, leaving you waiting until the end. Prepare to wrestle with existential questions, confront demons from your past, and watch Alan struggle with his sanity as the lines between fiction and reality blur beyond recognition.
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Bros. Wonder isn't just a new side-scrolling platformer, it's a whimsical odyssey that reimagines Mario's Mushroom Kingdom. Wonder is a fantastic celebration of classic charm alongside groundbreaking innovations, proving that sometimes the simplest concepts can deliver the most magical experiences.
This is the first entirely original 2D Mario since New Super Mario Bros in 2006. Nearly two decades later, Nintendo has finally decided to give the formula a fresh coat of paint, and the result is not only l one of the best platform titles on the Nintendo Switch – but also one of the best games of 2023, period.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform: PlayStation 5
Insomniac Games once again raises the bar with a web spectacle that builds on everything that made the first game so strong. Two protagonists, a richer open world and a deeper dive into Miles' emotional journeys Morales and Peter Parker make this game a must-have for Spidey fans.
Spidey 2 reaches new heights with its captivating story, exhilarating battles, and vibrant New York City that makes you feel like the friendliest friend on the block. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 definitely deserved more attention at this year's video game awards.
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1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Platform: Nintendo Switch
The final chapter of the Hyrule saga takes Link to a sprawling, sky-soaked world filled with inventive puzzles and exhilarating combat. Its breathtaking graphics, masterful world design, and boundless sense of adventure cement its place as a modern classic.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a stunning evolution of the open-world masterpiece Breath of the Wild. In a year full of incredible titles, Tears of the Kingdom rises above the rest, painting a Hyrule that is both familiar and incredibly new.
Breath of the Wild has redefined exploration, but Tears of the Kingdom takes it to a new level by having you soar through the clouds using new aerial vehicles, lifting you up to the floating islands that dot the vast sky, and discovering hidden secrets in this expanded vertical world.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a triumph. It takes everything that made its predecessor successful, while adding innovative mechanics, a captivating story, memorable characters and a world that begs to be explored. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a new hero to Hyrule, Tears of the Kingdom is an experience not to be missed. It’s a brilliant example of how you can push the boundaries of open-world storytelling.
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