The video game industry has experienced significant growth in 2023, with a total of 97 titles released compared to 60 in 2022. This increase showcases the diverse range of opinions within the gaming community and emphasizes the strength of the release calendar, featuring new blockbusters and indie gems every month.
An analysis by Axios of the review aggregator site Metacritic reveals that 2023 saw more titles with a 90/100 rating or above than any year in the past two decades, indicating the exceptional quality and creativity of the games released this year.
Despite the success of many games, the industry faced challenges, with an estimated 10,000 game developers losing their jobs by the end of the year, demonstrating the volatile nature of the industry. Additionally, major industry players continued to consolidate, with Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.
Notable titles of 2023 include “Tears of the Kingdom,” “Baldur’s Gate 3,” and “Hogwarts Legacy,” which captured the hearts of players. The year also featured crossovers with TV and film, such as the “Super Mario Bros.” and “Five Nights At Freddy’s” movies, as well as HBO’s acclaimed “The Last of Us” series.
While NPR does not officially rank games for its annual Games of the Year list, several titles stood out among nearly 200 entries. Some of the top-ranked titles include “Dead Space,” “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” “Starfield,” and “Baldur’s Gate 3,” among others.
Overall, 2023 has been a year of significant growth and challenges for the gaming industry. The release of innovative and high-quality titles has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on gamers worldwide.
