2023: Getting ready for Game of the Year

Ben Kirby

1 year ago

2023 has been absolutely stellar for gaming. What an incredible time to be a gamer and enjoy our favourite pastime.

It’s a double-edged sword though, isn’t it? Who on earth has time to play everything? I’d argue that even the most diligent games journalists and most affluent (in time and money) gamers wouldn’t have been able to sink their teeth into everything 2023 has had to offer.

So, we know 2023 has had some absolute gems, yet how on earth can we hope to give them all a fair trial when coming up to Game of the Year? Well, we can’t. And honestly, if you haven’t played something, you either have to trust those who have, or you have to discount it from the discussion. It’s harsh, but what on earth can you do about it?

Below is a list of all the big releases, and those with enough PR clout to have them known. But look at that list, then look at the last year of gaming and what you played. The discourse each month has been around some huge releases like Tears of the Kingdom, Spiderman 2, Starfield, Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6, Super Mario Wonder, Baldur’s Gate 3 etc.

This is insane!

Then, 2023 sees some little gems that nobody expected like Dave the Diver which is honestly, in my mind, part of the same conversation as Tears of the Kingdom and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

It’s going to be a rollercoaster! What are your favourite games for 2023?

What’s come out in 2023?

As it stands, I have some contenders for the 2023 GOTY crown, but I’m also gutted to have missed some games. I might have a little bit of time to change that though, but there’s no way that I can get to everything and give it enough time to complete them by the end of 2023.

Let me show you what’s come out in 2023, to help provide some perspective:

JANUARY 2023

One Piece Odyssey (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 13
Persona 3 Portable (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 19
Persona 4 Golden (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 19
Colossal Cave (Mac, Meta Quest 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 19
Fire Emblem Engage (Nintendo Switch) — Jan. 20
Forspoken (PlayStation 5, Windows PC) — Jan. 24
NBA All-World (Android, iOS) — Jan. 24
Hi-Fi Rush (Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 25
Dead Space (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 27
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Jan. 31
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One) — Jan. 31

FEBRUARY 2023

Deliver Us Mars (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 2
Hogwarts Legacy (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 10
Blanc (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Feb. 14, 2023
Tomb Raider Reloaded (Android, iOS) — Feb. 14
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4) — Feb. 16
Wild Hearts (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 17
Atomic Heart (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 21
Like a Dragon: Ishin! (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 21
Metroid Prime Remake (Nintendo Switch) — Feb. 22
PlayStation VR 2 launches (PlayStation 5) — Feb. 22
After the Fall (PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Horizon Call of the Mountain (PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Fantavision 202X (PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Moss (PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Moss: Book 2 (PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Puzzling Places (PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Rez Infinite (PS5, PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Tetris Effect: Connected (PS5, PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Zenith: The Last City (PlayStation VR 2) — Feb. 22
Blood Bowl 3 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 23
Company of Heroes 3 (Windows PC) — Feb. 23
Sons of the Forest (Windows PC) — Feb. 23
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) — Feb. 24
Kerbal Space Program 2 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 24 (early access)
Octopath Traveler 2 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) — Feb. 24
Destiny 2: Lightfall (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Feb. 28

MARCH 2023

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — March 3
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — March 9, 2023
Valheim (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — March 14
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR (PlayStation VR 2) — March 16
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (Nintendo Switch) — March 17
WWE 2K23 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — March 17
Deceive Inc (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X)
Resident Evil 4 Remake (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — March 24
Crime Boss: Rockay City (Windows PC) — March 28
The Last of Us Part I (PC) — March 28
MLB The Show 23 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — March 28
Dredge (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — March 30
Sifu (Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — TBA

APRIL 2023

Meet Your Maker (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — April 4
GrimGrimoire OnceMore (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5) — April 4
EA Sports PGA Tour (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — April 7
Tron: Identity (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — April 11
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC) — April 14
Disney Speedstorm (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — April 18 (early access)
Minecraft Legends (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — April 18
DNF Duel (Nintendo Switch) — April 20
Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp (Nintendo Switch) — April 21, 2023
Dead Island 2 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — April 21
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — April 28
Star Trek: Resurgence (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — TBA

MAY 2023

Age of Wonders 4 (Windows PC) — May 2
Redfall (Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — May 2
Ravenlok (Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — May 4
Hogwarts Legacy (PlayStation 4, Xbox One) — May 5
Darkest Dungeon 2 (Windows PC, full launch) — May 8
Another Fisherman’s Tale (PlayStation VR 2) — May 11
Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 — (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — May 11
Marvel’s Midnight Suns (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Walkabout Mini Golf (PlayStation VR 2)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch) — May 12
Humanity (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR 2, Windows PC) — May 16
After Us (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — May 23
Convergence: A League of Legends Story (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X)
Farming Simulator 23: Nintendo Switch Edition (Nintendo Switch) — May 23
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — May 23
Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue (PlayStation VR 2)
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — May 25
System Shock remake (Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — May 30

JUNE 2023

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — June 1
Street Fighter 6 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — June 2
We Love Katamari ReRoll+ Royal Reverie (Nintendo Switch) — June 2
Amnesia: The Bunker (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 6
Diablo 4 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 6
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 , Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — June 8
Layers of Fear (2023) (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — June 15
Goodbye Volcano High (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) — June 15
Crime Boss: Rockay City (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) — June 15
F1 23 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 16
Aliens: Dark Descent (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 20
Crash Team Rumble (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 20
Pikmin and Pikmin 2 (HD, Nintendo Switch) — June 21
Final Fantasy 16 (PlayStation 5) — June 22
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — June 27
AEW Fight Forever (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 29
Everybody 1-2-Switch! (Nintendo Switch) — June 30
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — June 30
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code (Nintendo Switch) — June 30

JULY 2023

Synapse (PlayStation VR 2) — July 4
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) **— July 7
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) **— July 12
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) **— July 13
Manic Mechanics (Nintendo Switch) — July 13
Exoprimal (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — July 14
Jagged Alliance 3 (Windows PC) — July 14
Pokémon Sleep (Android, iOS) — July 17
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – Definitive Edition (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC) — July 20
Pikmin 4 (Nintendo Switch) — July 21
Remnant 2 (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — July 25
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (Windows PC) **— July 26
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — July 27
The Expanse: A Telltale Series (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — July 27
Disney Illusion Island (Nintendo Switch) — July 28
F1 Manager 2023 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — July 31

AUGUST 2023

Baldur’s Gate 3 (Windows PC) — Aug. 3
Gord (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 8
Atlas Fallen (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 10
Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 10
Blasphemous 2 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One) — Aug. 15
Everspace 2 (PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One) — Aug. 15
Moving Out 2 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 15
Red Dead Redemption (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4) — Aug. 17
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 17
Wayfinder (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 17 (early access)
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Aug. 18
Madden NFL 24 (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 18
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 18
Age of Empires 4 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 22
Fort Solis (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 22
Immortals of Aveum (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 22
WrestleQuest (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 22
Blasphemous 2 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 24
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 26
Crossfire: Sierra Squad (PlayStation VR 2, Steam VR) — Aug. 29
Samba de Amigo: Party Central (Nintendo Switch) — Aug. 29
Sea of Stars (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) — Aug. 29
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Aug. 31

SEPTEMBER 2023

Chants of Sennaar (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One) — Sept. 5
Rune Factory 3 Special (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Sept. 5
Starfield (Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 6
Baldur’s Gate 3 (PlayStation 5) — Sept. 6
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis (Android, iOS) – Sept. 7
Fae Farm (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Sept. 8
NBA 2K24 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 8
MythForce (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 12
Super Bomberman R 2 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 12
Gunbrella (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Sept. 13
Pokémon Scarlet And Violet: The Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero – The Teal Mask (Nintendo Switch) – Sept. 13
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster (Nintendo Switch) — Sept. 14
Monster Hunter Now (Android, iOS) — Sept. 14
The Crew: Motorfest (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 18
Gloomhaven (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 18
Lies of P (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 19
Mortal Kombat 1 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 19
Party Animals (Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 20
Payday 3 (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 21
EA Sports FC (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 29
Cocoon (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 29
Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Sept. 29

OCTOBER 2023

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) — Oct. 3
Silent Hope (Nintendo Switch) — Oct. 3
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 5
Wargroove 2 (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Oct. 5
Detective Pikachu Returns (Nintendo Switch) — Oct. 6
NHL 24 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 6
Forza Motorsport (Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 10
Roblox (PS5) — Oct. 10
Wild Card Football (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 10
Honkai Star Rail (PS5) — Oct. 11
Total War: Pharaoh (Windows PC) — Oct. 11
River City: Rival Showdown (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC) — Oct. 12
Lords of the Fallen (2023) (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 13
Sonic Superstars (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 17
Vampire Survivors (Nintendo Switch) — Oct. 17
Hellboy Web of Wyrd (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 18
Endless Dungeon (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 19
Gangs of Sherwood (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 19
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Playstation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 19
The 7th Guest VR (Meta Quest, PlayStation VR 2) — Oct. 19
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PlayStation 5) — Oct. 20
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo Switch) — Oct. 20
Cities: Skylines 2 (Windows PC) — Oct. 24
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 24
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord (Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2) — Oct. 26
Ghostrunner 2 (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 26
Alan Wake 2 (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Oct. 27
Headbangers Rhythm Royale (Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) — Oct. 31

NOVEMBER 2023

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story (Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 1
RoboCop: Rogue City (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 2
Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5) — Nov. 2
The Talos Principle 2 (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 2
Thirsty Suitors (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 2
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 (Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 3
WarioWare: Move It! (Nintendo Switch) — Nov. 3
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 7
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 9
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 10
The Day Before (Windows PC) — Nov. 10
Hogwarts Legacy (Nintendo Switch) — Nov. 14
Super Crazy Rhythm Castle (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 14
Teardown (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 15
Flashback 2 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 16
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — Nov. 17
Persona 5 Tactica (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X) ****— Nov. 17
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (Nintendo Switch) **— Nov. 17
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) — Nov. 30

DECEMBER 2023

Batman: Arkham Trilogy (Nintendo Switch) — Dec. 1
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince (Nintendo Switch) — Dec. 1
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X) — Dec. 7

So there we have it, look how many great games have been released in 2023, and we’re not even all the way there yet. There are still some 2023 titles to be released. What games have you enjoyed so far? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below. For more pieces like this one and to see what gets crowned our GOTY for 2023, keep an eye on our opinion pieces section.