Video gaming is no longer a buzzword or a pastime activity among youngsters. Today, this sub-entertainment segment is a billion-dollar industry in itself. The immersive themes, compelling storyline, and interactive elements entice vast demographics worldwide. Not to mention, there’s even The Game Awards event to honor the best game titles.
Like previous years, the event organizers recently released the nomination list for the 2023 edition. The winner selection varies based on gaming genres and categories. It includes Game Of The Year, Best RPG, Best Action Game, Best Mobile Game, Best Independent Game, and others.
Here’s a roundabout of some famous categories and predictions for games that can win the Game Awards 2023.
Best Role-Playing Games
The staggering variety in Role-playing Games (RPG) ensures an unmatchable experience for video gamers. The rich narratives with customized character and equipment options boost the player’s engagement.
It’s been a truly bumper year for quality RPG games. Needless to say, picking one from the nomination list can be tricky for the jury.
Nominees:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Lies Of P
- Starfield
- Final Fantasy XVI
- Sea Of Stars
Anticipated Winner:
Larian Studios’s Baldur’s Gate 3 can be an ideal pick for the best RPG award category. With 17,000 different endings, each player will have a different gaming experience in this DnD game. Released on August 3, 2023, it has been a landmark release for PC gamers.
100-hour adventurous gameplay with intriguing backstories and vast characters creates an engaging gaming environment for players. Further, strikingly memorable quests, intricate dungeons, and unusual stakes allow video gamers to test their gaming skills.
Best Action/Adventure Game
The hybrid model of this video game genre adds an extra layer of thrill for gamers. The action-adventure franchises gained popularity due to a mix of reflex-testing gameplay and problem-solving nature.
From slashers, platformers, puzzles, and survival simulators to first-person/third-person shooters, you can enjoy different gaming elements under one category. However, gameplay is at the heart of AA games. The goal is to keep the players hooked through diverse mechanics, stimulating plots, and interactive features.
Hence, the AA game titles that tick these parameters can be in the nomination list of the Game Awards contest.
Nominees:
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Resident Evil 4
- Alan Wake 2
- Spider-Man 2
Anticipated Winner:
The Legend of Zelda franchise can take home the Best Action/Adventure award title for 2023. The incredible game design with improved systems makes it the top contender.
Besides, Tears of the Kingdom has an impressive open-world map with interactive content to explore. The developers also added unique features that gamers can use to craft anything they imagine. With over 10 million copies sold in the first three days, the Zelda sequel keeps our hopes high for winning this award category.
Best Mobile Game
The mobile gaming segment evolved drastically within a few years. That said, it’s not a casual game genre anymore. Today, players can play high-end games without interruption from their cutting-edge handheld devices. In fact, there are myriad options in the market today.
From racing games, RPGs, and MMOs to simulators, mobile gaming brands now build various console-quality games. Hence, this genre now stands tall in this most prestigious gaming ceremony. The experts at the 2023 Game Awards edition handpicked this year’s top-rated mobile game titles.
Nominees:
- Hello Kitty Adventure Island
- Honkai: Star Rail
- Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
- Terra Nil
- Monster Hunter Now
Anticipated Winner:
So, who will win the race in this award category? The top choice could be Honkai: Star Rail. The game’s expansive environment outruns other Best Mobile Award nominees.
The turn-based Gacha RPG has a roster of unique characters, energetic combat, and vibrant, thrilling areas to explore. Further, stunning visuals give anime-inspired characters and environments a razor-sharp look. The refreshing soundtrack enhances the gaming experience.
These extraordinary features turn the tables in favor of Honkai: Star Rail.
Best Esports Game
The intensively competitive Esports games pushed the boundaries of gaming and entertainment. Today, professional players livestream game tournaments on online platforms like Twitch and YouTube. It also opened a new gateway for bookmakers to host betting events on various aspects of the gaming sessions.
From multi-million dollar tournaments and online Esports wagering to dedicated betting rollover explained guides by professionals, this game category made a mark in the industry. The Esports genre deserves to be on The Game Awards nomination list.
Nominees:
- DOTA 2
- League of Legends
- Counter-Strike 2
- Valorant
- PUBG Mobile
Anticipated Winner:
Undoubtedly, Counter-Strike is one of the most played games in the world. The way CS: GO 2 dominated online competitive games, it can win the Best Esports game for 2023 title.
Best Independent (Indie) Games
Under this award category, The Game Awards recognizes the success of a game created by independent studios. With the advent of the Steam platform, the Indie game genre emerged as a new trend in the industry.
Now, it’s even a valuable category in the annual Game Awards.
Nominees:
- Cocoon
- Sea Of Stars
- Dredge
- Viewfinder
- Dave The Diver
Anticipated Winner:
This year, Dredge could be the Best Indie Game of all time. Its unique horror fishing concept is one of the key reasons.
Players explore new islands to solve mysteries while searching over 125 deep sea critters, artifacts, and rare jewels. The endless possibilities keep the gamer on the edge of the seat during the gameplay.
Further, the single-player game’s compelling narrative, beautiful art style, and fishing mechanics enhance its appeal. The stimulating gameplay maximizes the chances of winning this award for Dredge game developers.
Game of The Year
The biggest question is which game will win the GOTY. With various critically acclaimed releases this year, the competition for this top award category is likely to be fierce.
First, check out the recently announced nomination list.
Nominees:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Alan Wake 2
- Resident Evil 4
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Anticipated Winner:
Of course, choosing one title from the list dominated by the top-performing games is challenging. The strongest contender for this year’s Game of The Year can presumably be Alan Wake 2. There’s a reason this frontrunner got eight nominations in The Game Awards 2023 edition.
The game carries the legacy of Remedy’s peculiar storytelling concept. The fascinating and rich gameplay mixes the survival-horror action with psychological terror. The game’s 17-hour journey features innovative elements like intense combat, environmental puzzles using light mechanics, and a caseboard for evidence tracking.
Alan Wake 2’s intricate plot and deep character development can give it an edge over the games in the GOTY list.
FAQs
- Who founded the Game Awards?
Media entrepreneur Geoff Keighley founded and produces The Game Awards event.
- How can I watch the Game Awards 2023?
Various online platforms will livestream The Game Awards 2023 on Thursday, December 7. It includes YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, Steam, X, IGN, Gamespot, Kick, and Facebook.
- Which games won The Game Awards in the past?
The Last of Us Part II (2020), It Takes 2 (2021), and Elden Ring (2022) took The Game Awards title.
- How are the winners of the Game Awards selected?
Voting by a panel of industry experts (90%) and a fan vote (10%) decide the winners.
Wrap Up
So keep your fingers crossed! The Game Awards 2023 is around the corner. With such a powerful lineup, watching who wins the ultimate crown will be worth it for gaming enthusiasts.
