OUR FAVOURITE GAMES OF 2023
It’s safe to say that 2023 was a fantastic year for video games. Talented developers across the industry embraced originality, creativity, and a little chaos to create some truly unforgettable experiences that took us to unexpected places, from the spooky depths of The Dark Place to the rocky regions of Koboh.
To celebrate last year's incredible lineup, we’ve asked a handful of the team which games captivated them the most last year. Here are a few of the titles they couldn't pull themselves away from:
ALAN WAKE 2
KATE SNOW, CTO & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Although I usually avoid horror games, something about the psychological twists in Alan Wake drew me in! I love the depth in the atmosphere they created, and I'm constantly thinking, "What the hell is happening?".
I loved the quirky rock band scenes and eccentric Finnish references that made me go, "What the hell is happening?".
DAVE THE DIVER
WILL BERMUDEZ, CREATIVE DEVELOPER
Despite all the phenomenal games that came out last year I've played, like Bauldur’s Gate 3 and Spider-Man 2, there's just something about the vibe that Dave the Diver gives off that makes it my GOTY.
Fluctuating between underwater Metroidvania and restaurant sim, with loads of fun minigames along the way, this game came with an abundance of awesome things to do that I truly wasn't expecting when I picked it up. Plus, Dave is a top-tier gaming protagonist who loves Sushi just as much as I do!
STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR
BECKY SNOW, CEO & DESIGN DIRECTOR
2023 has been a fantastic year for games, which makes it frustratingly hard to pick a favourite. After a tug of war between Spiderman 2, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor came out victorious and won my game of the year.
Despite not being a massive fan of Dark Souls-esque fail-forward progression mechanics, Survivor's combat system had me glued. Getting in that extra hit, learning a new attack pattern, and lasting just a moment longer each time offered just enough progression that my lack of skill made it quickly become my game with the highest playtime last year.
SLUDGE LIFE 2
CHRIS SLIGHT, COMMUNITY MANAGER
When it comes to releases, it’s been an excellent year for games. Baldurs Gate 3 is one of the best games I’ve ever played, Alan Wake 2 is the sequel I dreamed of, Street Fighter 6 was one of the best entrances to the FGC to come out in years, and Dead Island 2 was just straight-up fun.
I’ve got to mention Sludge Life 2, though! Developed by Terri Velman and doseone, this follow-up to the brilliant Sludge Life expands on everything that made the first brilliant. More characters, more places to explore, more brilliant feeling movement. And that SOUNDTRACK! Plus, it's genuinely one of the funniest games of the year. If you’re looking to lose yourself in a world and a vibe not seen in games, play Sludge Life 2!
BAULDUR’S GATE 3
LEANNE SLIGHT, SR. ILLUSTRATOR
How can I possibly condense my love for Bauldur’s Gate 3 into a few sentences? This game came out of nowhere and knocked Panzer Dragoon Saga off the top spot to be my number-one game ever, and PDS had about 25 years of nostalgia armour to bolster it.
This game has reawakened my imagination in a way that’s been dormant since I was a teenager. If I’m not playing BG3, I’m either reading, talking, or daydreaming about my Druid’s adventures in Faerün with her ragtag bunch of weirdos and her beloved Wizard. I love everything about it: the characters, the animals, the dialogue, the story, the combat, the music, the customization, the consequences, the romance, and the community (shoutout to r/Galemancers)! It’s just pure perfection to me, and I don't know if any other game will come close to threatening its position as Game of My Life.
SYBERIA: THE WORLD BEFORE
CRISTINA SILAGHI, ENVIRONMENT ARTIST
I played a mix of new games (Bauldur’s Gate 3, Hogwarts Legacy) and personal favourites last year. While I did stick with them all for a significant amount of time... Syberia stood out as my favourite. I replayed the whole thing not too long ago, and it is beautiful from start to finish.
The story is captivating, and the dynamic of switching between past and present adds a lot of depth. I got emotionally invested in this one. Also, visually, it’s absolutely lovely - Some frames are downright a source of inspiration!
FLESH AND BLOOD TCG
NATHAN ABBOTT, GAME DESIGNER
I'm going to go analog and say Flesh and Blood TCG.
Flesh and Blood have done a lot last year in terms of player support and better events. They've seen a rise of 200% in player attendance worldwide, continue to have amazing releases, and are consistently chatting with the player base and working with them to create a better game.
Last year was bursting with adventures for us to explore. Some genuinely great games barely missed the cut, like Dredge, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Sons of the Forest, who surprised us in the best ways. However, this piece wasn’t about noting all the exceptional games last year; it’s about seeing which games were special to people and hearing about why.
We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and hope you find some time to do the things you love! 🎄⛄
What games were special to you last year? Let us know on Discord!
