2023 is looking to be a great year for games. Therefore, we have created a list of the most popular games for 2023. With huge new IPs and much-anticipated sequels alongside old favourites going stronger than ever, it's bound to be a massive 12 months.
To keep you in the know of all the big games this year, we've compiled a list of the most popular games for 2023 and beyond. Whichever ones you choose to download, you'll find plenty to keep you busy.
While you are at it, don't forget to check out our list of the best free open-world games for 2023 and the best free RPG games for 2023.
Here are popular games for 2023
- Minecraft
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- God of War: Ragnarok
- Elden Ring
- Company of Heroes 3
- Alan Wake 2
- Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
- Fortnite
- Genshin Impact
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Minecraft
Minecraft is a homage to the vintage, timeless sandbox games from the 1980s and early 1990s. The game, created by Mojang Studios, gives each player the freedom to act any way they like in the environment they spawn into. Since its modest 2009 debut, the game has grown in popularity, surpassing 150 million players to become the greatest-selling game of all time. The game has been converted to several platforms throughout the years due to its popularity. In 2023, we don't expect Minecraft to go anywhere.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
The newest flight sim from Microsoft provides you with the entire planet to play with, along with a staggeringly large size and an exquisitely realistic hangar of planes to operate, something that none of the other popular games for 2023 can claim.
You can play as a solo amateur pilot or the commander of an airliner using either small aircraft or enormous passenger jets. It will be challenging to gain a better sense of piloting one of these airplanes without actually climbing into the cabin in reality. The game claims to correctly replicate its flight characteristics, which are influenced by real-time weather and daylight impacts. You can nerd out about each setting or control of your jet, but you can also allow the game to handle the tricky stuff.
God of War: Ragnarok
This PlayStation-exclusive title was one of the biggest new launches of last year. This incredible action-adventure game, a sequel to the 2018 God of War soft reboot, is one of the most visually impressive games you'll ever see.
It delves deeply into Old Norse mythology, which serves as an untapped source of knowledge and information, and explore it in a very engaging father-son narrative. The gameplay is also fantastic: it never gets boring and always includes a good amount of difficulty. You certainly wouldn't want to miss out on this game!
Elden Ring
You'd be excused for assuming that the only game to release in 2022 was Elden Ring. It appeared to be the only topic that was discussed, written about, or perhaps even played for a good three months. FromSoftware expanded one of the most expansive open-world games in recent memory using its trademark RPG model, making it more approachable than the earlier Souls titles while still making it even more enigmatic and terrifying.
Although it has the violence and nuanced storyline you would expect from a Souls game, its expansive, secret-filled setting is unmistakably inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Elden Ring is still a nearly unimaginable feat, even if it is a touch too huge.
Company of Heroes 3
In 2023, real-time strategy enthusiasts will additionally have something to look forward to. Players of Company of Heroes 3 will go to the Italian and North African theatres during World War II. The creators are adding the Tactical Pause feature, since the action throughout this RTS is so fierce.
Before allowing the war effort to continue, it allows you to halt time and give commands to every one of your forces. The story's nonlinearity is another intriguing aspect. The game's finale might vary depending on how you deal with the commanders. As such, it's the strategy game to check out this year.
Alan Wake 2
The original Alan Wake game was a hugely popular Xbox 360 exclusive. You travelled to the charming little village of Bright Falls to just get away from your problems while wearing the author's worn-out clothes and scruffy jacket. Alan faced harsher obstacles, though, when his wife vanished and Bright Falls was besieged by shadowy creatures.
After a next-gen remaster in 2021, a sequel was announced for a placeholder release this year. We haven't heard much about it for a while, but it's set to be even scarier and more atmospheric than the original. Let's hope Alan Wake 2 releases in 2023!
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
How can we forget to mention a CoD game on our list of popular games for 2023? The most popular first-person battle royale game currently being played is called Call of Duty: Warzone.
Warzone is regarded as Black Ops 4's spiritual successor since it is a first-person shooter with a battle royale concept, unlike the majority of Call of Duty titles. Being a technically free game has only helped the franchise's popularity grow by attracting new casual and ardent fans to the series. Another major benefit is that it is available on many different platforms. After the release of Modern Warfare 2 ushering in the new Warzone 2.0 standalone, it's time to dive back into the battlefield.
Fortnite
Epic Games' greatest achievement is Fortnite, which many players think invented the battle royale genre that is so popular today. Regardless of whether you concur with this assertion, the game is one of the most concurrently played titles ever, and it won't be a shock if this trend continues in the following year. Hence, it deserves a spot on our popular games for 2023 list. The game currently has more than 250 million players, and is likely to only keep growing.
Genshin Impact
The most popular game in the Hoyoverse is Genshin Impact, created by the Korean studio Mihoyo. It is an open-world, free-to-play RPG initially released back in 2020, which continues to get updates and expansions every few months.
The game is easy enough for people to grasp and enjoy, with appealing anime imagery, straightforward controls, and a gripping gacha system. Regardless of when you start playing Genshin Impact, there is always new material being introduced, thanks to events and updates.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
After Cal Kestis last battled Darth Vader five years ago, the galaxy has only become more downtrodden under the evil Empire. Cal makes a commitment to lead the few surviving Jedi Knights in a fight against his well-known adversary while utilising his expertly-honed Force abilities.
Cal, a former Jedi Knight, is a competent fighter who will do everything necessary to defend the Jedi Order from fresh danger in this post-Republic era. Players will travel to brand-new places where they will face off against fresh adversaries, put Cal's new talents to the test, battle new enemies, and further immerse themselves in the vast Star Wars world.
Those are our picks of the popular games for 2023! Are you anticipating, or have you played any? Even if they are some of the finest, your preference and playing style will determine whether you adore them or not. Also, don't forget to check our list of the best free MMORPG games for 2023.