Most Anticipated Games Releasing in 2023

Why 2023 Is a Standout Year for Gaming

After years of pushbacks, delays, and silent development cycles, 2023 is the year everything hits at once. Pandemic-era bottlenecks have finally cleared, unleashing a wave of long-anticipated titles across every major platform. From massive sequels to brand-new worlds, the calendar is thick with options—and the wait is paying off.

It’s not just the big names making an entrance. Indies with bold ideas are sliding into the spotlight, while console makers flex their exclusives to lock in ecosystems. There’s real balance this year: loud blockbusters, quiet art-house hits, and inventive platform exclusives all sharing release windows. It forces players—and publishers—to pay attention.

Gamers are demanding more than pretty trailers. They expect tighter gameplay loops, smarter storytelling, and technical polish from day one. Whether it’s next-gen graphics, open-world depth, or co-op systems built for chaos, the bar is higher than it’s been in years. Studios know it—2023 is a make-or-break year for trust, hype, and delivery.

The Legends Return

Some franchises don’t just make a comeback—they reassert dominance. In 2023, we saw three titans return, each with something to prove.

First up: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As the follow-up to Breath of the Wild, expectations were sky-high. Nintendo didn’t rush it. What we got wasn’t just more Hyrule—it was a deeper, stranger version with sky islands, new sandbox mechanics, and a world that rewards curiosity. It’s not just a sequel—it’s a statement.

Then there’s Final Fantasy XVI. Square Enix steered the ship into darker waters. Gone are the turn-based systems—this one’s adrenaline-charged, with real-time combat and a narrative that’s brutal and bold. It’s medieval fantasy filtered through political chaos, kaiju-scale battles, and mature themes. Not traditional, but undeniably fresh.

And finally, Starfield. Bethesda’s first new IP in over two decades, and it’s nothing small. Think Skyrim in space, but with layered exploration, deep crafting, and that familiar stew of freedom and jank. Not everyone’s perfect ride—but for many, it delivered the open-ended sci-fi they’d been dreaming of since day one.

These aren’t re-skins. They’re flagship titles redefining what their icons mean in today’s gaming landscape.

Fresh Mechanics, Strong Stories

Some of the most exciting games this year aren’t coming from big-name studios—they’re coming from bold, inventive indie devs who aren’t afraid to experiment. 2023’s indie lineup proves that great mechanics and tight storytelling don’t need AAA budgets.

Take Replaced. It fuses retro pixel art with a slick cyberpunk aesthetic and high-impact, side-scrolling combat. It’s stylish without being overbuilt, cinematic but grounded. Every punch, every frame, feels deliberate.

Then there’s Planet of Lana. It leans softer—hand-painted visuals, ambient sound design, and a story that unfolds naturally through puzzles and world interaction. It doesn’t shout. It just pulls you in.

Viewfinder flips the idea of gameplay on its head. Take a photo, place it into the world, and that photo becomes part of the environment. It’s part physics, part perception—solving puzzles by literally changing how reality is framed.

This year, fresh ideas matter. And these games aren’t just trying to play—it looks like they’re aiming to stay.

See more standout indie titles in our mega-feature: Indie Games to Watch – Upcoming Titles

RPGs and Adventure Games Dominate

If 2023 proved anything, it’s that storytelling still matters. RPGs and adventure titles are commanding the spotlight, not through bombast, but through depth—of worldbuilding, of emotion, and of choice. Players are gravitating toward games that let them shape their own path, bond with characters, and live out complex narratives across dozens (or hundreds) of hours.

Take Baldur’s Gate 3—a game that doesn’t just let you pick a class, but lets you live with your decisions in ways that ripple through the story. Or Hogwarts Legacy, which gave fans the closest thing to actually stepping inside the wizarding world. Then there’s Lies of P, a surprise hit that reimagined Pinocchio as a dark, soulslike tale—and made it work.

What sets this genre run apart from past years is how it blends traditional depth with modern tech: dynamic environments, tight cinematics, and AI-augmented NPCs that respond in smarter, more believable ways. These aren’t games you snack on—they’re meals. And that appetite for substance isn’t going away anytime soon.

What to Watch for Beyond Hype

Not all game releases are created equal. With so many titles set to launch in 2023, it’s more important than ever to look past the marketing and assess which games will deliver on day one—and which might need time to fully realize their potential.

Polished Releases vs. Early Access

Some games arrive as tightly-developed experiences, while others are still evolving post-launch through community feedback.

• Polished Day-One Releases often feature:
• Full single-player and/or multiplayer features
• Balanced gameplay systems
• Minimal bugs and optimized performance

• Early Access or Staggered Releases may include:
• Limited levels or features at launch
• Expected performance gaps during early stages
• Development roadmaps shared with the community

Understanding which model a game follows helps players set expectations—and avoid early disappointment.

Platform Parity: PC vs. Console

Another major consideration this year is cross-platform consistency. For players choosing between versions, the differences can be significant.

Key areas to watch:

• Performance and Visual Fidelity:
• PC players may get higher frame rates, but face variable optimization
• Consoles offer more standardized experiences, especially on newer hardware

• Cross-Play and Cross-Save Support:
• Not universal—double-check before investing in multiplayer titles

• Port Quality:
• Smooth console-to-PC and vice versa conversions remain hit-or-miss, particularly for niche or experimental games

Transparency and Accountability

Gamers are asking more from publishers—and rightfully so. Post-launch support and honesty play a big role in a title’s long-term success.

Look for publishers and studios that:

• Communicate clearly via dev blogs, roadmaps, and social channels
• Address bugs, community concerns, and balancing updates promptly
• Deliver promised DLC or live content without sacrificing game quality

Gaming in 2023 rewards informed fans. Staying up to date on development cycles and community feedback helps players make smarter purchase decisions in a crowded, fast-moving market.

Final Thoughts

2023 doesn’t just throw games at the wall to see what sticks—it’s a calculated mix. Big studios are swinging hard with bold entries in legendary series, while indies are leaning into tight mechanics and strong narratives. This year, no genre feels like an afterthought. Whether you’re chasing open-world epics, tactical RPGs, horror revivals, or quick-hit co-op fun, something sharp is landing.

The real win? Balance. High-budget bangers share the stage with small-team projects offering fresh gameplay we haven’t quite seen before. If you’re a story hound, a meta chaser, or just in it to party with friends online, 2023 doesn’t leave anyone behind.