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As 2023 comes to a close, TheGamer’s staff has once again begun compiling their Game Of The Year lists. Which is quite the task when you are dealing with a year as incredible as this one. From long-awaited sequels to finely tuned remakes to brand-new titles, we’ve seen some of the highest highs that the gaming medium is capable of producing.
Last year’s deserved winner was the phenomenalCitizen Sleeper; with 2023 having another roster of strong indie games, could 2023 see another independent title take home the crown? Or will one of the established titans take it? Well, one thing is for certain: we have our work cut out for us. There are a grand total of30 GOTY listscontained within this hub, and that’s not counting the final list, which gives our overall GOTY picks. Read them all to see what games we felt shone the brightest when faced with a sea of gold.
Stacey Henley, Editor-In-Chief
To get the ball rolling, we have our fearless leader taking charge with the first GOTY list. Stacey’s entry is everything we’ve come to expect from TheGamer’s Editor-in-Chief: it is the perfect balance of high-profile releases and indie gems. But more than being a stacked list filled with excellent games, it is also ahighlyentertaining read.
Harry Alston, Senior Specialist Writer
The world of Triple-A gaming could crumble tomorrow and Harry Alston would be completely unphased. While a few of the bigger games were given a spot, the centerpieces of Harry’s list all come from humbler beginnings. But we already knew Harry is big on indies, what we didn’t know is how much he likes fishing!
Matt Arnold, Specialist Writer
It is only right that this Specialist Writer would havesucha specialized list. Matt’s entry is a unique weave of RPGs, strategy titles, and horror masterpieces. There is some serious PC gamer energy going on here as well. It is hard to not respect a GOTY list with this level of cohesion. To read this list is to capture a glimpse of Matt’s mind. Tread cautiously.
David Duffy, Database Editor
Outside of crushing his co-workers in trivia, there is very little David enjoys more than a well-told story. And that is immediately apparent when reading through his GOTY list. The more compelling a game’s narrative, the more likely it was to rank highly for David.
Vaspaan, Affiliates Editor
Vaspaan is a man who enjoys the finer things in life. When it comes to video games, that translates to a dogged pursuit of those glossy, high-budget, Triple-A titles. Needless to say, there were more than enough of those to go around. Delve into Vaspaan’s list and see where he ranked the titans of 2023.
Gabrielle Castania, Specialist Writer
Gabrielle is a Specialist for TheGamer and our resident faRmPG expert. So, it isn’t surprising to see that when her GOTY list isn’t focused on character growth, it sets its sights on carrot growth.Youshould setyoursights on her GOTY list, as it is another list filled with character and charm.
Trevor Ford, Social Media Manager
This GOTY list is a light-hearted, breezy look into the mind of TheGamer’s social media savant. Withmultipleentries coming in under seven words long, you’re able to tell that Trevor is a man who was forged in the fires of Twitter. But while he isn’t afraid to have fun with his list, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. From top to bottom, Trevor’s list is filled with phenomenal games. Being a man with a discerning eye, he’s included a few titles you may not have heard of as well. You should give his GOTY ranking a read and fix that.
Santi Leguiza, Evergreen Editor
Known for his gentle disposition, it is interesting to see just how many of Santi’s picks involve violence in one shape or form. Maybe getting your aggression out through violent games is the key to obtaining a zen-like state of mind. It sure appears to be working for Santi! More than anything, though, Santi’s list seems to be tethered to a sense of adventure.Yournext adventure should be reading through his GOTY picks.
Josh Coulson, Affiliates Editor
Josh Coulson is a stalwart affiliates editor for TheGamer, and a self-confessed Sonic fan (but we’ll try not to hold that against him). Despite being drawn to the blue blur, Josh ran straight into Nintendo’s cozy arms this year. His list is a wholesome who’s who of the most joy-filled games released in 2023. Even if one of themdoesfeature baby eating. Look, games are weird sometimes.
Quinton O’Connor, Specialist Writer
When it comes to RPG lovers, TheGamer is well-represented. Half of the writers here adore a good ol' RPG. But if we were to choose one member of the team who is most strongly aligned with level-upping, story-reading, and number-crunching of the genre, it would be Quinton. That is pretty apparent when you read their GOTY list. But hey, Quinton did spread their wings a little this year. They started getting into CRPGs! Shine on, you beautiful diamond.
Zoe J. Osik, Specialist Writer
Fantasy, adventure, romance, and a well-written story: these are the hallmark traits of Zoe’s favorite games. And her GOTY list makes that abundantly clear. Zoe’s list is most certainly eclectic, but those adventurous undertones are present throughout her selections. Also, half of the games involve a healthy amount of smooching, so there isthattoo. It is a very Zoe list, and we say that as a compliment.
Joe Parlock, Tabletop Editor
The always charismatic Joe Parlock is TheGamer’s resident expert on tabletop gaming. His knowledge is unmatched when cardboard rectangles are involved, but he has been known to play a video game or two as well. Joe’s GOTY list is a celebration of the quirky, the off-beat, and the terrifying. His list is as characterful as he is. And before you ask, yes, wedidhave to talk him down from giving Dying Light 2 his top spot two years in a row.
Joshua Robertson, News Editor
Josh is best known for his soft-spoken, thoughtful personality. But while heseemsnice, you never know what lies below the surface. One glance at his GOTY list tells us everything we need to know about this particular News Editor. While half of Josh’s games are cheerful, thoughtful affairs, the other half are expressions ofpureviolence. Honestly, we are afraid forGeorge Foster; he may be one mawking Clive Rosfield-esque cry of “Joshua” away from mysteriously disappearing.
Tessa Kaur, Features Editor
If there is one thing that defines Tessa, it is their capacity to care for, and empathize with, people. Their GOTY list is a reflection of their interest in weighty stories that have a strong emotional core. Tessa’s GOTY list acts as a primer for thebestindie games to release in 2023. And if there is asecondthing Tessa is known for, it is their love of dicing up fools with lightsabers and breaking bones while inhabiting the body of a Japanese mobster. So, that explains the rest of their list. Tessa’s a complicated person…
Branden Lizardi, Evergreen Editor
Most of the GOTY lists you’ll find in this hub feature a mixture of different types of games. This is technically true of Evergreen Editor extraordinaire Branden Lizardi’s list as well, but the difference is that there are onlytwotypes of games. You are either on a colorful, light-hearted adventure, or you are encased in shadows and being hunted by horrifying creatures. Those are the two sides of the Branden Lizardi coin, and what a glorious coin it is!
James Kennedy, Specialist Writer
Of all the Specialist Writers at TheGamer, James is most certainly one of them. His list is a mishmash of a bunch of different genres; so, it features a little of everything. While it may be every bit as unfocused as he is, all the games contained within this GOTY list areunquestionablyexcellent.
James Troughton, Cross-Department Editor
Being a Cross-Department Editor, James wears a number of hats at TheGamer. So, it is only appropriate, then, that someone so versatile would produce a list with so many unique entries. The only common unifying thread is a bit of horror-theming (which is very on-brand of them). Give this varied GOTY list a gander and take in the spooky vibes. James’s list is, unquestionably, an all-timer!
Mohamed El Ouardighi, Specialist Writer
Medo is one of the newest Specialists at TheGamer, and he was champing at the bit to spread his love of FromSoftware. When it comes to Medo, he is laser-focused on those Souls-likes. Though you don’t need me to tell you that, one glance at his GOTY list would have made that abundantly clear. We recommend using this list to double-check and ensure you didn’t miss any of them.
Andrew King, Featured Editor
Andrew King is a refined gentleman known for his excellent taste and for having his finger on the pulse of the gaming community. So, then, it is no surprise that his list is a who’s-who of the most lauded games to release in 2023. Hell, his GOTY list may even contain themostgames that will make TheGamer’s overall GOTY list of all the participants. It seems oddly appropriate that Andrew would be a—wait for it—kingmaker.
Jerel Levy, Evergreen Editor
Jerel Levy is one of TheGamer’s tireless editors. His efforts have gone a long way to making the writing at TheGamer what it is. Though, that doesn’t stop him from penning the odd Dungeons and Dragons guide. Which is why it shouldn’t be a surprise to you that he is yetanotherRPG-loving member of the crew. But don’t put Jerel in a box; one look at his excellent GOTY list will show you that he loves a wide variety of games!
Ben Sledge, Features Editor
Ben is one of TheGamer’s wizened Features Editors. He is a man with strong opinions, and he isn’t afraid to share them. He’s also fluent in Elvish. Probably. We’re just assuming here based on how much he talks about Tolkien. Of all the GOTY lists we’ve read this year, and we’ve read a ton, Ben’s is the most visually vibrant. Game after gorgeous game is just a flood of colors and a breadth of style. This is a GOTY list you need to see to believe!
Axel Bosso, Guides Trainer & Evergreen Editor
Axel is the boot sergeant of the guides team here at TheGamer. He whips the new recruits into shape and cultivates the guider within. He’s also a man with a zest for games. Be they horror, RPG, or Souls-like, Axel loves them all. But he’s always happiest when throwing hadoukens and dragon-punchin' fools. One glance at his fantastic GOTY will show that Axel was living life to its fullest in 2023.
Eric Switzer, Features Editor
Eric is not only one of our illustrious Features Editors, but his silky smooth voice features prominently in our video content. Eric has his finger on the pulse of the games industry, and he is always looking to discover new experiences. Naturally, that explains the interesting deep cuts that pop up on his list. He’s also a big Disney guy, so don’t be surprised if he managed to wedge in his love of Lorcanasomehow. Don’t look at us, the man is ungovernable.
TheGamer Game Of The Year 2023
As with all good things, our GOTY coverage has finally reached its fateful conclusion. This last piece is the culmination of everything that came before it. It takes all thirty of the lists found in this hub and uses them to form the finalized top ten list for the TheGamer’s GOTY picks. So, without further ado…
