The Game Awards 2023 was a night to remember, marked by a blend of musical performances, emotional moments, and exciting game reveals. The event showcased the gaming industry’s vibrancy and diversity, with awards, announcements, and performances that captivated the audience.
Highlights:
- The show opened with the first look at “Exodus,” followed by multiple world premiere reveals, including games from Sega, a horror genre collaboration, and the return of “Rise of the Ronin.”
- Notable announcements included updates on upcoming projects from renowned developers and studios, such as Psionics, Warframe, Final Fantasy, and the creators of “No Man’s Sky.”
- Saber Interactive and Universal Games unveiled “Jurassic Park: Survival,” a new action-adventure game, inviting players into an immersive Jurassic Park experience, set just after the events of the original 1993 film.
- The Game Awards Orchestra debuted the theme song from Final Fantasy 7 rebirth, adding a musical element to the event.
- The show also featured glimpses of characters and gameplay from anticipated games, as well as the final world premiere reveal towards the end of the event.
- The night concluded with awards presentations and announcements, as well as the promise of more world premieres throughout the evening.
All of The Game Awards 2023 Winners
Here is the list of The Game Awards 2023 winners in order:
- Game of the Year: Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Game Direction: Alan Wake 2
- Players’ Voice Award: Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Multiplayer Game: Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Sports/Racing Game: Forza Motorsport
- Best SIM/Strategy Game: Pikmin 4
- Best RPG: Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Action/Adventure Game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Best Adaptation: The Last of Us
- Best Ongoing Game: Cyberpunk 2077
- Most Anticipated Game: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter 6
- Best Community Support: Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Indie Game: Sea of Stars
- Best Score/Music: Final Fantasy 16
- Games for Impact: Tchia
- Best Audio Design: Hi-Fi Rush
- Best Mobile Game: Honkai: Star Rail
- Best VR/AR Game: Resident Evil Village VR Mode
- Best Art Direction: Alan Wake 2
- Best Action Game: Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
- Best Debut Indie Game: Cocoon
- Best Narrative: Alan Wake 2
- Best Performance: Neil Newbon – Baldur’s Gate 3
- Content Creator of the Year: IronMouse
- Best Esports Team: JD Gaming
- Best Esports Game: Valorant
- Best Esports Event: 2023 League of Legends World Championship
- Best Esports Coach: Potter
- Best Esports Athlete: Faker
- Innovation in Accessibility: Forza Motorsport
- Best Family Game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Celebrity Appearances and Surprises
One of the evening’s most unexpected highlights was Jordan Peele’s announcement of his collaboration with Hideo Kojima on a new horror game, showcasing the continued blurring of lines between cinema and video games. Meanwhile, Matthew McConaughey’s appearance added a touch of Hollywood glamour, and the musical performance by Heilung, linked to Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, was a striking fusion of music and gaming.
Major Game Awards and Announcements
Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged as a major winner, clinching multiple honors including Game of the Year. Alan Wake 2 also left a significant mark, winning three awards including Best Game Direction and Best Narrative. These awards underscored the creative storytelling and innovative direction prevalent in modern gaming.
In terms of announcements, Alan Wake 2 grabbed attention with its new game plus mode, set for release on December 11. The remake of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, scheduled for February 28, promises an enhanced experience with improved graphics and a re-recorded orchestra soundtrack.
New Games and Expansions
The event was also a platform for unveiling new games and expansions. Big Walk, a cooperative multiplayer adventure from the creators of Untitled Goose Game, is eagerly awaited for its 2025 release. The Dead by Daylight universe expands with The Casting of Frank Stone, targeting a 2024 launch. Black Myth: Wukong impressed with its August 20, 2024 release date announcement.
Touching Tributes and Upcoming Releases
Abubakar Salim introduced Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a heartfelt game inspired by a Bantu tale and dedicated to his late father, set for an April 23, 2024 release. Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones confirmed a February 16, 2024 release date, while Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2 is slated for September 9, 2024. Furthermore, Wareframe’s Whispers in the Walls is expected to debut on December 13 next year marking the game’s 11th anniversary.
Musical Highlights and Future Projects
The Game Awards Orchestra’s debut of “No Promises to Keep” from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was a testament to the event’s musical excellence. Anthony Mackie’s announcement of a second season for the Twisted Metal TV show added to the buzz. The Old Gods of Asgard from the Alan Wake universe delivered a stunning performance, and a preview of the Fallout TV series hinted at exciting future adaptations.
A Celebration of Gaming Excellence
The ceremony not only celebrated achievements in-game direction, narrative, art, and music but also highlighted the industry’s commitment to innovation and storytelling. This year’s Game Awards was a testament to the gaming world’s dynamic and evolving nature, honoring a wide range of games and talents.
For more detailed information on all the nominees, winners, and unforgettable moments of the night, the official Game Awards website offers a comprehensive overview of this spectacular event.