After a disappointing year filled with false starts and supply chain disruptions, the gaming industry is back on track in 2023. With a new focus on next-generation hardware, developments in advanced technologies and 5G signalling a new era for mobile gaming, it’s clear that the huge momentum the industry has developed over the past few years isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
This year will see over 100 major games finally hit the shelves, with some of the most anticipated titles being those that were subject to delays in 2022. Although we’re now well into the first quarter of the year with three months of releases behind us, there’s still plenty more to come in 2023.
Let’s take a look at the new games for 2023 that you should know about.
2023 in Games So Far
Around 15% of the video games pegged for release this year have been launched, including the much-awaited remake of Resident Evil 4 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC), but so far, only one game has dominated the headlines.
After two full years of delays, Hogwarts Legacy was finally made available for purchase in February, much to the delight of patient Harry Potter fans the world over. All signs indicated that this latest instalment in the iconic boy wizard franchise would be popular, but even developer Interactive couldn’t predict quite what a top-seller it would be. Within its first two weeks of release, the game had been sold 12 million times, resulting in total sales of $850 million.
It’s not difficult to see why the game has had such an impact: Hogwarts Legacy transports gamers to the OG Harry Potter universe, immersing them in that hallowed school of wizardry and witchcraft where it all began. Plus, alongside its huge fan appeal, the game itself is an expansive, open-world RPG – easily one of the most defining gaming genres of the digital era.
What’s New in GameFi?
It’s perhaps unsurprising that an RPG has become the game of the year so far – albeit on an unofficial basis – but that doesn’t mean the rest of the gaming landscape won’t be getting a look in. 2023 is going to be an exciting year for GameFi, as the next generation of cryptocurrency and blockchain games will focus as much on offering premium gaming content as they do bleeding-edge tech features.
Presently, the crypto gaming space is one of the most diverse, encompassing a wide range of genres from crypto blackjack games to collectible trading card games and metaverse gaming experiences. Having already generated over $4.5 billion in revenues and investments in 2022, the industry as a whole is expected to reach a market capitalization of $65.7 billion by 2027. So, what are the top games set for a 2023 release that will ensure this acceleration?
Duels of Eternity, the innovative battle card game from Project Calvaria, is one of the most impactful P2E games to date. With its focus on encouraging mainstream crypto adoption, the game has been designed to appeal to both existing crypto players and traditional gamers. Available in both a free-to-play format and the original P2E version, for many, Duels of Eternity is an excellent introduction to the world of blockchain gaming.
Chainers, the NFT sandbox game, is also included in the list of highly anticipated blockchain games for 2023. Building on the metaverse gaming concept, in which players can create and inhabit their own digital worlds, this game combines the engagement and creativity of titles like Roblox with the real-world value of digital asset ownership. The game allows users to “play, socialize and create” unique, augmented reality content while promoting a creative economy by providing free NFTs.
Top Video Game Releases
Console and PC gamers will delight at the news that, so far at least, everything is on track for the launch of 2023’s major video gaming titles. Regardless of the year, video game release schedules are never quite smooth sailing, but it does look like the sector has been able to find a remedy to the trials of post-pandemic game production this year.
Some of the most hotly-anticipated titles coming up for release during the next nine months include:
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)
Now officially confirmed for release on Nintendo’s Switch platform on May 12th, the follow-up to the “best game of all time” is still largely shrouded in mystery. In a smart move by the Japanese gaming giant, little has been shown so far of Tears of the Kingdom, but that’s only serving to increase the gaming community’s anticipation for the title. What we do know is that the protagonist, Link, will return to his native land of Hyrule and even get to participate in sky-fairing gameplay.
Starfield (Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Aka “Skyrim in space”, Microsoft’s flagship first-party release for the new generation of Xbox consoles promises to be an epic. Hailing from the Bethesda Game Studios stable, it’s the team’s first original game to be developed in 25 years. Set for release in September, it’s set to be the biggest game from Bethesda yet and will keep gamers enthralled well into winter with its saga-long storyline and 1,000+ planets to explore.