The Game Awards 2023 concluded earlier today, bringing a fitting close to this year’s gaming season while honoring the finest titles released throughout the past year. Hosted by Geoff Keighley in Los Angeles, the event culminated in Baldur’s Gate 3 securing the prestigious Game of the Year award. The ceremony featured several thrilling announcements, managing to meet some expectations while leaving others unfulfilled. Key highlights included a collaboration between game designer Hideo Kojima and filmmaker Jordan Peele, a free DLC for God of War Ragnarök, the latest release date for Skull and Bones, and numerous other surprises.
The Game Awards 2023 Winners: The Full List
Here are the most significant announcements from The Game Awards 2023:
OD
The presence of Hideo Kojima at The Game Awards is always greeted with enthusiasm. This year, he revealed a partnership with renowned director Jordan Peele to develop an immersive horror experience titled OD. Despite its cinematic elements, Kojima affirmed that it remains a video game. The teaser showcased facial capture tests featuring actors Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier, reciting a quirky tongue twister about a ravenous purple dinosaur, accompanied by the ominous ticking of a Geiger counter. The game is being developed for Xbox Game Studios and utilizes cloud gaming technology.
Blade
Arkane Lyon, known for its work on the Dishonored series, is developing a mature single-player narrative centered on Marvel’s Blade, the vampire-hunting superhero. Set against the backdrop of a quarantined Paris, players will confront bloodthirsty enemies at night while combatting the spread of infection. This project marks Arkane’s second attempt at a vampire-themed game following the mixed reception of Redfall. Blade will also be their first foray into third-person gameplay, evoking a comic book art style reminiscent of Ben-Day dots as seen in the announcement trailer.
Skull and Bones
Release date: February 16, 2024
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Ubisoft has announced a definitive release date for Skull and Bones, the naval combat title that allows players to rise from novice pirate to feared kingpin, battling foes hidden in the waves. Additionally, a closed beta is scheduled between December 15 and 18, with Ubisoft+ subscribers gaining early access three days prior.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Ninja Theory unveiled a visually stunning trailer for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, featuring its realistic cinematics that evoke a surreal experience. As the returning protagonist navigates the stark landscapes of Viking Iceland, players will encounter psychotic visions, challenging puzzles, and visceral combat. Further details about the storyline remain scarce.
God of War Ragnarök – Valhalla DLC
Release date: December 12
Platform: PS4, PS5
After defeating Odin, Kratos finds himself on the shores of Valhalla alongside the ever-chatty Mimir. This new roguelike experience challenges players to overcome randomized enemy swarms and culminates in a boss battle, with each death resetting the player to the start. The connection to the main narrative of God of War Ragnarök remains unclear, but players can expect encounters with adversaries from Kratos’s Greek mythology past, coupled with new abilities inspired by ancient gods. This DLC will be available at no cost.
Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League
Release date: February 2, 2024
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
A new trailer for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League showcased its cast of supervillains who have succumbed to Brainiac’s control, along with glimpses of fast-paced looter-shooter gameplay. Players will switch between members of Task Force X. Rocksteady Studios confirmed plans to add an offline story mode following the game’s launch. Notably, the game features one of the last voice performances of the late Kevin Conroy.
Black Myth: Wukong
Release date: August 20, 2024
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
The souls-like game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic Journey to the West, finally announced a release date. Players will step into the shoes of the heroic Monkey King, engaging in challenging boss battles against corrupted creatures within a dark and fantastical environment. Gameplay will involve various spells, weapon arts, and upgrades to enhance survivability in this epic quest.
Rise of the Ronin
Release date: March 22, 2024
Platform: PS5
Team Ninja’s latest project delves into the late Edo period of Japan within an open-world samurai narrative amid a backdrop of societal upheaval. Players can explore this tumultuous landscape as a nameless warrior, making pivotal choices that influence the story alongside historical figures like Ryōma Sakamoto and Shoin Yoshida. Combat will feature various weapons and techniques to confront adversaries.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Release date: 2025
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
While details are scarce, Monster Hunter Wilds appears to introduce an open-world concept to the franchise. Set in expansive deserts inhabited by unique creatures, this entry promises an immersive ecosystem reminiscent of vivid coral reefs, with a tentative release scheduled for 2025.
Final Fantasy XVI DLC
Players can follow Clive and his companions through two new chapters in the Valisthea universe. Square Enix has announced paid DLC for Final Fantasy XVI, with the first addition, The Echoes of the Fallen, now available on PS5. This entry occurs prior to the main game’s conclusion, pushing players to uncover the mystery surrounding black crystals in the marketplace. Additionally, The Rising Tide DLC is set to launch in American Spring 2024, promising new challenges. The original title was awarded for its exceptional score and music by composer Masayoshi Soken.
The Game Awards 2023 Announcements — the Full List
Beyond the highlights, here’s the comprehensive list of game reveals and updates from The Game Awards 2023:
- Light No Fire (new title from No Man’s Sky developer Hello Games)
- Rise of the Ronin (March 22, 2024 | PS5)
- Fortnite Rocket Racing (December 8 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One)
- No Rest for the Wicked (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Exodus (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Big Walk (2025 | PC)
- Blade (TBA | PC, Xbox Series S/X)
- God of War Ragnarök – Valhalla DLC (December 12 | PS4, PS5)
- OD (TBA | TBA)
- Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League (February 2, 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- The Finals (December 8 | PC)
- Lost Records: Bloom and Rage (Late 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Black Myth: Wukong (August 20, 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Monster Hunter Wilds (2025 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- The Casting of Frank Stone (2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (2024 | PC, Xbox Series S/X)
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake (February 28, 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Skull and Bones (February 16, 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Final Fantasy XVI: Echoes of the Fallen DLC (December 8 | PS5)
- Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide DLC (Spring 2024 | PS5)
- Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Kemuri (TBA | TBA)
- Jurassic Park Survival (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Last Sentinel (TBA | TBA)
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (September 9, 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- The First Descendant (Summer 2024 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X)
- Ready or Not comes out of early access (December 13 | PC)
- Asgard’s Wrath 2 (December 15 | Meta Quest)
- Stormgate early access (Summer 2024 | PC)
- Thrasher (2024 | Meta Quest, other virtual reality platforms | PC and console launch later)
- Windblown (2024 | PC)
- The First Berserker: Khazan (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Exoborne (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Mecha Break (TBA | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Zenless Zone Zero (2024, PC, MacOS)
- Tales of Kenzera: Zau (April 23, 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X)
- Pony Island 2: Panda Circus (2025 | PC)
