Game of the Year: Blockbuster Edition

The Video Games Industry Memo’s year-end review serves as a community-driven retrospective on the most significant titles of 2023. Rather than relying on a singular editorial perspective, the selection process utilized submissions from the publication's readership to identify standout blockbuster releases. The resulting list highlights a diverse range of experiences, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Super Mario Wonder, Alan Wake 2, Marvel Snap, and the Mercenaries mode of Resident Evil 4.

The analysis emphasizes the enduring appeal of established franchises alongside the technical and narrative achievements of modern RPGs and action titles. Contributors noted that these games succeeded by offering deep, immersive mechanics, innovative storytelling, and high replayability. For instance, the success of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is attributed to a significant post-launch turnaround, while Marvel Snap is recognized for its mastery of behavioral design and accessibility in the mobile and competitive space.

Beyond the game selections, the industry overview identifies several critical developments from late 2023. Key events include Epic Games’ successful antitrust victory against Google, which carries significant implications for digital storefront competition, and the official dissolution of the E3 trade show. These findings reflect a broader industry transition toward decentralized promotion and evolving platform dynamics. The scope of the report is global, focusing on major industry trends and high-profile releases that defined the 2023 calendar year, providing a snapshot of both the creative successes and the structural shifts occurring within the video game business.