Google Play announced its annual Best of 2023 Awards, a recap of the year’s standout apps and games as highlighted by the Google Play team. The news came from a formal update on the company blog, outlining the winners and the new directions the platform is taking in the mobile ecosystem. The celebration underscores how developers and publishers across the United States and Canada have pushed the boundaries of what mobile apps can do, from education to entertainment and cross device experiences.
Imprint: Learn Visually earned recognition as a best practice in the United States. This educational app delivers short, visually driven lessons across a variety of profiles, making knowledge more approachable for learners who prefer quick, image-based explanations. The award signals a growing interest in accessible visual pedagogy on mobile devices, where compact lessons can fit into busy schedules and multi-tasking lifestyles. The recognition appears in the official Google Play recap and is cited by the platform as a model example of effective instructional design, backed by user engagement data and reviewer assessments from Google Play’s education-focused program teams.
The Best Game of 2023 went to Honkai: Star Rail, a fantasy action RPG developed by a studio known for Genshin Impact. The title blends strategic combat, squad-based progression, and a rich narrative universe, appealing to players who enjoy deep character systems and expansive worlds. In the Google Play narrative, Honkai: Star Rail is highlighted for its polish, innovative combat mechanics, and ongoing live service support that keeps players returning with new content and events. This choice mirrors a broader industry trend toward expansive, story-driven experiences that can scale across devices and play styles.
Spotify, the music and podcast platform that enables listening across devices, was acknowledged as the best app for multiple device families. The award reflects Spotify’s ability to provide a seamless cross-device experience, so a user can start a podcast on a phone, continue on a tablet, and finish on a desktop without friction. The recognition aligns with the growing demand for uninterrupted portability and synchronized playback, as users increasingly juggle audio content across environments, from commuting to workouts to home offices.
The Best Cross-Device Game category crowned OUTERPLANE, a strategy game with anime-inspired visuals that performs smoothly across several platforms. The title exemplifies how modern mobile and PC ecosystems can converge into a single, cohesive experience, letting players switch between devices without losing progress or control. The award highlights the industry’s move toward platform-agnostic experiences, where gameplay continuity and scalable performance are central to user satisfaction and engagement metrics reviewed by Google Play’s curators.
ChatGPT was recognized as the best app by users, while MONOPOLY GO! received the top spot as the best game for users’ mobile experiences. The user-centered awards emphasize how conversational AI and casual multiplayer experiences have become mainstream on mobile devices. ChatGPT’s standing reflects broad adoption, perceived usefulness, and ongoing improvements in natural language understanding that empower users to complete tasks, seek information, and explore ideas on the go. MONOPOLY GO! continues to appeal with familiar gameplay adapted for quick sessions, social play, and evolving content, illustrating the importance of accessible, familiar brands in the mobile gaming space.
New in 2023 was the emergence of categories focusing on artificial intelligence, including Best in Artificial Intelligence. The award in this area went to Character AI: AI-Powered Chat, a tool that enables users to craft AI characters and engage in conversations with them. The recognition highlights a shift toward AI-enabled experiences that blend creativity, storytelling, and interactive dialogue, offering new ways for users to experiment with personalities and scenarios on mobile devices. This category showcases Google Play’s effort to spotlight innovative AI applications that broaden how people learn, play, and interact with technology on a daily basis.
Looking back at the year, the awards program reflects both the breadth of mobile experiences and the growing emphasis on cross-device functionality, engaging education, and AI-powered interactions. The winners illustrate how developers in the United States and Canada are capitalizing on evolving device ecosystems to deliver richer, more accessible experiences. The Best of 2023 Awards not only celebrate popular titles but also set benchmarks for performance, design, and user value as the mobile landscape continues to expand and mature across North American markets. Attribution: Google Play official blog and annual awards summary, with insights from product teams and partner studios.
Note for readers: The Best of 2023 Awards illuminate a snapshot of ongoing trends in the app economy, including visual education formats, cross-device continuity, AI-assisted experiences, and the enduring appeal of strategy and casual play. As developers and publishers refine their offerings, users gain more options that fit different contexts, whether learning, commuting, exercising, or relaxing. The yearly review serves as a guide for discovering high-quality apps and games that align with how people actually use mobile devices today, across the United States and Canada. Attribution: Google Play official communications and category roundups, compiled by the platform team.