The Game Awards 2023 ceremony showcased a wide array of standout titles, celebrating excellence across numerous categories. Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios secured the top honor, signaling a year marked by rich storytelling, immersive world-building, and strong player engagement across platforms.
Game of the year:
The night highlighted the extraordinary storytelling and design work behind Baldur’s Gate 3, which led the competition with its sprawling narrative threads, strategic combat systems, and deep character development that resonated with players worldwide.
Best Game Direction:
Industry-leading creative direction was recognized for shaping a cohesive vision across art style, pacing, and gameplay innovations, delivering a memorable and cohesive player journey.
Best Supported Game:
Games that received ongoing updates, expansions, and community-driven content earned praise for maintaining long-term engagement and evolving experiences without compromising quality.
Best Game Story:
Storytelling excellence was celebrated through nuanced plots, compelling character arcs, and meaningful player choices that significantly influenced outcomes and world lore.
Best Visual:
Visual artistry took center stage, with achievements in environmental design, character modeling, lighting, and overall aesthetic that elevated the sense of immersion and realism.
Best Soundtrack:
Music that underscored mood, pacing, and dramatic beats earned recognition for elevating emotional resonance and heightening pivotal moments within the game world.
Best Sound Design:
Sound design excellence was awarded for crafting immersive auditory environments, from ambient cues to impactful effects that deepened gameplay and atmosphere.
Best acting:
Performance awards acknowledged standout vocal and motion capture portrayals, delivering authentic character presence and memorable on-screen charisma.
- Neil Newbon as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3 earned recognition for a standout performance in the role.
- Ben Starr as Clive in Final Fantasy XVI delivered a compelling portrayal rich in nuance.
- Cameron Monaghan as Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor offered a memorable interpretation that connected with fans.
- Idris Elba as Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Freedom brought a commanding presence to the screen.
- Melanie Liburd as Saga Andersen in Alan Wake 2 delivered a dynamic and emotional performance.
- Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 embodied the iconic web-slinger with energy and authenticity.
Greatest social impact:
Selections in this category highlighted titles and initiatives that fostered community building, accessibility, and positive cultural influence within gaming ecosystems.
Best indie game:
Indie games were celebrated for innovative design, unique art direction, and risk-taking storytelling that pushed boundaries while delivering memorable player experiences.
Best Mobile Game:
Mobile experiences stood out for approachable mechanics, accessible gameplay loops, and thoughtful monetization that respects players while delivering depth on the go.
Best VR/AR game:
Virtual and augmented reality entries impressed with immersive first-person experiences, intuitive controls, and realistic presence that blurred lines between play and reality.
Best action:
Action-focused titles were recognized for fast pacing, precise combat design, and exhilarating moments that tested reflexes and strategy alike.
In a separate segment, a set of trailers and previews reinforced ongoing momentum in the genre, hinting at future innovations and cross-media possibilities.
Best Action Adventure:
Action-adventure games blended exploration, puzzle solving, and narrative-driven quests to deliver cohesive journeys with high replay value and dramatic stakes.
Best RPG:
Role-playing experiences were celebrated for deep systems, meaningful character progression, and expansive worlds that reward curiosity and experimentation.
Best Fighting Game:
Fighting titles earned praise for precise inputs, balanced rosters, and engaging competitive ecosystems that attract both casual players and pro competitors.
Best family game:
Family-friendly titles were recognized for inclusive design, cooperative play, and approachable challenges that bring players of all ages together.
Best simulator or strategy:
Simulation and strategy games stood out for thoughtful systems design, long-term planning depth, and satisfying strategic choices that create lasting engagement.
Best Sports or Racing Game:
Sports and racing titles impressed with authentic physics, intuitive controls, and adrenaline-fueled moments that capture the feel of real-world competition.
Best Multiplayer:
Multiplayer experiences were recognized for robust online play, compelling social features, and lasting community vitality across platforms.
Best indie debut:
Newcomer studios delivering fresh ideas were celebrated for fearless experimentation and promise for the future of the indie scene.
Best Community Support:
Ongoing developer engagement, transparent communication, and consistent updates were cited as key factors in building loyal player communities.
Accessibility Innovation:
Entries breaking ground in accessibility demonstrated inclusive design, enabling more players to enjoy games regardless of abilities or setup.
Most anticipated game:
Upcoming titles generating excitement for their potential impact, novelty, and anticipated experiences were spotlighted for fans awaiting release dates.
Best Adaptation:
- One of us earned the nomination for a standout performance in the storytelling category.
- Castlevania: Nocturne appeared among top contenders for its adaptation appeal.
- Gran Turismo highlighted racing realism within its category.
- Super Mario Brothers in the Movies sparked interest with cross‑media storytelling.
- Crushing metal captured imagination for its genre‑defining approach.
Players’ vote:
Best eSports game:
Best eSports Player:
Best esports team:
Best esports coach:
Best eSports Event:
- League of Legends World Championship 2023 earned its place in the spotlight for competitive play.
- Paris Major explosion 2023 showcased a major milestone in the scene.
- Evo 2023 highlighted fighting game culture and competition.
- The International 12 impressed with its massive prize pool and global reach.
- Valorant Champions 2023 added another chapter to the evolving esports calendar.
Content Creator of the Year:
- Ferruginous mouse earned recognition for its creative output.
- People make games contributed to the broader community with engaging content.
- Quackery offered distinctive perspectives on the gaming landscape.
- Spreen brought insightful analysis to fans everywhere.
- SypherPK stood out for consistency and influence in the space.
In summary, Baldur’s Gate 3 dominated the night with six awards, underscoring its resonance with players and critics alike.
☠️ Game Over: On X users shared favorites from the ceremony with quick reactions and memes.