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The gaming world has witnessed many spectacular titles in 2023, making compiling the definitive list of the year's top 20 games a challenging task.
The industry has seen enthusiasts rallying behind Team Baldur's Gate, Team Zelda, and Team Alan Wake 2, each presenting a strong case for the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) title.
Whether your allegiance lies with epic adventures, fantastical realms, or psychological thrillers, there's something for every gamer.
The year 2023 has been marked by a concerning trend – widespread layoffs and studio closures. The gaming boom experienced during the pandemic led to hiring sprees and acquisitions that have proven unsustainable, resulting in thousands of job losses. This paradox defines 2023 as a year of success for players and a tragic one for workers.
Looking back at the major stories that shaped the year, industry giants such as EA, Niantic, Bungie, Epic Games, Embracer, and Creative Assembly dominated headlines with reports of layoffs and studio closures.
The duality of success and struggle within the gaming industry has been a recurring theme throughout the year.
Moreover, concerns about the impact of AI on the gaming workforce have emerged.
While some executives see AI as a solution to project pressures, creatives within the industry have voiced apprehensions about potential job losses. The gaming industry's embrace of new technologies often foreshadows broader societal trends, and the potential triumphs or scandals involving AI in games may be a harbinger of future challenges.
Reflecting on the corporate landscape, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in January 2022 raised eyebrows and triggered regulatory scrutiny. Completed in October, the multibillion-dollar deal has positioned Microsoft as a major player in the gaming industry. Meanwhile, Epic Games secured a significant legal victory against Google, challenging the tech giant under anti-monopoly laws.
The entertainment landscape has seen a positive shift in gaming adaptations. The Super Mario Movie, despite mixed reviews, became the third highest-grossing animated movie of all time. The Last of Us has been successfully adapted into a critically acclaimed HBO TV series, signalling a turning tide for game-to-screen adaptations.
Celebrating a milestone, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V marked its tenth anniversary. After years of speculation and leaks, the gaming community eagerly awaited the unveiling of Rockstar's latest project.
In a corporate clash, Unity's CEO, John Riccitiello, faced a backlash from developers when attempting to unilaterally alter the terms of its game engine usage.
The ensuing uproar resulted in a swift reversal of the decision and Riccitiello's departure, reminding industry leaders about the importance of respecting creators.
The gaming subscription service battle rages on, with Microsoft's Game Pass, Sony's PlayStation Plus, and even Netflix vying to become the 'Netflix of games.'
The competition to dominate this space continues despite subscription services accounting for approximately 3.5% of overall gaming revenue.
On a sombre note, the demise of E3, gaming's premier event, marks the end of an era. Despite attempts to revive the convention post-pandemic, E3 has officially concluded, leaving gamers to ponder what will fill the void in June.
As we bid farewell to 2023, a year of gaming highs and industry lows, the future of the gaming landscape remains uncertain. The industry faces challenges that extend beyond the virtual realm, reminding us that even in the world of pixels and polygons, the human element is indispensable.