As 2023 comes to a close, Valve has released its highly anticipated “Best of 2023” list on Steam, providing insights into the top-selling PC games of the year. This annual list is based on data collected from January 1 to December 15, and while it doesn’t rank the games numerically, it categorizes them into tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout titles that dominated the PC gaming scene in 2023.
Within the Platinum tier, we find a captivating mix of both free-to-play multiplayer games and highly anticipated launches. Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy stole the spotlight as the best-selling titles of the year. Despite its controversial reputation, even Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 found its place in the higher echelons due to a dedicated fanbase eager to immerse themselves in its multiplayer segment. Additionally, perennial favorites like Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Apex Legends, Dota 2, and Destiny 2 achieved Platinum status, with Destiny 2 even receiving a new expansion called “The Final Shape” in June.
The Gold tier showcases a selection of standout games that have left a lasting impact on players. The Resident Evil 4 remake, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Elden Ring deserve praise for their exceptional sales numbers, with Elden Ring reaching an impressive milestone of 20 million copies sold across all platforms. Furthermore, Elden Ring’s success indirectly propelled Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, a lesser-known FromSoftware franchise, into the list of top 24 best-selling games on Steam. Even FIFA 23 from the previous year managed to secure a spot, which shouldn’t come as a surprise given the anticipation surrounding its successor, EA Sports FC 24.
Steam’s “Best of 2023” list doesn’t stop at ranking the top-selling titles. The platform also features additional sections that highlight New Releases by gross revenue, Most Played games, Early Access purchases, and more. Among the latest releases, poorly received multiplatform games garnered significant attention. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Payday 3 emerged as the top performers, although Payday 3 faced criticism for its lack of content. Multiplayer games naturally dominated the player count, with some surprises like Goose Goose Duck and Hogwarts Legacy holding their own alongside Baldur’s Gate 3, which reached a staggering peak of over 800,000 concurrent players on Steam. Even Larian Studios, the developers of Baldur’s Gate 3, were taken aback by its unexpected success, as they had initially anticipated a player base of around 100,000.
2023 proved to be a significant year for studios to test their games in early access and gather valuable feedback from players. One notable example is Dave the Diver, an ocean exploration and fishing game developed by Mintrocket. Surprisingly, Dave the Diver also emerged as one of the most played games on the Steam Deck, a testament to its engaging gameplay despite its less demanding graphics. While one might expect to find graphically intensive games like Vampire Survivor and Half-Life in the mix, Starfield entered the scene, despite some optimization issues that led to occasional stutters in crowded areas.
In the realm of virtual reality gaming, Beat Saber, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR, and Half-Life: Alyx stood out as favorites among players. These games provided immersive experiences, with Half-Life: Alyx amplifying the intensity through a thrilling battle against the alien Combines. The inclusion of these titles highlights the growing popularity of virtual reality and the increasing demand for exciting VR experiences.
As the year drew to a close, Steam treated its users to the annual Winter Sale, offering significant discounts on a range of new and returning games. Gamers flocked to take advantage of these deals, making it a perfect opportunity to explore new titles or revisit beloved classics. The Winter Sale ran until January 5, giving players ample time to dive into fantastic gaming experiences at discounted prices.
The “Best of 2023” list on Steam showcases a diverse range of games that captivated the PC gaming community throughout the year. From Platinum-tier bestsellers like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 to virtual reality gems and early access explorations, 2023 truly offered an abundance of unforgettable gaming experiences. With each passing year, the gaming industry continues to evolve, captivating players with innovative concepts, engaging narratives, and immersive gameplay. As we look forward to the future, it’s exciting to think about the experiences that await us in the world of PC gaming.
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