2023 is nearly over, finally, but at least there were some great games to get us through it, right? This year was full of great releases, but marred by myriad layoffs across sectors (including the games industry), and larger, global issues that made it hard to find the light in the dark. But video games, with their captivating worlds, moving stories, and nuanced characters, gave me a semblance of hope when I felt hopeless.
This year, games showed me how to find resilience in the face of adversity. They demonstrated how determination and perseverance can lead to change. And above all, they presented fun playgrounds to escape a harsh reality while holding up a mirror to some of humanity’s worst traits. So, without any further ado, here are my top 10 games of 2023.