Gaming has had an incredible year in 2023, and The Game Awards this December saw one of the most thrilling presentations recently.
The Game Awards, frequently called “The Oscars of gaming,” were an unexpected and significant occasion. There were fewer hints on social media this year than in past years, which decreased anticipation. On the other hand, the program made some noteworthy statements that surprised many people.
Highlights included the reveal of Arkane Lyon’s Marvel’s Blade, new installments in well-known franchises like Monster Hunter, Dead By Daylight, and Secret of Mana, and forthcoming projects from Hello Games, Motion Twin, and Finji.
From surprise releases to clever quips, here’s everything exciting that happened this year at the show.
The Game Awards announcements for 2023 – Summary
- Baldur’s Gate 3 for Xbox – Out now
- The Finals – Out now
- Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – Out now
- Final Fantasy 16: Echos of the Fallen – Out now
- Ark Survival Ascended – Out now
- Guilty Gear Strive – Out now
- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 – Out now
- Honkai Star Rail – Out now
- Assassin’s Creed Nexus – Out now
- Lego Fortnite – Out now
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Out now
- Rocket Racing – December 8, 2023.
- God of War Ragnarök Valhalla – December 12, 2023 – free DLC
- Warframe: Whisper in the Walls – December 13, 2023.
- Ready or Not – December 13, 2023.
- Palia for Nintendo Switch – December 14, 2023.
- Dave the Diver x Dredge – December 15, 2023.
- Asgard’s Wrath 2 – December 15, 2023.
The Finals Get Surprise Release
The Finals, which ranked among Steam’s most-wish-listed games, significantly impacted TGA 2023. Along with showcasing a new trailer, it also marked the surprise release of the free-to-play online shooter.
Despite accumulating a dedicated fan base eagerly anticipating its launch, developer Embark Studios kept the release under wraps until the grand reveal. This unexpected shadow drop has propelled The Finals to the #4 spot on Steam’s Top-Sellers, solidifying its presence as one of the standout moments of TGA.
Chris Judge Makes Jokes About Call of Duty
Kratos Takes A Shot at Modern Warfare 3
Christopher Judge, a familiar face at The Game Awards, created a buzz in 2022 with his memorable but lengthy on-stage speech. This year, Judge assured the audience that he would keep to a more concise schedule while humorously referencing his previous TGA appearance. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, he quipped, “My [2022] speech was longer than this year’s Call of Duty campaign,” drawing shock and amusement from the crowd.
The clever comment, which makes reference to Modern Warfare 3’s (MW3) infamously brief campaign, brought some humor to the occasion.
The Return of Jurassic Park: Survival
A Captivating Teaser, But No Date of Release
In an unexpected turn of events, Jurassic Park: Survival, which was previously canceled, has been revived and is back in development. Despite sharing a name with an early-2000s Konami title, the similarities between the two Jurassic Park Survivals appear minimal.
It is now under the development of Saber Interactive and no longer centered around Jurassic Park 3.
This resurrected Survival is a first-person action game. The trailer showcased during Jurassic World hinted at an exciting experience for franchise fans. However, the announcement did not include information about a specific release date. Fans are eagerly anticipating further details about this unexpected revival.
The Musical Piece by Alan Wake featuring The Old Gods of Asgard
Herald Of Darkness” Performed Live
Alan Wake 2 significantly impacted TGA 2023. He garnered multiple nominations and secured several prestigious awards, including Best Narrative and Best Game Direction. Upon its release, the horror sequel garnered widespread acclaim, thanks in large part to its groundbreaking use of mixed media.
The game seamlessly blended traditional in-game cutscenes with real-world footage, creating a unique and meta experience that captivated players.
One of the game’s standout moments, a musical number featuring Alan Wake and the band The Old Gods of Asgard, was brought to life on the TGA stage in a rock performance that left a lasting impression. Widely regarded as one of the night’s best performances, it’s highly recommended that viewers relive the moment through The Game Awards’ YouTube channel.
Final Fantasy 16’s First Story DLC Is Out Now
Echoes Of The Fallen” Is Paid DLC
Fans of Final Fantasy 16, eagerly anticipating news about the previously-announced story DLC, were treated to a pleasant surprise at TGA.
A new trailer showcasing the DLC, titled “Echoes of the Fallen,” was not only well-received for providing a fresh look at the content but also came with the announcement that the first DLC was available for immediate download as a surprise release.
Additionally, Square Enix confirmed the development of a second expansion, “The Rising Tide,” scheduled for release in Spring 2024. This unexpected reveal and the immediate availability of the first DLC undoubtedly delighted fans of the game, adding more depth and excitement to the Final Fantasy 16 experience.
God Of War Ragnarök Gets Free DLC
Releasing On December 12
Amidst persistent rumors, the much-anticipated DLC for God of War Ragnarok, titled “God of War Ragnarok Valhalla,” was officially confirmed at TGA 2023. Surprising fans, the free expansion was announced for release on December 12, five days after its revelation during The Game Awards.
Contrary to expectations for story-focused DLC, God of War Ragnarok Valhalla takes inspiration from the roguelite genre and centers around combat and battle. Set after the final confrontation with Odin, the expansion promises a new and intriguing gameplay experience, shifting the focus to intense and dynamic combat scenarios.
This unexpected twist in the DLC’s direction adds an element of excitement for players eager to dive back into the God of War Ragnarok universe.
Marvel’s Blade Is Officially In Development.
One of the most significant surprises during TGA 2023 was the unveiling of Arkane Lyon’s upcoming game, Marvel’s Blade. The announcement came with a stylish trailer that, while creating intrigue, also left many questions unanswered. Blade enthusiasts can anticipate a single-player, third-person action-adventure game with an M for Mature rating.
Marvel’s Blade is a promising addition to Arkane Lyon’s portfolio, known for its acclaimed titles such as Dishonored and Deathloop. However, no specific release window has been provided for the game yet.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Is Now Available On Xbox
The Wait Is Over
Following The Game Awards, Larian Studios, the developer behind Baldur’s Gate 3, announced the Xbox Series X/S platform. They revealed that the game is now available on Xbox Series X/S, providing Xbox fans access.
The Xbox release had been awaited by players who, unlike those on PS5 and PC, had to be more patient.
Larian Studios was cautious about a specific release date initially. Concerns stemmed from limitations on the Xbox Series S, especially regarding split-screen co-op, which was eventually abandoned. However, the wait has ended now.
Players across all current-gen platforms can now enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3 on their Xbox Series X/S devices.
Hideo Kojima & Jordan Peele Team Up For Xbox Horror
OD Has A Star-Studded Cast
Hideo Kojima officially unveiled the first glimpse of his new game, OD, at TGA 2023. The mysterious trailer revealed little about the game but highlighted a star-studded cast, including Hunter Schafer from Euphoria.
During TGA, Kojima took the stage to confirm that OD would offer a cinematic experience unlike anything seen before.
In collaboration with Xbox Game Studios and acclaimed director Jordan Peele, OD is confirmed to be a horror game. This revelation fulfills the dreams of many fans eagerly anticipating a horror title from Kojima.
It adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for what the enigmatic game has in store.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Wins Game Of The Year.
A Well-Deserved Win
The Game of the Year award is one of the most highly anticipated honors at TGA each year. The 2023 nominees featured some of the toughest competition in the show’s history. The contenders included The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Alan Wake 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Resident Evil 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Ultimately, Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged victorious, securing the prestigious award.
While Baldur’s Gate 3’s win was not entirely surprising given the game’s expansive scope, community support, and growing fanbase, it marked the pinnacle of another memorable night that will be remembered in The Game Awards history.
The diverse lineup of nominees reflected the exceptional quality and diversity in gaming for the year, making the competition particularly fierce.