Analyzing the top-performing items of any genre is fascinating. It happens a lot, from the top-grossing movies of a weekend to the most viewed YouTube video that has been posted in the previous month.
But what topped the charts in 2023 for the most popular online games? This is naturally an area that has quite a large scope, due to the different formats and genres of gaming available.
Certain games are only available on select platforms, and the price point can also factor into the overall popularity of titles. Many of the top-performing games of 2023 were already popular titles that simply remain at the top of their charts.
Online casino games
The world of online casino gaming is a sector that is growing massively. The drive and explosion of the latest technology, such as AI innovations, is helping to push the quality and versatility of the industry further as well.
The casino slots at SkyCity, for example, are not only populated with major titles like Starburst and Rich Wilde’s Book of Dead, but exclusive slots titles also.
One of the most popular casino slots for 2023 was Buffalo King, from leading software developer Pragmatic Play. Even though it was released in 2019, it retains huge popularity with its multipliers, re-triggers and max payout potential.
Genshin Impact
The multi-platform open-world RPG Genshin Impact had a strong 2023. The epic fantasy adventure is driven by some stunning graphics. How a player travels through the world is completely their choice, and there are many paths to take in facing battles and solving puzzles.
Genshin Impact has a slower pace than most online games mentioned on this list. The world is also a lot bigger than most, and there is little other to do than travel and fight. But it regularly hosts around two million players, on average.
That is a phenomenal player base. Genshin Impact is one of those games that has something of a cult following. There is a really dedicated fan base but at the same time, it can be a divisive title. Some newcomers struggle with the size of the world, and with it delivering less immediate gratification compared to other games discussed here.
Valorant
Valorant produced another good year of momentum against some of its big brothers like Overwatch and Counter-Strike: GO. Valorant is modern yet with some intriguing elements of the supernatural blended in.
It was reported that Valorant, from Riot Games, pulled in around four million players on average across 2023. The 5v5 character-based tactical FPS is heavily featured in professional esports circles, which bolsters its popularity.
Fortnite
Arguably the ultimate battle royale game, Fortnite continues to be a behemoth in this genre. 2023 saw its user base at around three million. As it can be played on so many devices and the base game is free, it’s readily accessible and easy to get into.
With the game staying fresh through new maps like the most anticipated Fortnite: OG, released in November, it looks like it will remain at the top of the tree for some time to come. It’s the game that has set the standards for other similar titles to try and reach.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
CS: GO remains hugely popular across many platforms and is still one of the leading games on PC. Like Valorant, CS: GO is another big esports title, which helps to drive its user base.
With easy availability across many platforms, and being a title from such a well-established studio, the game continues to run very strongly. With its superb, real-world-based graphics and the chance to build gaming stats, it retains some of the best playability rankings around.
Other games
Many other online games like Apex Legends, PUBG, Rocket League, World of Warcraft and Minecraft continue to rumble along strongly. There is such an established core of leading online games that it’s hard for anything new to come in and shake things up.
In many instances, players are not just loyal to one game – instead, it’s common for players to find their preference and build experience in many online titles. Out of all the factors of the most popular online games for 2023, one thing is clear – the MMORPG genre continues to dominate.
It’s the direct, competitive angle that the style of game brings. It’s not just a matter of taking on an AI, it’s pitting personal gaming skills against other players. On multiplayer platforms, players can remain completely anonymous or team up with friends for action, which sees the style of the game continue to pack a punch.
On Twitch, the most streamed game in December 2023 was Grand Theft Auto V. But throughout the year, Fortnite topped the viewing charts, followed by Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
