Games 2023: Best Games Worth Playing Today

The year 2023 marks one of the most memorable years in gaming history—not just globally, but especially for Filipino gamers who are always on the lookout for something new to play. Within a year, titles emerged that changed the level of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer experience. If you missed out in 2023 or want to know which games are still worth trying in 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

Why Games 2023 Are Unforgettable

The year 2023 was a year of the return of major franchises and the rise of new titles. After more than two years of the pandemic where many turned to online gaming, the gaming industry came back in full force in 2023. Long-awaited sequels and remakes were released, breathing new life into classic series, from Resident Evil 4 Remake to Hogwarts Legacy.

For Filipino gamers, the year was also filled with local esports tournaments and community events showcasing the vast gaming culture in the country. 2023 served as proof that the Philippines is one of the most passionate gaming communities in Southeast Asia, with a growing number of professional players and dedicated fans wholeheartedly supporting their favorite teams.

Most Popular Mobile Game of 2023 in the Philippines

In mobile gaming, 2023 was one of the most competitive years. If you want to know which mobile games have the strongest pull among Filipinos now, you can check the Top 5 Most Downloaded Mobile Games in the Philippines for the most updated list. In 2023, the following titles led the local mobile gaming scene:

The most talked-about game of 2023 was the launch of Honkai: Star Rail by HoYoverse on April 6, 2023. Within days of its release, it went viral in Filipino social media groups and Discord servers. Its turn-based RPG gameplay attracted thousands of new players who were not accustomed to real-time combat like Genshin Impact, opening up a wider audience for this type of game.

PC and Console Games of 2023 for the Hall of Fame

For PC and console gamers, 2023 was like a buffet of great dishes. Here are the titles that had the biggest impact on the 2023 gaming scene for these platforms:

Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios was the biggest surprise of 2023. No one expected a traditional CRPG to become Game of the Year, but the game proved that deep storytelling and freedom of choice are more important to players than flashy graphics alone. It won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023 and BAFTA Games Awards, a historic achievement for a game of this kind.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is not just a game. It is an experience that changed everyone’s expectations when it comes to story-driven RPGs, and proof that a deep narrative will always win.

Games of 2023 That Stirred the Filipino Gaming Community

Filipino gamers are known for their passion and spirited debates when it comes to their favorite games. In 2023, many topics circulated in Filipino gaming forums and Facebook groups. The debate between Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact was one of the liveliest, while Spider-Man 2, exclusive to PS5, prompted many Filipinos to actively seek out console units just to play it.

Riot Games’ VALORANT continued to grow in the Philippines in 2023, with more local tournaments and a thriving competitive scene. Many former CS:GO players switched to VALORANT due to its faster rounds and richer character abilities. The success of Filipino teams in international events further fueled the interest of young people in this game.

MOBA and Esports: Games 2023 in the Competitive Scene of the Philippines

For Filipino esports enthusiasts, 2023 was filled with excitement on both local and international levels. The local esports infrastructure continued to grow, with more sponsors and larger prize pools compared to previous years. A deeper analysis of the emerging Mobile Legends meta can be found in MLBB Meta 2026, explaining why hero win rates continue to change in competitive play.

During MPL Philippines Season 11 and 12 in 2023, viewers witnessed the evolution of the MLBB meta. New heroes became dominant, and each season brought fresh strategies that competitive players needed to study. The country’s esports scene proves that the Philippines is a serious space for professional gaming.

Indie and Underrated Games of 2023 Worth Trying

Not all great games of 2023 came from big studios. Many indie games became favorites among discerning gamers that year:

• Dredge: a deceptively simple fishing horror game full of dark atmosphere and engaging exploration
• Cocoon: an innovative puzzle game from the developer of Limbo that challenges the mind in the most enjoyable way
• Pizza Tower: a fast-paced platformer that became a cult classic within months of its release
• Dave the Diver: a diving and restaurant management hybrid that became the sleeper hit of the year and unexpectedly addictive
• Bomb Rush Cyberfunk: for those nostalgic for Jet Set Radio, this is the spiritual successor we’ve long awaited

For those who want to explore deeper world-building and artistic design in the indie space, you can also check out our review of REPLACED, a dark cyberpunk platformer showcasing the impressive work a small development team with a clear vision can achieve.

The indie games of 2023 show that the most important element of a great game is not the size of the budget, but the creativity and heart of the people who made it.

How to Choose the 2023 Game to Play Now in 2026

If you’re just starting now or want to revisit the games of 2023, here are some practical guides based on the type of player:

• Casual gamers with limited time: Choose games with a clear ending like Resident Evil 4 Remake (15-20 hours), Spider-Man 2, or Hogwarts Legacy. You can finish these without feeling guilty about spending too much time.
• Hardcore and dedicated gamers: Baldur’s Gate 3 is worth hundreds of hours of playtime, while VALORANT and MLBB have a continuously evolving meta that won’t bore you even after several years.
• Newcomers to gaming: Start with accessible and free mobile titles like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, or Mobile Legends. These are free and easy to download on any smartphone.

Many tips and strategies for both beginners and veteran players can be found in various categories of Laro Hub. The gaming community in the Philippines is always ready to help newcomers eager to learn, and local events like the Good Game Con 2026 provide opportunities to meet fellow players.

Frequently Asked Questions About Games 2023

What is the best game of 2023 for PC?

According to most of the gaming community and major award shows, Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios is the best PC game of 2023. It won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023 and BAFTA Games Awards. If you love deep RPGs with vast freedom of choice and enjoyable co-op multiplayer, this is the game for you.

Is Honkai: Star Rail better than Genshin Impact?

It depends on your preference. Honkai: Star Rail has turn-based combat that is easier for beginners to learn, while Genshin Impact offers open-world exploration and real-time action combat. Many Filipino gamers play both simultaneously, as they are both free and have their unique charm that you won’t find in each other.

Was Mobile Legends still popular in 2023?

Yes, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang remained the most popular mobile MOBA in the Philippines in 2023. Even with the emergence of new MOBA games, MLBB’s position in the Philippines and Southeast Asia as a whole remains unshaken. The MPL Philippines continues to host leagues with more fans and sponsors each season, proving the game’s strong foundation in the country.

Are the popular games of 2023 free?

Many of the most popular games of 2023 are free on mobile, including Mobile Legends, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, PUBG Mobile, and Free Fire. PC and console games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Spider-Man 2, and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are paid, but they can now be obtained at lower prices in various platform sales in 2026.

What was the hardest game of 2023?

For those seeking a challenge, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon by FromSoftware had some of the toughest boss fights of 2023. Lies of P, a Soulslike inspired by the story of Pinocchio, was also a challenging game for those accustomed to Souls games. For competitive gamers, VALORANT is also known for its high skill ceiling, requiring truly dedicated practice and teamwork.

Were there any Filipino-made games in 2023?

Yes, the indie game development scene in the Philippines continued to grow in 2023. Many Filipino developers launched their titles on platforms like itch.io and Steam. Local gaming events and game jams provide a platform for new developers to showcase their work to a wider audience, and this sector continues to grow even now in 2026.

Summary: Key Takeaways from Games 2023

Games 2023 provided one of the best collections of games in recent gaming industry history. Here are the main points to remember:

• 2023 was the year of Baldur’s Gate 3, which significantly changed expectations in the RPG genre and won Game of the Year at numerous awards
• In mobile, Honkai: Star Rail was the most impactful new title in the Philippines in 2023, attracting a new generation of RPG fans
• Mobile Legends and VALORANT maintained their dominance in the competitive scene and remain the most popular in the Philippines
• Many indie games emerged in 2023, such as Dredge, Dave the Diver, and Cocoon, which are still worth exploring now in 2026
• For Filipino gamers, 2023 was one of the most exciting years in the history of the local gaming community, laying the foundation for the coming years

Even though we are in 2026, the games of 2023 are not obsolete. Many of them have active communities, regular updates, and are still played by millions worldwide. If you haven’t experienced any game from this list, now is the perfect time to try them.