As we approach the midpoint of 2023, it’s time to take a look at the video game industry’s big winners so far. It’s been an incredible year for gamers, with several highly anticipated releases and a few surprises that have captured the attention and time of millions around the world. From fantasy adventures set in legendary universes to intense sports competitions and horrifying survival horror experiences, these games have not only sold the most copies but also won the hearts of players everywhere.
Let’s embark on a journey through the top 10 best selling games of 2023 thus far.
1. Hogwarts Legacy
No game has captured the imagination of players in 2023 quite like Hogwarts Legacy. Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games, Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG that allows players to live out their fantasies of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The game’s unique storyline, which takes place before the events of the Harry Potter series, combined with its detailed world-building and varied gameplay mechanics, has made it a must-play title for fans of the franchise and newbies alike. Since its release, the game has surpassed a billion dollars in revenue and continues to sell at an impressive pace, securing its spot as the highest-grossing game of 2023 so far.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Coming in a close second is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This eagerly awaited installment in the iconic Nintendo franchise delivered on all fronts. Building on the success of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom introduced new gameplay elements, expanded on its already massive world, and delved deeper into the rich lore of Hyrule. Despite being released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, the game has seen significant success, outperforming early sales numbers of Breath of the Wild and taking the second spot in terms of revenue. Although it hasn’t quite managed to overtake Hogwarts Legacy, the critical acclaim and player adoration it has received undoubtedly make it one of the standout entries of 2023.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) holds firm in the third position. This latest entry in the long-running franchise has continued Activision’s tradition of delivering high-quality, action-packed first-person shooter experiences. Combining a gripping campaign, intense multiplayer battles, and a revamped version of the much-loved spec ops mode, Modern Warfare 2 (2022) has proven to be a hit among both critics and players. Its success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Call of Duty series, demonstrating that even in a year packed with highly anticipated releases, the franchise remains a dominant force in the gaming market.
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4. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
In fourth place, we find Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a thrilling continuation of the story established in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Despite some noted performance issues at launch, the game’s strong narrative, engaging combat mechanics, and faithful reproduction of the Star Wars universe have made it a must-have for fans of the franchise. Jedi Survivor’s success reveals the growing strength of transmedia IP in the video game industry, with two of the top three revenue winners leveraging beloved book or film series’ intellectual property.
5. Resident Evil 4 Remake
At number five, we have the Resident Evil 4 Remake. This refreshed version of one of the most acclaimed entries in the Resident Evil series brought modern graphics, updated controls, and new gameplay elements to an already fantastic survival horror experience. The game’s success underscores the ongoing demand for remakes and remasters, particularly when they bring such significant improvements to beloved classics. The Resident Evil 4 Remake not only appealed to fans of the original but also attracted new players, further expanding the reach of this enduring franchise.
6. MLB: The Show 23
Sixth on the list is MLB: The Show 23. This annual baseball simulation from Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to impress with its realistic graphics, deep gameplay mechanics, and comprehensive roster of teams and players. The game’s success proves that there’s still a significant audience for high-quality sports simulations, even in a market increasingly dominated by action and adventure titles. With its win over WWE 2K23, MLB: The Show 23 has claimed the title of the most successful sports game of the year so far.
7. Dead Island 2
Coming in at number seven is Dead Island 2, a game that emerged from development hell to the delight of many zombie fans. The game’s combination of brutal melee combat, expansive open-world environments, and engaging co-op gameplay has resonated with players, making it one of the most successful launches of the year. Its success highlights the enduring popularity of the zombie genre and the potential rewards for developers who persevere in the face of challenges.
8. FIFA 23
Rounding out the top eight is FIFA 23, the latest entry in EA Sports’ long-running football simulation franchise. Despite facing stiff competition from other sports titles, FIFA 23 has managed to secure a spot in the top ten thanks to its realistic gameplay, extensive team and player rosters, and robust online multiplayer offerings. Its position on this list serves as a reminder of the franchise’s global appeal and the strong demand for high-quality football simulations.
9. Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is a popular survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. It is the eighth major installment in the Resident Evil series and serves as a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The game was released in May 2021 and gained significant attention during June 2021, remaining one of the top-selling titles.
Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters, the protagonist from Resident Evil 7, as he finds himself in a mysterious village plagued by supernatural horrors. Players navigate through a variety of environments, solve puzzles, and engage in intense combat against various creatures and enemies. The game combines elements of exploration, resource management, and survival horror, delivering a chilling and atmospheric experience.
10. Mario Golf: Super Rush
Mario Golf: Super Rush is a sports video game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. It was released in June 2021 and quickly gained popularity among players.
As the latest installment in the Mario Golf series, Mario Golf: Super Rush offers a fun and accessible golfing experience with a twist of Mario-themed elements. Players can choose from a variety of beloved Nintendo characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, to participate in golf tournaments and challenges across vibrant and imaginative courses.
Mario Golf: Super Rush received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay, colorful visuals, and multiplayer options that provide enjoyable experiences for both casual and competitive players. With its charming characters and accessible mechanics, the game offers a delightful twist on the traditional golfing genre.
Conclusion
From magical journeys through the Wizarding World to epic adventures in Hyrule, intense military operations, and thrilling sporting competitions, these are the top eight best-selling games of June 2023 so far. Each of these titles has carved out a unique space in the hearts and minds of players, offering experiences that captivate, engage, and entertain. As we move into the second half of 2023, it will be interesting to see how this list evolves and which games will rise to the top by year’s end. One thing is certain: it’s a great time to be a gamer.
