2023 Game of the Year Awards — Achievement Awards

Game of the year doesn’t always been the most expensive or best selling. It has to be one of the most well-rounded games of the year or be revolutionary in some way. A great story, fun characters, excellent gameplay, and great visuals also help, but it’s not always a factor. This is the hardest category to pick every year and this year was probably one of the hardest in a long time. Usually, there are only a few obvious choices, but not this time.

Alan Wake II

Alan Wake II may not be everyone’s Game of the Year, but it was more my type of game this year. I love single-player narrative driven stories with cinematic elements. They were my Achille’s Heel growing up as a kid during the PS2 era and they are something I just enjoy so much. Alan Wake II‘s mix of live action cut scenes, action, atmosphere, story, and gameplay all combine for something truly unique and out of left field this year. No one expected this game to be this good.