The Most Anticipated Games of 2023 Following Summer Games Fest

The AAA games industry has experienced an unusual year, marked by record-breaking releases such as Hogwarts Legacy, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Diablo 4. However, new IPs have struggled in terms of quality and popularity, with a few exceptions like Hi-Fi Rush, which gained traction via Xbox Game Pass. The release schedule for the remainder of the year is sparse, with a notable congestion of releases in October. This has led to concerns about the sustainability of businesses reliant on regular AAA releases, prompting companies like Ubisoft to explore alternative revenue streams, such as mobile gaming. Despite the gaps in the schedule, gamers have a plethora of options, including live-service titles, indie releases, and subscription services. Looking ahead, the recent summer showcases have provided insight into the upcoming releases. Notable games include Starfield, Mortal Kombat 1, Forza Motorsport, Assassin's Creed Mirage, Alan Wake 2, Spider-Man 2, Super Mario Bros Wonder, Cities: Skylines 2, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Sonic Superstars. Each of these titles has the potential to make a significant impact, with some expected to excel due to their established franchises, innovative gameplay, or strategic release timing. However, the success of these games is contingent upon various factors, including market competition, player fatigue, and the ability to deliver high-quality experiences. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see which games emerge as the biggest hits, with Sony's Spider-Man 2, Microsoft's Starfield, and Nintendo's Super Mario Bros Wonder being among the most anticipated titles.