As the gaming world evolves, the Steam Awards have become a beacon of player preferences and industry trends. The 2023 edition of these awards, as announced by Valve, presents an exciting array of titles that have captured the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide.
This year’s shortlist, chosen by the Steam community, showcases a diverse range of games across various categories, reflecting the evolving tastes and interests of players.
Leading Nominees and Voting Process
Among the front runners in the nominations are Baldur’s Gate 3, EA Sports FC 24, Lethal Company, Resident Evil 4, and Hogwarts Legacy, each earning two nominations. Valve has called upon the gaming community to cast their final votes, offering not just a say in the outcome but also the chance to unlock special stickers. Voting, which aligns with the Steam Winter Sale, runs from 21st December 2023 to 2nd January 2024, promising an exciting end to the year for gamers.
The Game of the Year category, always a highlight, features a mix of genres, with Baldur’s Gate 3, EA Sports FC 24, Hogwarts Legacy, Lethal Company, and Resident Evil 4 vying for the top spot. In the VR Game of the Year category, titles like I Expect You to Die 3, F1 23, and Gorilla Tag demonstrate the growing popularity and innovation in VR gaming.
The Labour of Love award highlights games that continue to evolve and engage players over time, with nominees like Dota 2 and Red Dead Redemption 2. For the Best Game on Steam Deck Award, Hogwarts Legacy and Diablo 4 showcase the versatility and power of Valve’s portable gaming device.
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The Better With Friends Award celebrates multiplayer experiences, and titles like Party Animals and Sons of the Forest stand out for their ability to bring players together. The Outstanding Visual Style Award brings attention to games with unique artistic directions, with Atomic Heart and High on Life being notable mentions.
Innovation in gameplay is recognized with the Most Innovative Gameplay Award, where Shadows of Doubt and Starfield challenge traditional gameplay mechanics. The Best Game You Suck At Award humorously acknowledges challenging titles like Overwatch 2 and Street Fighter 6. The Best Soundtrack Award recognizes games like Persona 5 Tactica and The Last of Us Part 1 for their exceptional musical scores.
Finally, the Outstanding Rich Story and Sit Back and Relax awards highlight narrative depth in games like Star Wars Jedi Survivor and Baldur’s Gate 3, and more laid-back experiences in titles like Train Sim World 4 and Potion Craft, respectively.
Your Steam Awards 2023 nominees are now announced! Check out the contenders ahead of voting which starts on December 21st @ 10am Pacific, the start of the Winter Sale.https://t.co/eSgcvJSJUu
— Steam (@Steam) December 15, 2023
The Steam Awards 2023 shortlist not only celebrates the best games of the year but also mirrors the dynamic nature of the gaming industry. It’s a testament to the diversity and richness of the gaming landscape, showcasing how games continue to evolve, innovate, and entertain.
Explore the Gaming Highlights of the Year: “Dive into the world of gaming’s finest with our curated list of the top 10 games of 2023. From groundbreaking RPGs to innovative indies, discover which titles made the cut and why they’re a must-play.”
The following is the full list of The Steam Awards 2023 nominees in each category:
Game of the Year Award
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- EA Sports FC 24
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Lethal Company
- Resident Evil 4
VR Game of the Year Award
- I Expect You to Die 3
- F1 23
- Ghosts of Tabor
- Gorilla Tag
- Labyrinthine
Labour of Love Award
- Dota 2
- Apex Legends
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Rust
- Deep Rock Galactic
Best Game on Steam Deck Award
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Diablo 4
- The Outlast Trials
- Brotato
- Dredge
Better With Friends Award
- Party Animals
- Sunkenland
- Sons of the Forest
- Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
- Lethal Company
Outstanding Visual Style Award
- Atomic Heart
- Darkest Dungeon
- High on Life
- Cocoon
- Inward
Most Innovative Gameplay Award
- Shadows of Doubt
- Your Only Move is Hustle
- Remnant 2
- Contraband Police
- Starfield
Best Game You Suck At Award
- EA Sports FC 24
- Lords of the Fallen
- Overwatch 2
- Sifu
- Street Fighter 6
Best Soundtrack Award
- Persona 5 Tactica
- Hi-Fi Rush
- The Last of Us Part 1
- Chants of Sennaar
- Pizza Tower
Outstanding Rich Story Award
- Star Wars Jedi Survivor
- Love is All Around
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Lies of P
- Resident Evil 4
Sit Back and Relax Award
- Train Sim World 4
- Cities Skylines 2
- Dave the Diver
- Potion Craft
- Coral Island
Meet the Icons of 2023 Gaming: “Discover who made the cut in our Best Video Game Characters of 2023 list, featuring a mix of heroes and villains that defined this year’s gaming landscape.”
