Big in 2023: Your guide to the most anticipated games of the year

Big in 2023
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This is going to be an outrageous year for video games. Looking at the lineup of already confirmed new games for 2023, it looks as if the industry is starting to settle after a tumultuous few years. Whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster exclusives, new ways to stay connected with friends and family, or new independent releases that will break your heart into little pieces – it really does look like there is something for everybody coming in 2023. 

With Big in 2023, GamesRadar+ will guide you through the year in video games. We'll be exploring the most anticipated upcoming games of the year, and the development studios behind them. Here you'll find exclusive interviews, hands-on reports, and analysis of all the titles we believe should be on your radar. We'll be dropping new articles all throughout January, so don't forget to bookmark this page and check in for more later. 

If you're looking for a broader view of the year, you may want to check out our larger breakdowns of the upcoming PS5 games, upcoming Xbox Series X games, upcoming Switch games, and upcoming PC games that we have spotted so far. We're also keeping track of every one of the video game release dates, should you be looking for something specific. 

This is Big in 2023: Your guide to the new games that can't be ignored.

Big in 2023

Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Redfall
Developer: Arkane Studios | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Leading the GamesRadar+ Big in 2023 preview is one of our most anticipated games of the year: Redfall. This is the latest shooter from Arkane Studios, the developer behind games like Dishonored and Prey. We sat down with studio director Harvey Smith and creative director Ricardo Bare to learn how Arkane's talent for engineering carefully crafted worlds and elaborate immersive sims is being funneled into an open world, cooperative story-driven FPS. You'll understand how Redfall has taken inspiration from Far Cry and Stalker, the steps you'll need to take to exterminate the vampires who have taken hold of this small town in Massachusetts, and so much more.


Avatar

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Big in 2023: Avatar Frontiers of Pandora
Developer: Massive Entertainment | Publisher: Ubisoft

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is set to be one of Ubisoft's biggest games for 2023. It's an entirely new adventure, one which takes place on an unexplored part of Pandora – and far from the events of the first two films. We have no information on the game following our exclusive interview with creative director Magnus Jansén. 


Atomic Heart Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Atomic Heart
Developer: Mundfish | Publisher: Focus Entertainment

Atomic Heart could be the first breakout success of the year. This mysterious FPS has intrigued players for years, thanks to its heady sci-fi concept and combat which appears to have Big BioShock Energy. Learn more about Atomic Heart's alternate Soviet-era timeline in our exclusive interview with game director Robert Bagratuni. 


Big in 2023: Forspoken

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Big in 2023: Forspoken
Developer:
Luminous Productions | Publisher: Square Enix

Forspoken is the first PS5 exclusive from Square Enix to launch in 2023 and we've played it! It's a new action-RPG from the development team that brought Final Fantasy 15 to life, which is something Luminous Productions explores with us in-depth in this exclusive interview ahead of the game's release.


Alan Wake 2 Remedy Entertainment

(Image credit: Remedy Entertainment)

Big in 2023: Alan Wake 2
Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: Epic Games Publishing

Alan Wake 2 has been a long time coming. It's been almost 13 years since we first joined the troubled writer into a nightmare he had inadvertently written into reality, and in 2023 developer Remedy Entertainment will finally chart his return. We spoke with creative director Sam Lake and game director Kyle Rowley to learn more about the development journey, and how Remedy is planning to put its own spin on the survival horror genre for Alan Wake 2 when it launches later this year.


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Aliens: Dark Descent
Developer: Tindolas Interactive | Publisher: Focus Entertainment

Aliens: Dark Descent is looking to deliver an original story in the Alien universe in an RTS that won't shy away from high stakes scenarios. The franchise is certainly no stranger to the strategy genre, but with Dark Descent putting you in command of a group of soldiers whose lives hinge on the choices you make, Xenomorph encounters have the potential to be all the more intense. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Baldur's Gate 3
Developer: In-house | Publisher: Larian Studios

After a couple of years experimenting in early access, Larian Studios is finally ready to bring the magic of D&D back to gaming with Baldur's Gate 3. We spoke with Larian founder Swen Vincke to learn more about one of the biggest RPGs of 2023, and the tricky process of bringing Dungeons and Dragons to life. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Company of Heroes 3
Developer: Relic Entertainment | Publisher: SEGA

Following a short delay, Company of Heroes 3 is now one of our most anticipated strategy games of 2023. Relic Entertainment is working to bring the legendary series to PS5 and Xbox Series X, but it will debut for PC on February 23. We played this excellent RTS, and spoke with the development team to learn more.


Assassin's Creed Mirage

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Big in 2023: Assassin's Creed Mirage
Developer: Ubisoft Bordeaux | Publisher: Ubisoft

Assassin's Creed Mirage isn't like the other upcoming Assassin's Creed games. We spoke to creative director Stéphane Boudon in an exclusive interview for Big in 2023 to learn more about how Mirage is taking the series back to its roots in the modern era, and how fan fatigue around the action-RPG installments helped inform its decision to do so. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Dead Space remake
Developer: Motive Studio | Publisher: EA

Going on 15 years since its source material, the Dead Space remake is downright terrifying. And that's a sentiment shared by the very people responsible for creating its ramshackle hellscape – the game's technical director, David Robillard, reckons he isn't as comfortable playing the game after dark as he is during daylight hours. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: EA Sports PGA Tour
Developer: EA Sports | Publisher: EA

It's been a long time since we last received a golf game from EA, and the studio is going all out for EA Sports PGA Tour. Set to launch later this year, we spoke with members of the development team to learn more about its attempt to capture all four majors and create proper RPG golf systems. 


Big in 2023: Fire Emblem Engage

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Big in 2023: Fire Emblem Engage
Developer:
Intelligent Systems | Publisher: Nintendo

It's been over three years since the release of the ever-popular Fire Emblem: Three Houses. In that time, developer Intelligent Systems has been hard at work on a new turn-based strategy for Nintendo Switch, one which harkens back to the combat-focused roots of the long-running franchise. Here you can read our full gameplay impressions of the first eight chapters of Fire Emblem Engage, ahead of the game's release on January 20. 


Big in 2023

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10 must-play games of Winter 2023

Winter is officially here, and with the cold weather comes a chaotic number of new releases. More so than any year before, 2023 is leaving us spoiled for choice at all of the new video games arriving between January and March. It can be difficult to know where to focus your attention, which is why we thought it would be helpful to focus on 10 of the must-play PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch games of the season. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Hollow Knight Silksong
Developer: Team Cherry | Publisher: Team Cherry

Hollow Knight: Silksong began life as proposed DLC for Team Cherry's breakout Metroidvania-meets- ARPG hit of 2017. Now, it's one of the most anticipated video games of recent years. Here, we explore why Silksong can't seem to stop generating hype, and dig into what we hope to see when it launches later in 2023. 


Horizon Call of the Mountain Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Horizon: Call of the Mountain
Developer: Guerrilla Games | Publisher: PlayStation Studios

Horizon: Call of the Mountain was always going to be the system seller of the upcoming PSVR 2 games lineup, but there was a question around how well it would sit alongside Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. After a hands-on preview, we recon Call of the Mountain is going to be Disneyland for Aloy fans.


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Company of Heroes 3
Developer: Relic Entertainment | Publisher: SEGA

Following a short delay, Company of Heroes 3 is now one of our most anticipated strategy games of 2023. Relic Entertainment is working to bring the legendary series to PS5 and Xbox Series X, but it will debut for PC on February 23. We have played this excellent RTS, and spoken with the development team to learn how a "player council" helped shape the game and improve its core feature-set ahead of release.


Big in 2023

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The 8 biggest video game trends of 2023

2023 is set to be an outrageous year for video games. That's why we decided to read the tea leaves and attempt to predict what the biggest trends are likely to be – from the rise of AI-powered programs, nostalgia-driven delights, and an increasing focus on difficult experiences in a post Elden Ring world. Here you'll find predictions on the key trends for 2023, and we recommended that you bookmark the article and return to it in 12 months to see just how right we were all along. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Lies of P 
Developer: In-house | Publisher: Neowiz

Lies of P emerged as one of the biggest breakout video games of 2022. This intriguing Soulslike from developer Neowiz puts you into the role of Pinocchio, a puppet mechanoid who embarks on a horrifying journey to become human and locate his creator Mr. Geppetto. The upcoming Game Pass is, as we learned when we sat down to play Lies of P, is shaping up to be worthy of the hype.


Big in 2023

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Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Developer: Insomniac Games | Publisher: Sony

Insomniac's follow-up to the wonderful Marvel's Spider-Man of 2018 is one of this year's most anticipated games. Currently boasting a vague "Fall 2023" release window, we're expecting something even bigger and more ambitious than its forerunner, this time with Venom in tow as one of Peter Parker and Miles Morales' arch enemies. Our question is: given how good Insomniac's first bite at the Spider-Man cherry was a few years back, is it even possible for number 2 to raise the bar higher still? We hope so, but time will tell in any event.  


Big in 2023 Minecraft Legends

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Big in 2023: Minecraft Legends
Developer: Blackbird Interactive | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Minecraft Legends has been a curiosity ever since it was announced, with its pairing of the blocky sandbox and an approachable real-time strategy framework. But a new look at the game has revealed a surprising amount of depth to its action, and a collaboratively competitive PvP mode that will ruin our friendship groups.  


Hogwarts Legacy Big in 2023 preview

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Big in 2023: Hogwarts Legacy
Developer: Avalanche Software | Publisher: WB. Games

Will Hogwarts Legacy be the wizarding world RPG that we've always wanted to play? That question has been front of mind for years now, after a delay pushed the upcoming action-RPG into 2023. But with just weeks to go before release, Avalanche Software finally allowed us into Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, and gave us exclusive details on the spellcraft and morality systems. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Sons of the Forest
Developer: Endnight Games | Publisher: Newnight

Sons of the Forest is the horror survival sequel to The Forest – the game that launched on Steam's Early Access initiative way back in 2014, before working its way to full release on PS4 and PC four years later. As it stands, Sons of the Forest is a PC exclusive, but promises to be bigger, bolder and more involved than its predecessor in myriad ways. We caught up with the team at Endnight Games in an exclusive interview to learn what's in store.  


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Starfield
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Starfield is taking us to an ambitious new universe that looks set to let us craft our own story, steer our own ship, and be whoever we want to be in the expanses of space. The upcoming RPG is an exciting prospect, not only because it will be the first new IP from Bethesda in 25 years. Alongside the promise of discovery and exploration, the level of choice and freedom Starfiled teases may well make for one very memorable adventure. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: System Shock Remake
Developer: Nightdive Studios | Publisher: Prime Matter

There's no shortage of video game remakes coming this year, and System Shock remains one of the most anticipated. Nightdive Studios has been hard at work on its revitalization of the legendary LookingGlass immersive sim for years now, and our chance to play a build of the game game reveals a remake that knows when to push the envelope and when to show restraint.  


Big in 2023

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5 PS5 exclusives that need to be on your radar in 2023

The PS5 recently passed the 30 million mark – an incredible milestone, particularly given the ongoing production issues surrounding Sony's new-gen system. PlayStation 5 owners will be spoilt for choice in 2023, particularly with highly-anticipated first-party games and the launch of PSVR 2 on the near horizon. That's why we wanted to help focus your attention on five PS5 exclusives that you need to have on your radar this year, from Horizon Call of the Wild to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and beyond. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Developer: Rocksteady Studios | Publisher: WB Interactive 

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League marks Rocksteady Studios' first superhero action role-player since the conclusion of the stellar Batman: Arkham series. Unlike its indirect predecessor, however, players will fill the shoes of the bad guys in this equally off-the-wall, but decidedly less dark and serious venture. Here, we explore why it's already looking like Game of the Year material.  


Big in 2023

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Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Developer: GSC Game World | Publisher: GSC Game World

GSC Game World's Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is another game we can't wait to play. Following up from the original Stalker trilogy (whose last entry landed in 2009), we'll return to the Chernobyl exclusion zone where things are worse and more terrifying than ever before. GSC Game World is headquartered in Ukraine, and has relocated to neighboring country the Czech Republic amid the ongoing conflict. As such, the development of Stalker 2 has endured some unprecedented circumstances. Whenever it's ready, we expect it to be special – just like its action survival horror lineage. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Tchia 
Developer: In-house | Publisher: Awaceb

Tchia is an utter delight. At least, that was our impression of the upcoming indie after sitting down to play it for 30 minutes. With a stunning visual design, beautiful open world, and set of movement mechanics that prioritize locomotion, we found Tchia to be a breath of fresh air. From exploring the world as a seagull to sitting on a clifftop to learn ukulele, this is one adventure with boundless potential.


Big in 2023

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5 Xbox Series X exclusives that need to be on your radar in 2023

Microsoft Gaming had a difficult 2022. Some of its most highly anticipated exclusives were delayed, leaving the lineup a little thin. As a result, the Xbox Series X is primed for its best year to date. There's a suite of first-party games set to launch from Xbox Game Studios, and no end of titles set to release as platform exclusives through Game Pass. With so many options, we wanted to focus your attention on five Xbox Series X exclusives that should be on your radar in 2023.


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Under the Waves
Developer: Parallel Studio | Publisher: Quantic Dream

While Quantic Dream made a name for itself through dizzying narrative-adventure games like Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human, the studio is taking on a different role in 2023. Quantic Dream is working with Parallel Studio on its debut game, titled Under the Waves. It's a hauntingly beautiful underwater adventure where you work to survive the dangers of the North Sea and an unraveling mind.


Big in 2023: Wo Long Fallen Dynasty

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Big in 2023: Wo Long Fallen Dynasty
Developer: Team Ninja | Publisher: Koei Tecmo Games

Team Ninja used to be known for Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden. But the studio has reinvented itself in recent years, following the massive success of the punishing Nioh series. In 2023 Team Ninja is spreading its wings even further with Wo Long Fallen Dynasty, a stunning action-RPG that has pulled its bastard-hard boss battles straight from the pages of history.


Big in 2023: Wanted Dead

(Image credit: 110 Industries SA)

Big in 2023: Wanted: Dead
Developer: Soleil | Publisher: 110 Industries

We go hands-on with Wanted: Dead, the outrageously gory game from former Ninja Gaiden developer. We found Wanted: Dead to be a chaotic throwback to a different era of action experiences, recalling fond memories of the sort of AA experiences we used to be inundated with during the PS2 and original Xbox era.  


Big in 2023

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5 Switch exclusives that need to be on your radar in 2023

After years of anticipation, 2023 will see the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – the long-awaited sequel to Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But this isn't the only new Switch game you should care about. In fact, there are some fantastic-looking platform exclusives coming this year, from Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon to Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. So join us as we explore the five Nintendo Switch exclusives that you need to have on your radar in 2023. 


Big in 2023

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Big in 2023: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo

Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has a tough act to follow after the colossal success of Breath of the Wild. But with the chance to return to the creative sandbox world of Hyrule, Tears of the Kingdom is already aiming for new heights by setting its sights on the skies above. By opening up the world further, Link's return to the Switch could very well deliver an adventure that reignites the sense of discovery that made its predecessor so special. 


Big in 2023 is GamesRadar's preview of the year to come, covering the most anticipated video games of 2023. This coverage hub will be updated daily throughout January with exclusive interviews, hands-on previews, industry analysis, and more. 

Josh West
Editor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.