The end of 2023 is just around the corner. Google gave us a look at the main trends of the year. While today we’re sharing the details of what we’ve searched for the most on said platform over the past 12 months, the review has left out the most important section: video games.
However, the Mountain View residents have published a comprehensive overview of the most important searches in general and in each country in particular. Interestingly, the global details include that most popular video games in 2023.
That’s why we want to take the opportunity to take a quick tour of this list. A ranking that, despite featuring some logical names and industry heavyweights, is not without surprises.
Top 10 Most Popular Video Games on Google This Year
1 – Hogwarts Legacy
Avalanche Software’s game released last February after numerous delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the game was in the spotlight due to an attempted boycott of JK Rowling, author Harry PotterDue to anti-Semitic comments, most fans remained steadfast and waited.
Finally, Hogwarts Legacy didn’t disappoint. The game not only became a bestseller, but also received excellent reviews from the specialized press. In our analysis, we classify this as a franchise fan’s dream. Potteriana. So it’s no surprise that it was the most searched video game on Google in 2023.
2 – Last of us
Last of us It’s the second most popular video game of 2023, and the main reason is clear: the brutal success of the series of the same name. Naughty Dog’s adaptation of the game for HBO and HBO Max has reignited interest in the game, which debuted on PS3 in 2013, as well as its sequel. The Last of Us Part 2 (2020), which will be the common thread of the second season (and perhaps also others to come in the future).
Besides the excitement over the production starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, there’s another reason why Last of us The Most Wanted Video Games of 2023 list includes a recent remaster announcement. Part II for PS5. While some fans criticized the release as unnecessary, it’s impossible not to think it helped solidify its place among Google’s trends.
3 – Connections
The first big surprise on this list. Connections ranked as the world’s third most popular video game on Google in 2023. It’s about a word game created by New York Times and that although the beta version was launched mid-year, it had an immediate effect.
Connections So far it has failed to become such a global phenomenon as Wardlewhich also belongs New York Times. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that its highest level of popularity is in the United States. However, he has earned enough merit to earn a place on this list.
4 – Battlefields Mobile India
Another video game that is sure to raise eyebrows with its appearance in the top 10 most searched on Google in 2023. As the name suggests, this is a version PUBG Mobile version specially developed by Krafton for Indian audience.
The most curious thing about this matter is that Battlefields Mobile India He was banned for almost a year. The game was released in 2021, but in July 2022, the Indian government banned its downloads due to privacy concerns. It only became available again in May of this year. According to the Google Play Store, it has been downloaded more than 100 million times on Android alone.
5 – star field
Nobody expected star field of the top 10 most popular video games of 2023. Although it is true that many of us thought that she would rank higher on the list. However, it is clear that Bethesda’s space odyssey has become one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Despite numerous delays that occurred throughout its development, star field didn’t disappoint. It also broke a long streak—more than a year—without launching a top-tier Xbox exclusive. Looking ahead to 2024, expectations remain high pending the inclusion of native support fashion and other features.
6 – Baldur’s Gate 3
Another one of the greatest video games of 2023, guaranteed to be one of the most popular on Google. Baldur’s Gate 3which just won Game of the Year at the Game Awards, took the industry by storm when it released on PC last August.
Larian Studios’ proposal became strike instantly, especially after its launch on PlayStation 5 in September. It arrived on the Xbox Series X and S a few days ago, although it doesn’t include split-screen co-op on the cheapest version of Microsoft’s console.
7 – スイカ ゲーム (Game “Watermelon”)
This is without a doubt the biggest appearance on Google’s list of the most searched video games this year. スイカ ゲームwhich can be translated as Game “Watermelon”This puzzle for Nintendo Switch, developed by Aladdin
One of the curious aspects of this case is that this is not a new game. In fact, it’s been available in Japan for two years now. However, it has started to become very popular within and outside of Asia thanks to live streaming on YouTube and other video platforms. Finally, the game took place worldwide last October. Hence its presence among the world trends of the year.
8 – Diablo IV
Another game that created huge expectations among fans and did not disappoint. In our analysis we estimate Diablo IV as the best role-playing game in recent years. So it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top 10 most popular video games of 2023 on the Mountain View platform.
One of the most impressive aspects of Blizzard’s game is that it broke several records in its first few days of release. In fact, within the first week of its launch, it recorded revenues exceeding $666 million.
9 – Atomic heart
Atomic heart, from Mundfish, was far from the best video game of the year, although that didn’t stop it from becoming one of the most popular on Google. Although it is likely that its “popularity” did not arise for the reasons that its developers wanted. The first-person shooter, based on an alternate timeline set in the Soviet Union, played a major role in one of the biggest scandals of 2023.
Its developers were accused of having connections with Russia and allegedly collecting information from players in this country to send it to the Kremlin intelligence services. Likewise, its launch on the eve of the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine was criticized. Studio Mundfish, which is actually based in Cyprus, denied the accusations from the outset.
10 – Sons of the Forest
One of the most anticipated games in the horror and survival genre. Sons of the Forest rounds out the list of 2023’s most wanted video games. Endnight Games’ offering hasn’t reached all platforms yet since it launched into early access on PC earlier this year.
However, the early numbers, as well as the reviews, were very promising. It’s expected to hit consoles in the first quarter of 2024, so it’s likely that it will continue to appear frequently in the Google search box.
Source: Hiper Textual
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.