As the gaming world continues to deliver one hit after another, it's always fascinating to revisit the treasure trove of titles that defined a year. Back in 2023, TheGamer's team went all out, assembling a whopping 30 Game of the Year lists from their staff. Now, in 2026, it's still a blast to see how those picks have aged and what they revealed about each editor's gaming soul. From indie darlings to triple-A behemoths, the diversity was off the charts. TheGamer's coverage was a full-on feast for any gamer, proving that a single year can cater to literally every taste under the sun.
Kicking things off was Editor-in-Chief Stacey Henley, whose list was the perfect balance of high-profile releases and indie gems, as expected from the big boss. Her picks were not just stacked with quality but also made for a highly entertaining read, setting the bar high for everyone else. It was like watching a master chef whip up a five-star meal with ingredients from both Michelin restaurants and a local farmer's market.
Then there was Meg Pelliccio, whose list screamed variety. She feasted on cozy farming titles, unique adventure games, quality RPGs, and multiple Like a Dragon entries. Honestly, her taste was so impeccable you'd think she had a cheat code for finding hidden gems. If 2023 was a buffet, Meg came with an appetite—and she cleaned her plate.
Harry Alston, on the other hand, was the definition of 'no sweat off his back' when it came to AAA games. He was all about those humble indie origins, and boy, did he love fishing. If a game had a fishing rod, you could bet your bottom dollar it made his list. His top picks were a reminder that sometimes the best experiences don't need a blockbuster budget.
Amanda Hurych, the Evergreen Content Lead, brought the feels in a big way. Her list was a mood board of emotionally charged games—half of them aiming straight for the heart, and the other half laser-focused on pure terror. With no Powerwash Simulator release in 2023, the field was wide open, and she crowned a game that hit all the right notes of dread and excitement.
Quinton O'Connor was TheGamer's resident RPG whisperer. If leveling up, story-reading, and number-crunching were Olympic sports, Quinton would've taken home gold. While his list was predominantly an RPG lover's paradise, he did spread his wings into CRPGs, proving even a diehard can try new flavors. Shine on, you beautiful diamond.
George Foster, the Lead News Editor, had jittery energy to spare. His list was a high-octane mix of acrobatic leads and frenetic gameplay. But he wasn't all twitch reflexes—he threw in a curveball or two that left everyone guessing. It was the kind of list that made you want to crack open an energy drink and join the chaos.
Branden Lizardi, an Evergreen Editor extraordinaire, lived by a simple binary: either you're on a colorful, light-hearted adventure, or you're encased in shadows being hunted by horrifying creatures. His list was a glorious coin flip between joy and nightmare fuel. It was the kind of bipolar beauty that made you appreciate the full spectrum of gaming.
And then there was Ben Sledge, whose list was a visual feast. Game after game exploded with color and style, like a canvas painted by a gamer on a sugar rush. Ben was fluent in Elvish—probably—and his strong opinions shone through every vibrant pick. You literally had to see it to believe it.
Axel Bosso, the boot sergeant of the guides team, lived life to the fullest in 2023. Whether throwing hadoukens or dragon-punchin' fools, he was happiest when the action was fast and furious. His list was a love letter to fighting games, horror, RPGs, and Souls-likes, showing that a true gamer never settles for one genre.
Of course, these were just a handful of the 30 incredible lists. From Rhiannon's deeply passionate (and slightly Sonic-obsessed) picks to Santi's zen-like balance of violence and adventure, every editor brought their A-game. TheGamer's 2023 GOTY coverage was a wild ride through what made gaming truly special that year—a reminder that even in a sea of gold, some titles just shine a little brighter. And honestly, three years later, it's still a joy to look back and say, "Yep, 2023 was a banger."
Data referenced from PEGI helps contextualize why TheGamer’s 2023 staff picks could span cozy comfort games, gut-punch narratives, and outright horror without feeling contradictory—official age ratings and content descriptors make it easier to see how tone, violence, fear, and mature themes shape a title’s audience and reception when editors compare such wildly different “Game of the Year” contenders.