Discover 6 award-worthy games from 2023 that missed The Game Awards but deliver exceptional gaming experiences
Beyond the Nominees: Why These Games Matter
While The Game Awards 2023 celebrated numerous outstanding titles, many exceptional gaming experiences flew under the radar without official recognition. This comprehensive guide highlights six remarkable games that delivered incredible value despite missing the nomination cut.
The gaming landscape in 2023 was exceptionally crowded, making it inevitable that some masterpieces would be overlooked during award season. We’ve curated this list to ensure these hidden gems receive the attention they deserve.
The award show festivities highlighted obvious contenders like Baldur’s Gate 3’s eight nominations and Starfield’s controversial single category appearance. However, the true richness of 2023’s gaming offerings extends far beyond the nominated titles.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely seeking gaming experiences that offer exceptional quality without the mainstream spotlight. We’ve previously discussed how The Game Awards 2023 were “defined by their omissions,” and now we’re highlighting the most significant ones.
In a year overflowing with incredible releases, several outstanding games inevitably missed nomination opportunities. Below, discover six 2023 releases absent from award categories that nevertheless provide unforgettable gaming adventures.
Lords of the Fallen: Soulslike Excellence Refined
Beginning with a Soulslike masterpiece was essential for this list. For context, my personal Game of the Year race featured an intense battle between Armored Core 6 and Lies of P, with Lords of the Fallen strongly contending for multiple categories.
Similar to several titles mentioned here, Lords of the Fallen launched with performance challenges that initially hampered the experience. When attempting to emulate a franchise renowned for technical polish, such issues inevitably impact perception. Thankfully, multiple updates driven by Hexworks’ close collaboration with their community have dramatically improved the current state.
Divinity will be “way better” than Baldur’s Gate 3 according to Larian CEO
Silent Hill f dominates The Horror Game Awards 2025 with four wins
Everything announced at The Game Awards 2025
The current iteration masterfully incorporates elements from earlier FromSoftware classics while confidently introducing original concepts to the established formula. Combat mechanics feel precise and responsive, character building offers extensive variety, and while boss encounters may occasionally lack the difficulty of competitors, the visual spectacle remains impressive throughout.
The core mechanic of shifting between parallel realities during exploration and combat introduces fascinating gameplay dynamics, with narrative elements skillfully utilizing this innovative concept. A streamlined cooperative system compared to genre standards enables shared adventures with friends, now functioning reliably after initial technical fixes.
Pro Tip: Master the reality-shifting mechanics early—they’re not just for puzzle solving but can create tactical advantages in combat by manipulating enemy positioning and environmental hazards.
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t overlook the magic system—while the combat feels Souls-like, the spellcasting offers unique combinations that can trivialize difficult encounters when properly utilized.
Hogwarts Legacy: Wizarding World Perfected
During February, before the relentless barrage of blockbuster releases, Hogwarts Legacy appeared destined for Best Action/Adventure Game nomination consideration. Achieving massive sales figures amplified by controversy-driven organic marketing, the game stands as a breathtaking tribute that resonates even with ambivalent Harry Potter enthusiasts.
Debate persists regarding the game’s replay value, but as a standalone single-player journey, it delivers substantial content. Players discover an engaging narrative presenting fresh perspectives on the Harry Potter universe, combat that combines strategic depth with satisfying execution, and an meticulously crafted recreation of Hogwarts and surrounding areas to investigate.
The comprehensive character creation system allowing personal avatar projection into the magical realm nearly justifies purchase alone. Combining this with aerial freedom aboard broomsticks or majestic Hippogriffs typically convinces most potential players.
While the title lacked the enduring community engagement of other 2023 releases, exploring Hogwarts remains essential for franchise devotees. I strongly recommend playing on console or PC platforms, as the Nintendo Switch version suffers from significant technical compromises and visual downgrades.
Advanced Strategy: Focus on mastering the ancient magic mechanics—these super-powered attacks recharge during combat and can instantly defeat elite enemies when properly timed.
Platform Optimization: The PC version supports ray tracing and higher frame rates, while PS5 benefits from DualSense controller integration that enhances spell-casting immersion through haptic feedback.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Sekiro’s Spiritual Successor
Returning to Soulslikes (with qualifications), where Lords of the Fallen honors Dark Souls and Lies of P draws from Bloodborne, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty proudly displays its Sekiro inspirations. This isn’t about cultural generalization but rather the meticulously designed swordplay that defines the combat experience.
Engaging in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty combat represents a lightning-quick exercise in risk management and reward calculation that proves challenging yet equitable. The system depends on spectacular deflection displays and posture-breaking mechanics while offering broader character development and playstyle diversity than Sekiro provided.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty shows some narrative limitations unless players possess Dynasty Warriors experience or independently researched Three Kingdoms historical context (as I did). For those lacking this background, the exhilarating combat system sufficiently compensates for storytelling shortcomings.
Mirroring other list entries, Wo Long debuted with significant performance problems and a substandard PC adaptation that hindered Game Awards 2023 consideration. Similar to those titles, Koei Tecmo developers committed resources to resolving these issues, and the game now operates correctly.
Combat Mastery: Perfecting the deflection timing is crucial—successful parries not only prevent damage but build spirit gauge for powerful martial arts attacks that can break enemy stances quickly.
Build Optimization: Don’t ignore the wizardry spells—they provide essential buffs and elemental advantages that can turn difficult boss fights into manageable encounters when combined with proper weapon elements.
Octopath Traveler 2: JRPG Renaissance
Octopath Traveler 2’s complete absence from Game Awards 2023 categories remains inexplicable. The enchanting fusion of 3D environments and 2D pixel artistry creates a visual masterpiece worthy of Best Art Direction recognition at minimum. Or it would merit such acknowledgment if we hadn’t initially witnessed the style in 2018.
Nevertheless, the game represents an outstanding homage to JRPG classics that enhances its predecessor’s solid foundation across all dimensions. Memorable characters, intricately layered storylines, and excellently designed turn-based combat create consistently enjoyable experiences.
Following authentic JRPG traditions, Octopath Traveler 2 contains abundant content capable of occupying players for beyond 100 hours. The overwhelming possibilities within its multi-class employment framework make endgame super boss preparation exceptionally satisfying.
The title is accessible on PC, PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. While worthwhile across all platforms, it excels as portable entertainment on Switch or Steam Deck devices.
Party Composition Strategy: Balance your team with at least one breaker (warrior/thief) and one support character (merchant/cleric)—the combat system rewards strategic party diversity rather than pure damage optimization.
Progression Optimization: Complete character chapters in batches of four to maintain balanced level progression and access late-game job combinations earlier in your playthrough.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk: Style Revolution
I’ll readily acknowledge not playing sufficient indie games, but upon discovering Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, it immediately ascended to my essential playthrough list. The game explicitly positions itself as spiritual successor to the celebrated, albeit somewhat niche, Jet Set Radio franchise.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk excels at capturing the atmosphere and visual style of its inspirational predecessors. The narrative of anti-establishment rebellion through extreme sports, graffiti artistry, and breakdancing represents the quintessential mid-2000s premise, delivering delightful nostalgia for those old enough to remember targeted marketing from that era.
The core gameplay concept remains straightforward: equip rollerblades, mount skateboards, or ride BMX bicycles to navigate vibrant urban environments with maximum style. Throughout your journey, create maximum chaos through extensive graffiti tagging while evading law enforcement in typically well-balanced pursuit sequences.
While narrative elements exist, the genuine pleasure derives from the energetic soundtrack and exceptional movement systems featuring mercifully updated controls compared to Jet Set Radio’s original mechanics. Fortunately, all game versions operate smoothly, making platform selection purely preferential.
Movement Mastery: Learn to chain tricks between different transportation methods—switching between skates, boards, and bikes during combos significantly multiplies your style points and speed.
Police Evasion: Use the environment vertically—cops primarily patrol ground level, so mastering roof-top routes and aerial pathways provides the most efficient escape routes during pursuit sequences.
Wild Hearts: Monster Hunter Challenger
I seriously contemplated excluding Wild Hearts from this compilation, but as one of my most extensively played 2023 titles, inclusion became necessary. With the significant qualification that while other listed games progressed substantially from initial performance problems, Wild Hearts has advanced less dramatically.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X iterations operate flawlessly, but Series S and PC adaptations remain noticeably unstable. If you possess PS5 or Series X access, or lottery-winning fortune combined with capable PC hardware, Wild Hearts represents an unmissable experience.
While easily dismissed as Koei Tecmo and EA’s effort to replicate Monster Hunter, Wild Hearts substantially exceeds such simplistic categorization. An ingenious collection of accessible-yet-deep weapons, carefully designed encounters, and fascinating Karakuri construction mechanics provide skill ceilings rivaling legendary architectural achievements.
The genuine tragedy of Wild Hearts lies in being the initial entry among numerous attempts to capture Capcom’s Monster Hunter magic that actually approaches success. Regrettably, EA and Koei Tecmo discontinued future content plans, but the game still provides hundreds of potential gameplay hours and justifies the investment.
Karakuri Strategy: Master the fusion karakuri early—these combined structures provide battlefield control and environmental advantages that can completely change hunt dynamics against larger monsters.
Weapon Proficiency: Don’t main a single weapon—the game’s combat depth shines when you utilize multiple weapon types that complement different monster weaknesses and movement patterns.
Finding Your Next Favorite Game
Here you have it—numerous 2023 releases that may have lacked award recognition but deliver satisfying entertainment. Some selections might reflect my specific gaming preferences, but hopefully the variety ensures everyone discovers something appealing.
For readers interested in seeing additional overlooked titles receive appreciation, explore our comprehensive coverage detailing how to watch The Game Awards 2023 ceremonies and discover more hidden gaming treasures.
Remember: Award shows represent just one perspective on gaming excellence. The true measure of a game’s worth comes from the personal enjoyment and memorable experiences it provides you as an individual player.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » 6 titles completely absent from The Game Awards 2023 that are still worth playing Discover 6 award-worthy games from 2023 that missed The Game Awards but deliver exceptional gaming experiences