Summary
UPDATE: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth won Most Anticipated Game at The Game Awards 2023!
Although 2023 has been an incredible year for games,The Game Awards 2023, and the game industry as a whole, is already looking to the future. It might behard to top 2023’s gaming output, but there are still plenty of 2024 releases to look forward to, and the nominees for Most Anticipated Game reflect this.
The main purpose of The Game Awards is to celebrate the year’s best games, honoring releases that have made the biggest impact. However, the event has also served as a platform to promote upcoming games, with high-profile releases likeElden RingandDeath Stranding 2making major appearances at previous TGAs. Indeed, The Game Awards seems to embrace the ever-present gaming tradition of hype, ramping up excitement for upcoming releases. This aspect of the ceremony is supported by the Most Anticipated Game award, which has previously featured notable titles like2023 GOTY contendersTears of the KingdomandResident Evil 4 Remake.
2023 Most Anticipated Game Nominees
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Remakewas one of the most well-received games of 2020, launching to rapturous applause by both fans of the original and newcomers. Square Enix had a mammoth task on its hands with this remake, as the original game is widely considered to be one of the best RPGs of all time. Even so, theFF7 Remakereworked iconic characters, ushered in a satisfying combat system that cleverly blended real-time combat with classic RPG fundamentals, and presented a level of graphical fidelity that still looks cutting edge three years after its release.
One caveat with this game was the fact that it wasn’t actually the fullFinal Fantasy 7story, but only the first part of it. Four years on, players will be getting their hands on the continuation of that story, which will aim to recapture the charm, polish, and excitement of its predecessor. Hype is through the roof for this follow-up to theFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, making it a strong pick for Most Anticipated Game atThe Game Awards.
Hades 2
Hades 2is already a big leapfor Supergiant Games, as it’s the first sequel in the company’s history, despite the developer releasing critical and commercial hits likeBastionandTransistor. The fact thatHades 2is even in development speaks volumes about the kind of game thatHadesis, the extent of its success, and Supergiant’s passion for the IP.
Though a sequel is uncharted territory for the beloved developer, it seems to have the full confidence of gaming audiences; for many fans, Supergiant has yet to release a bad or even mediocre game, withHadesbeing the pinnacle of its output. There are still a lot of questions to be answeredaboutHades 2’s story, gameplay, and features, but most fans of the first game are undeniably excited about the prospect of a sequel.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The seed that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio planted with the originalYakuzagames has blossomed into a branching franchise that encompasses series such asLike a Dragonand theJudgmentdetective games.Like a Dragonis the direct successor to the traditionalYakuzagames, continuing the main organized crime storyline, this time with Ichiban Kasuga as protagonist.
After taking detours withLike a Dragon: Ishin!andLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, the current-day story will return withLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This newLike a Dragongame plans to be bigger, more expansive, and more detailed than previous entries, while still featuring the series' signature cocktail of irreverent charm, absurdist humor, and melodrama.Like a Dragonis a truly one-of-a-kind franchise that has exploded in popularity over the past few years, andInfinite Wealthlooks to be just as entertaining and endearing as its predecessors.
Star Wars Outlaws
When it comes to hype, it’s hard to top a franchise likeStar Wars.Star Wars Outlawsis a promising title coming out of Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment, following space scoundrel and career criminal Kay Vess as she plans an ambitious heist. The open-world title will allow players toexplore severalStar Warsplanets, which look to be rendered in the stunning detail one would expect from a modern AAA game. Open-world fatigue and questions about Ubisoft’s approach to game design may have some gamers skeptical, butStar Wars Outlaws, at least at this stage, looks well-crafted, visually impressive, and ambitious.
Tekken 8
Tekken 7was a smash-hit with fans of the franchise, with many considering it to be the definitive 3D fighter of the modern era. AlthoughTekken 7still holds up remarkably well,Tekken 8is looking to further polish and expand the series' formula, evolving it while, hopefully, retaining what makes the franchise so beloved. The game will feature updated graphics and additions to its already robust character roster, alongside newmechanics likeTekken 8’s Heat systemand a health recovery feature similar toBloodborne’s where players can regain health by attacking enemies.
Final Prediction
While countless fans are looking forward to all the games nominated for Most Anticipated Game, there’s a good chanceFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthwill be taking home the award atThe Game Awards 2023. There was already plenty of hype built around the game due to the success of 2020’sFinal Fantasy Remake, and all the promo materials and gameplay reveals that have since followed have only cranked up the anticipation. There may be some question markssurrounding the story ofFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but it’s still likely to be one of 2024’s biggest releases.
