The gaming industry is a rapidly moving space, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the most popular games. Our list showcases the current top 10 picks.
However, before you dive into the list, it’s crucial to understand the factors we take into account when evaluating the popularity and quality of online games, as well as what you should consider.
How We Do the Rating Of Games
Determining the most popular games requires a multi-faceted approach, not solely relying on the number of active users. The gaming industry is diverse, with different segments exhibiting differing levels of activity and user data. Take Cafe Casino table games as an example. Their popularity is evaluated with factors, such as the quality of the gaming providers, variety of options, the overall gambling experience, and player incentives.
In ranking the most popular games, additional factors such as these are also taken into account:
- Total player count: the number of players who have played/bought the game.
- Revenue: the amount of money generated by the game, either through in-game purchases or upfront cost.
- Streaming & Viewership: the number of people watching streams or videos of the game on platforms such as Twitch or YouTube.
- Social media engagement: the number of likes, shares, and comments on such platforms as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit.
- Awards and recognition: any awards or recognition the game has received from industry events or publications.
The List of Top 10 Games In 2023
Check out the list below for the titles that have seen tremendous sales and a large player base in 2022-23. It features a combination of classic hits and games with a steady stream of active players.
10. Lost Ark
Lost Ark has proven to be a top-performing game, attracting a substantial number of concurrent users, even during peak hours – over 800K to be exact. This is remarkable considering the MMORPG was released just in 2022. Unlike other MMORPGs such as New World, Lost Ark has held onto its initial popularity, with over 1 million active users in its first month. While other games may have lost their spark, Lost Ark continues to draw a strong player base.
9. Division 2
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 has been a huge success since its release, with a player base of approximately 17.8 million players and over 185,000 daily players as of 2023. The game’s initial release was well received for its larger scope and was followed by substantial expansions, solidifying its position as a popular game. It offers players a rich and immersive world filled with a variety of missions and activities, providing ample content to explore.
8. Valorant
Riot Games’ character-based tactical FPS with 5v5 gameplay has been gaining traction over time. The game was initially launched on PC and consoles in 2020, but due to the overwhelming demand, Riot Games declared the arrival of a mobile version in 2021. This growing popularity is apparent with a massive 14 million players actively engaging with the game each month, and Valorant-related content drawing huge attention on Twitch.
7. CS:GO
CS:GO is a long-standing fan favorite among gamers. Launched in 2012, this FPS has consistently maintained its position as a top-ranked game. A decade later, CS:GO continues to impress with over 1 million concurrent players at peak times and more than 25 million monthly active users. This solidifies its place as a highly popular game that will likely maintain its status for years to come. For an extra touch of style, check out our top 5 best CS:GO knives available on Skinport.
6. Roblox
Roblox, though not a conventional game, has been captivating players since 2006. Despite the passage of time, it remains a popular game platform that continues to draw a large audience. What makes Roblox unique is the thriving community that has formed around it. Users have the ability to create and share their own games, giving rise to a dedicated fanbase.
5. Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a true sensation in the gaming world. For eight years, Blizzard’s digital card game has dominated its genre and has withstood the emergence of numerous competitors. In the second half of 2022, this game demonstrated year-on-year growth and contributed to Blizzard’s revenue of $401 million, with a monthly active user base of 27 million. Despite a slight decrease in viewership on Twitch and YouTube, Hearthstone’s popularity has remained strong in 2023.
4. CrossFire
CrossFire is a game that has gained massive popularity in the East, specifically in Korea. Developed by Smilegate Entertainment, it’s a popular clone of the game Counter-Strike, and has consistently reached an impressive 8 million concurrent players at its peak times. With the 2021 exclusive deal with Microsoft, the popularity of this first-person shooter is only set to grow further and become a household name among gamers across the world.
3. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
PUBG continues to be a major player in the gaming industry. With a massive user base of over 1.2 billion players worldwide, it remains one of the most popular games around. Despite having peak concurrent users at slightly under 700 million, its continued updates and new content releases keep the game exciting for its huge player base.
2. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
This battle royale game from Mediatonic and Epic Games has been captivating players worldwide. The game has been a massive hit since it was made available for free play in summer 2022. This has greatly contributed to its popularity and has made it one of the most sought-after games of the moment. The transfer of publishing rights to Epic Games has also expanded its reach to more platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox One, allowing even more players to join in on the fun.
1. Fortnite
Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has established itself as a top player in the online gaming world. Its diverse gameplay options, whether it be in the intense battle royale mode, the challenging survival mode, or the strategic tower-defense mode, have consistently kept players engaged and coming back for more. This popularity is evident in its massive player base of 80 million monthly active users. In the present day, Fortnite remains a highly sought-after and widely played game.
