The gaming industry reached unprecedented heights in 2023, with player engagement soaring across multiple platforms. From battle royales to open-world adventures, the most played video games of 2023 showcase remarkable diversity in both genre and player appeal. With billions of gaming hours logged worldwide, these titles have defined the year through constant updates, cross-platform accessibility, and vibrant communities.
What makes a game truly dominate the charts isn’t just initial sales but sustained player engagement over months. This year saw established franchises maintain their stronghold while a few newcomers managed to break into the elite ranks. Let’s dive into the definitive list of games that captured the most player hours across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile platforms.
1. Fortnite
Epic Games’ battle royale juggernaut continues its reign as the most played video game of 2023. Fortnite dominated playtime statistics across nearly every region worldwide, from North America to Europe and beyond. The free-to-play title combines building mechanics with shooter gameplay in a constantly evolving world that keeps players coming back.
- Over 230 million monthly active players
- Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile
- Constant collaborations with major entertainment franchises
Fortnite’s success in 2023 was largely driven by its Chapter 4 updates, which introduced a completely redesigned island, motorcycles, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s cultural impact extends beyond gaming, with virtual concerts and movie premieres drawing millions of concurrent players.
Ready to drop into the action? Join millions of players worldwide in the battle royale phenomenon.
2. Grand Theft Auto V
Despite being initially released in 2013, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the most played video games in 2023. The game’s longevity is primarily due to GTA Online, which continues to receive substantial updates that keep the player base engaged with new content.
- Over 190 million copies sold to date
- Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms
- Consistent top 3 placement in playtime rankings across multiple regions
The game’s persistent popularity is particularly remarkable considering its age. According to Newzoo’s report, GTA V accounted for a significant portion of the 60% of gaming time dedicated to titles released at least six years ago. The anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI has only heightened interest in the franchise.
Experience the criminal underworld of Los Santos in the record-breaking open-world adventure.
3. Call of Duty (Modern Warfare III/Warzone)
Activision’s Call of Duty franchise maintained its position as one of the most played video games of 2023, with Modern Warfare III and the free-to-play Warzone battle royale driving engagement. The series appeared in the top three most played games across multiple regions, particularly dominating in North America.
- 25+ million players within first month of MW3 release
- Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms
- Consistent top 3 placement in North American and European markets
Call of Duty’s unified ecosystem, which allows players to progress across multiple titles, has proven to be a successful strategy for maintaining engagement. The integration between premium titles and the free-to-play Warzone creates multiple entry points for players of varying commitment levels.
Jump into the action with the latest installment of the legendary first-person shooter series.
4. EA SPORTS FIFA 23
EA’s football simulation dominated playtime statistics in 2023, particularly in Europe, South America, and the Middle East. FIFA 23 (now rebranded as EA Sports FC) consistently ranked in the top three most played games across these regions, with countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Poland placing it at number one.
- Over 10.3 million players in first week of release
- Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- #1 most played game in Brazil, Colombia, Poland, and UAE
The game’s Ultimate Team mode continues to be the primary engagement driver, with millions of players building their dream squads and competing online. Regional popularity closely follows real-world football enthusiasm, with European and South American countries showing the highest engagement levels.
Build your ultimate team and experience the world’s game with authentic teams and players.
5. Minecraft
Mojang’s sandbox phenomenon continues to be one of the most played video games of 2023, maintaining its relevance over a decade after its initial release. Minecraft’s unique blend of creativity, survival gameplay, and endless possibilities keeps players of all ages engaged across multiple platforms.
- Over 140 million monthly active users
- Available on virtually every gaming platform
- Consistent top 5 placement in global playtime rankings
Minecraft’s educational applications expanded significantly in 2023, with schools and institutions worldwide incorporating the game into their curriculum. The game’s modding community continues to create new experiences within the Minecraft ecosystem, effectively creating games within the game.
Unleash your creativity in the world’s most popular sandbox game.
6. Roblox
Roblox Corporation’s game platform secured its position among the most played video games of 2023, particularly among younger audiences. As both a game and a game creation system, Roblox hosts millions of user-created experiences that collectively generate billions of play hours monthly.
- Over 66 million daily active users
- Available on PC, mobile, Xbox, and PlayStation
- Users spent over 15 billion hours on the platform in Q3 2023 alone
Roblox’s success stems from its ecosystem approach, where developers can create and monetize games within the platform. Popular experiences like “Adopt Me!” and “Brookhaven RP” regularly attract millions of concurrent players, making them some of the most played individual games in the world.
Discover millions of user-created games and experiences in one platform.
7. Apex Legends
Respawn Entertainment’s team-based battle royale continued to be one of the most played video games of 2023, particularly in East Asia where it ranked #1 in Japan. Apex Legends combines hero shooter elements with battle royale mechanics, creating a unique gameplay experience that maintains a dedicated player base.
- Over 130 million players worldwide
- Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile
- #1 most played game in Japan according to PlayStation statistics
The game’s success in 2023 was driven by consistent seasonal updates that introduced new legends, weapons, and map changes. Apex Legends Mobile also expanded the franchise’s reach, though the main game continues to drive the majority of engagement hours.
Drop in, gear up, and join the Apex Games in this team-based battle royale.
8. Valorant
Riot Games’ tactical shooter secured its place among the most played video games of 2023, building on its strong competitive foundation. Valorant combines precise gunplay with unique character abilities, creating a high-skill ceiling that appeals to competitive players.
- Over 22 million monthly players
- Available on PC with console versions in development
- Consistently in top 10 most-watched games on streaming platforms
Valorant’s esports scene expanded significantly in 2023, with the Valorant Champions Tour drawing massive viewership. The game’s regular content updates, including new agents, maps, and weapon skins, have maintained player engagement throughout the year.
Test your skills in the tactical 5v5 shooter where precise gunplay meets unique agent abilities.
9. Rocket League
Psyonix’s vehicular soccer game maintained strong player numbers in 2023, particularly in South America where it ranked in Argentina’s top three most played games. Since going free-to-play in 2020, Rocket League has continued to expand its player base while maintaining a dedicated competitive community.
- Over 90 million players since launch
- Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- #3 most played game in Argentina according to PlayStation statistics
Rocket League’s unique gameplay formula—essentially “soccer with cars”—provides a high skill ceiling that keeps players engaged for thousands of hours. The game’s esports scene continues to thrive, with the Rocket League Championship Series drawing substantial viewership.
Experience the high-octane hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem.
10. Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s open-world action RPG stands out as one of the few premium single-player titles among the most played video games of 2023. Particularly popular in South Korea, where it ranked in the top three, Elden Ring’s massive world and challenging gameplay continue to engage players well beyond its initial release.
- Over 20 million copies sold worldwide
- Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms
- #3 most played game in South Korea according to PlayStation statistics
Unlike most games on this list, Elden Ring achieved its playtime numbers without live service elements or multiplayer focus. The game’s expansive world, deep lore, and challenging combat create a single-player experience that players return to repeatedly, with many logging hundreds of hours exploring the Lands Between.
Embark on an epic adventure in the Lands Between, created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin.
Gaming Trends: What Made These Titles Dominate in 2023
Free-to-Play Dominance
Six of the top ten most played games offer free entry points, removing financial barriers to player acquisition. This model relies on cosmetic purchases and battle passes for revenue while maximizing player counts.
Cross-Platform Play
Games that allow friends to play together regardless of platform saw higher engagement. Cross-progression features that let players maintain progress across devices further boosted playtime statistics.
Longevity Over Novelty
According to Newzoo, 60% of gaming time in 2023 was spent on titles at least six years old. Established games with regular updates outperformed new releases in total playtime metrics.
The data reveals a clear pattern: games that evolve over time through updates, seasonal content, and community engagement generate substantially more playtime than traditional single-release titles. Even Elden Ring, the notable exception as a primarily single-player experience, features a massive open world designed for repeated exploration and multiple playthroughs.
What’s Next for Gaming in 2024?
As we look toward 2024, the most played video games of 2023 provide valuable insights into player preferences and industry trends. Live service games with regular content updates will likely continue to dominate playtime statistics, while the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI could potentially reshape the gaming landscape.
Cross-platform accessibility remains crucial for maximizing player engagement, with the most successful titles offering seamless experiences across multiple devices. The growing influence of user-generated content, exemplified by Roblox and Fortnite’s creative mode, suggests that games empowering player creativity will continue to thrive.
Join the Conversation
Which games captured your attention in 2023? Did your favorites make our list of the most played video games? Share your gaming experiences and predictions for 2024 in the comments below!
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