Kenneth Shepard's Top Engrossing 2023 Games: From Baldur's Gate 3 to Pokémon

• Reflection on the 2023 gaming landscape and industry challenges
• Impacts of job cuts on the gaming industry
• Struggles and joys of creating a Game of the Year list
• The role of video games in coping with challenges
• Review of God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla's impact on 2023 gaming

Reflecting on the Gaming Landscape of 2023

Looking back, 2023 was an eventful year in the world of video games. I've been writing about this industry since 2013, a journey that began with the transformative experience of playing The Last of Us. I was hopeful, eager to share my enthusiasm and vision for a better gaming industry.

However, recent times have been challenging. Thousands of developers were laid off in 2023, and the team I started with just a year ago has been reduced significantly. Despite this, millions still tune into our content, showing that there's still a passion for gaming out there.

A Year of Change and Challenges

Yet, the atmosphere often feels bleak. The joy of playing, discussing, and elevating games seems overshadowed by the crumbling reality around us. The gap between our desires and reality seems wider than ever, a sentiment that has been hard to shake off in 2023.

So, how should one approach a Game of the Year list in times like these? Celebrating the highs of the year can feel disingenuous amidst the ongoing struggles. But perhaps, it's important to find joy where we can, even when it feels like the world is on fire.

The Games that Defined 2023

In 2023, I found solace in several games that did more than just entertain me. They helped me cope with a challenging year and reminded me of my identity amidst external threats. These games weren't just distractions; they were anchors in a stormy sea.

I won't pretend that 2023 was a great year for gaming, but I did enjoy many games that I played. Here are some that stood out, based on a bias sorter's results.

God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla - An Honorable Mention

As I mentioned in my Game of the Year posts last year, God of War Ragnarök didn't quite live up to my expectations. It had its moments but was often overwhelmed by unnecessary content and a rushed narrative. Despite its flaws, it deserves an honorable mention for its contribution to the gaming landscape of 2023.

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