Google Play Awards 2023: Best Apps and Games
The winners of Google Play Awards 2023 are finally announced! Keep reading to find out the full list of the award-winning apps and games this year and check if your favorite apps and games show up on the list.
2023-12-01
As the year 2023 draws to a close, tech enthusiasts and casual users alike await the annual tradition of year-end accolades. Google Play has stepped up to the podium with its Best of 2023 Awards, honoring the standout apps, games, and books that have made a significant impact on the Play Store over the year.
Award-winning Apps and Games in the US
Here's a list of the award-winning apps and games this year in the US region: (There can be differences between regions when it comes to the list of winners.)
- Best Overall App: Imprint: Learn Visually
Imprint: Learn Visually taps into visual learning by using infographics, diagrams, and videos across various topics. It provides bite-sized lessons to help users grasp complex information quickly and effectively. Ideal for visual learners looking to expand their knowledge in an engaging way.
- Best Overall Game: Honkai: Star Rail
Travel through the stars in Honkai: Star Rail, a strategic, turn-based RPG filled with adventure, distinctive characters, and a rich storyline.
Star Rail is an epic sci-fi RPG from miHoYo featuring a vast and dangerous universe.
- Best Multi-device App: Spotify
Spotify is a pioneering music streaming service offering a vast library of songs, playlists, and podcasts. Users can discover new music, listen to tailored recommendations, and create personal playlists. Its freemium model includes a paid subscription for ad-free and offline listening.
- Best Multi-device Game: OUTERPLANE - Strategy Anime
- Users' Choice App: ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an innovative AI language model assisting with versatile text-based tasks, from providing information to casual conversation, emulating human-like interactions.
- Users' Choice Game: MONOPOLY GO!
MONOPOLY GO! transforms the classic board game into a fast-paced mobile experience. Players can buy properties, collect rent, and navigate familiar sites in a colorful, animated world. Challenge friends or AI in concise, strategic gameplay sessions on the go.
For the first time in two years, the public had a say in their favorite book on the Play Store, an engagement that reflects Google's effort to democratize its award process. As the same goes, they had opened the floor for voting at the start of the month, allowing for a broad spectrum of user input.
Additionally, there's something new this year. Staying relevant and recognizing the diversity in app and game development, Google Play introduced new award categories this year. These include Best with AI, Best Game for Good, Best on Google Play Games on PC, and Best Multi-device App and Game, signaling a commitment to evolve along with technological advancements and community preferences.
Below is a complete list of all the best apps and games of 2023, take a small glimpse and see if there are your favorites.
Best Apps of 2023
Taking home the Best App Award is Imprint: Learn Visually, an innovative application that harnesses the power of visual storytelling to break down complex concepts in finance, business, science, and technology. Despite its limited availability, being downloadable only in the US, Imprint has managed to leave a mark on the Google Play landscape with its unique educational approach.
- Best for Fun: Bumble For Friends: Meet IRL
Honorable mention: Reelsy Reel Maker Video Editor
- Best for Personal Growth: Voidpet Garden: Mental Health
Honorable mention: Imprint: Learn Visually
- Best Everyday Essential: Artifact: Feed Your Curiosity
Honorable mention: ReciMe: Easy & Tasty Recipes
- Best Hidden Gem: Aware: Mindfulness & Wellbeing
Honorable mention: Stippl: Explore, Plan & Share
- Best with AI: Character AI: AI-Powered Chat
Honorable mention: ChatGPT
- Best for Families: Paw Patrol Academy
Honorable mention: LEGO DUPLO DISNEY
- Best App for Good: AWorld in support of ActNow
- Best for Watches: WhatsApp Messenger
Honorable mentions: AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run, Audible: Audio Entertainment
- Best for Tablets: Concepts: Sketch, Note, Draw
Honorable mentions: Canva: Design, Photo & Video, Everand: Ebooks and audiobooks
- Best for Chromebooks: FlipaClip: Create 2D Animation
Honorable mentions: Evernote – Note Organizer, Wideo
- Best for Google TV: Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies
Honorable mentions: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Disney+, Tubi: Movies & Live TV
- Best for Cars: Amazon Prime Video
Honorable mentions: Beach Buggy Racing, Spotify
Best Games of 2023
The gaming sphere saw Honkai: Star Rail ascend to the top, securing the Best Game award. This sci-fi space fantasy RPG has taken players on interstellar adventures, showcasing the depth and potential of mobile gaming experiences.
- Best Multiplayer: Farlight 84
Honorable mentions: Arena Breakout, Call of Dragons, MARVEL SNAP, Undawn
- Best Pick Up & Play: MONOPOLY GO!
Honorable mentions: Chrome Valley Customs, Mighty DOOM, Monster Hunter Now, Ninja Must Die
- Best Indies: Vampire Survivors
Honorable mentions: Roto Force, Song of Bloom, Super Meat Boy Forever, Underground Blossom
- Best Story: Honkai: Star Rail
Honorable mentions: Down in Bermuda, FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS, Lost Words: Beyond the Page, MementoMori: AFKRPG
- Best Ongoing: Stumble Guys
Honorable mentions: Clash of Clans, EA SPORTS FCTM Mobile Soccer, Merge Gardens, Royal Match
- Best Games for Good: Pokémon Sleep
Honorable mentions: Beecarbonize, Garden Joy - Design Game, Lingo Legend Language Learning, Longleaf Valley: Merge & Plant
- Best on Play Pass: Magic Rampage
Honorable mentions: ARIDA: Backland's Awakening, Linea: An Innerlight Game, Machinarium, Silly Royale – Devil Amongst Us
- Best for Tablets: Honkai: Star Rail
Honorable mentions: MARVEL SNAP, MONOPOLY GO!, Roto Force, SOULS
- Best for Chromebooks: Minecraft
- Best on Google Play Games on PC: Arknights
Google Play’s Best Apps and Games of 2023 blog page provides a comprehensive list of winners across all categories and countries, inviting users to explore and perhaps discover their next favorite app or game. For those who seek out the crème de la crème, our curated lists of the best Android apps and games remain a go-to resource for ensuring that no hidden gem goes unnoticed.
As the Play Store continues to grow and adapt, the Google Play Awards showcase the innovation and creativity that developers bring to the platform. They not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also set the stage for the future of app and game development as we move into 2024 and beyond.
NEWS
REVIEWS
HOWTO
TOPICS
PUBG M
