The Boss Rush community held its 1st Annual Bossies, a Game Awards Show that shows no bias, no preconceived notions, and is where we want everyone’s vote to count. This article recaps all the nominees and winners from 2023. The show aired January 31, 2024, featuring hosts, Corey Dirrig, Stephanie Klimov, Pat Klein, Edward Varnell, and LeRon Dawkins.
The Bossies are about celebrating and acknowledging the amazing work these development studios brought us in 2023. From the largest AAA titles to the smallest of indies, each nomination was carefully fit into categories we felt they deserved to be in. These games have been sorted into over 25 categories and divided into four segments that represent a vast variety of games, developers, characters, and performances that were unforgettable to the Boss Rush Team and our community. The awards themselves are referred endearingly as Boss Keys, with the ultimate Game of the Year represented by the BIG BOSS KEY.
Before we list the nominees and winners, we would like to acknowledge how layoffs truly impacted our industry. According to reports from major outlets like The Verge, IGN, and Eurogamer, almost one-third of the industry was affected one way or another by layoffs or restructuring. Even though 2023 was a massive year in terms of quality releases, the developers who are looking for new jobs may not see it that way. To all of the people affected, we are incredibly grateful for the games you made for us and we hope you all land on your feet very soon.
So, from all of us at Boss Rush Network–thank you.
SEGMENT 1: THE ARTS
In the Boss Rush Community, we have been known for engaging in healthy debates, including whether video games are art. In 2023, we have witnessed an outstanding number of video games that have proven that they, indeed, are–with their innovative art direction and soul-moving music. Like with any other media, video games possess the power to tell a story, engage our attention, and provide fodder for discussion amongst our peers. We at Boss Rush are excited to honor the titles that embody the statement that, ‘Yes, video games are art’.
Sound Design
The nominees for Best Sound Design are:
- Hogwarts Legacy, WB Avalanche
- Hi-Fi RUSH, Tango Gameworks
- Destiny 2: Lightfall, Bungie
- Alan Wake II, Remedy Entertainment
- Dead Space Remake, EA Motive
And the Boss Key goes to… Hi-Fi RUSH by Tango Gameworks!
Best Audio Design
The nominees for Best Audio Design are:
- Hi-Fi RUSH, Tango Gameworks
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Nintendo
- Final Fantasy XVI, Square-Enix / Creative Business Unit 3
- Octopath Traveller II, Square-Enix
- Tchia, Awaceb
And the Boss Key goes to… Hi-Fi RUSH by Tango Gameworks!
Best Direction in Storytelling
The nominees for Best Direction in Storytelling are:
- Alan Wake II, Remedy Entertainment
- Baldur’s Gate III, Larian Studios
- Dead Space Remake, EA Motive
- A Space for the Unbound, Mojiken
- Final Fantasy XVI, Square-Enix
And the Boss Key goes to… Alan Wake II by Remedy Entertainment!
Best Art Direction
- Tchia, Awaceb
- Alan Wake II, Remedy Entertainment
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Nintendo
- Sea of Stars, Sabotage
- Hi-Fi RUSH, Tango Gameworks
And the Boss Key goes to… Sea of Stars by Sabotage!
SEGMENT 2: CHARACTERS
Characters uniquely bring life to any video game. When playing through a game, we spend countless hours bonding with our heroes and heroines and battling–or empathizing–with the antagonists. It is their quirks, their faults, and their struggles that we relate to. When the credits roll, there’s a dull ache in our chest when we must say goodbye to the cast of individuals who were craftily created by their developers. It is the fleshed-out character that upgrades video games from “2D” level to “3D” level quality.
Best New Character in 2023
The nominees for Best New Character in 2023 are:
- Sebastian Sallow from Hogwarts Legacy
- Saga Anderson from Alan Wake II
- Mineru from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI
- Astarion from Baldur’s Gate III
And the Boss Key goes to…Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI!
Top Baddie
The nominees for Top Baddies of 2023 are:
- Simon Manus and Lacasia from Lies of P
- Mr. Scratch/The Dark Presence from Alan Wake II
- Corsica from Hi-Fi RUSH
- Annabella Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI
- Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
And the Boss Key goes to… Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!
Most Unlikely Hero/Biggest Dork
The Boss Rush Nominees for Most Unlikely Hero or Biggest Dork are:
- Garl from Sea of Stars
- Yunobo from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Agent Casey from Alan Wake II
- Dave from Dave the Diver
- Gav from Final Fantasy XVI.
And the Boss Key goes to… Garl from Sea of Stars!
Husbando of the Year:
The Boss Rush nominees for Husbando of the Year are:
- Leon S. Kennedy from Resident Evil 4
- Cid from Final Fantasy XVI
- Astarion from Baldur’s Gate III
- Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI
- Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
And the Boss Key goes to… Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI!
Waifu of the Year
The Boss Rush nominees for Waifu of the Year are:
- Purah from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Merrin from Star Wars Jedi Survivor
- Jill from Final Fantasy XVI
- Shadowheart from Baldur’s Gate III
- Ada Wong from Resident Evil 4
And the Boss Key goes to… Purah, from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!
Best Performance
The Boss Rush nominees for Best Performance are:
- Ralph Ineson as Cid from Final Fantasy XVI
- Melanie Liburd as Saga Anderson from Alan Wake II
- Gunner Wright as Isaac Clarke from Dead Space Remake
- Neil Newbon as Astarion from Baldur’s Gate III
- Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI
And the Boss Key goes to… Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield of Final Fantasy XVI!
SEGMENT 3: GENRE-DEFYING GIANTS
Video games come in such a wide variety these days. There’s just about something for everybody. If Albert Einstein was a gamer, I’m sure his quote would’ve gone something like this: “Every video game is good. But if you judge an RPG by its ability to execute a first-person shooter, it will live its legacy as a complete failure”. So, we at Boss Rush want to recognize titles in their respective specialties.
BEST ROLE-PLAYING GAME
The nominations for Best Role-Playing game are:
- Diablo IV, Blizzard Entertainment
- Octopath Traveler II, Square-Enix / Acquire
- Final Fantasy XVI, Square-Enix / Creative Business Unit 3
- Sea of Stars, Sabotage
- Baldur’s Gate III, Larian Studios
And the Boss Key goes to… Baldur’s Gate III by Larian Studios!
Best Action-Adventure
The nominees for Best Action-Adventure are:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo
- Hogwarts Legacy, WB Avalanche
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Massive Entertainment
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, FROMSOFTWARE
- Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
And the Boss Key goes to… The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom from Nintendo!
Best Strategy
The Boss Rush community’s nominations for Best Strategy in 2023 are:
- Fire Emblem Engage, Intelligent Systems
- Persona 5 Tactica, Atlus P Studio
- Advance Wars 1&2 Reboot Camp, WayForward
- Marvel Snap, Nuverse
- Pikmin 4, Nintendo
And the Boss Key goes to… Pikmin 4 from Nintendo!
Best Fighting Game
The nominations for Best Fighting Game are:
- Mortal Kombat 1 by NetherRealm Studios
- Pocket Bravery by Statera Studio
- DNF Duel by Arc System Works
- Street Fighter 6 by CAPCOM
- WWE 2K23 by Visual Concepts
And the Boss Key goes to… Mortal Kombat 1 by NetherRealm Studios!
Best Horror Game
The nominees for Best Horror Game in 2023 are:
- Alan Wake II by Remedy Entertainment
- Amnesia: The Bunker by Frictional Games
- Resident Evil 4 Remake by CAPCOM
- Dead Space Remake by EA Motive
- Dredge by Black Salt Games
And the Boss Key goes to… Resident Evil 4 Remake from CAPCOM!
Best Remake or Remaster
The nominees for Best Remake or Remaster in 2023 are:
- Resident Evil 4 Remake, CAPCOM
- Dead Space Remake, EA Motive
- Star Ocean: Second Story R, Square-Enix / tri-Ace
- Metroid Prime Remastered, Iron Galaxy
- Super Mario RPG, Square-Enix / ArtePiazza
And the Boss Key goes to… Dead Space Remake from EA Motive!
Best Expansion or DLC
The Boss Rush nominees for Best Expansion or DLC are:
- Booster Course Pass Waves 1-6 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo
- Phantom Liberty – Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red
- Separate Ways – Resident Evil 4 Remake, CAPCOM
- Return to Castlevania – Dead Cells, Motion Twin
- Burning Shores – Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games
And the Boss Key goes to… Phantom Liberty- Cyberpunk 2077 from CD Projekt Red!
SEGMENT 4: THE BEST OF…
After acknowledging the cream of the crop when it comes to the sights, sounds, and characters that bring video games to life, now Boss Rush will sound off the best in the industry for 2023. Disclaimer: these final categories exclude remakes and remasters.
Best Feel-Good Game
The nominees for Best Feel-Good game are:
- Powerwash Simulator DLC Packs, FuturLab
- Pikmin 4, Nintendo
- Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, Toge Productions
- Smushi Come Home, SomeHumbleOnion
- Hi-Fi RUSH, Tango Gameworks
And the Boss Key goes to… Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly by Toge Productions!
Biggest Impact
The nominees for video games with Biggest Impact are:
- Venba, Visai Games
- Goodbye Volcano High, KO-OP
- Terra Nil, Free Lives
- Tchia, Awaceb
- A Space for the Unbound, Mojiken
And the Boss Key goes to…Tchia by Awaceb!
Best Worst Game
The nominees for Best Worst Game of 2023 are:
- Crime Boss: Rockay City, INgame Studios
- Skull Island: Rise of Kong, IguanaBee
- The Day Before, Fntastic
- The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, DADELIK Entertainment
- The Walking Dead: Destinies, Flux Game Studio
And the Boss Key goes to…The Lord of the Rings: Gollum from Daedalic Entertainment!
Developer or Studio of the Year
The nominees for Developer or Studio of the Year are:
- Larian Studios
- Tango Gameworks
- Creative Business Unit 3
- EA Motive
- Remedy Entertainment
And the Boss Key goes to… Larian Studios!
Indie Game of the Year
The Boss Rush loves their indies, and our definition focuses on games that were either self-published by the developer or self-funded by the developer.
The nominees for Indie Game of the Year are:
- Slay the Princess, Black Tabby Games
- Ravenlok, Cococucumber
- Space for the Unbound, Mojiken
- Sea of Stars, Sabotage
- Smushi Come Home, SomeHumbleOnion
And the Boss Key goes to… Sea of Stars by Sabotage!
Best Adaptation
The nominees for Best Adaptation are:
- Gran Turismo, Sony Pictures & PlayStation Studios
- Twisted Metal, NBC Universal
- The Last of Us, HBO
- Castlevania Nocturne, Netflix
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Illumination
And the Boss Key goes to… The Last of Us by HBO!
Best New Hardware
The nominees for Best New Hardware in 2023 are:
- PlayStation Portal
- ASUS ROG Ally
- PlayStation VR2
- Steam Deck OLED
- Lenovo Legion GO
And the Boss Key goes to… the Steam Deck OLED!
Most Anticipated Game of 2024
The nominees for Most Anticipated Game of 2024 in our Boss Rush Community are:
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Square-Enix
- Star Wars Outlaws, Massive Entertainment
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ryo Gotoku Studio
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Remake), Intelligent Systems
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Ninja Theory
And the Boss Key goes to… Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by Square-Enix!
PC Game of the Year
The nominees for PC Game of The Year are:
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, FROMSOFTWARE
- Alan Wake II, Remedy Entertainment
- Hogwarts Legacy, WB Avalanche
- Dead Space Remake, EA Motive
- Baldur’s Gate III, Larian Studios
And the Boss Key goes to… Baldur’s Gate III by Larian Studios!
XBOX EXCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR
The nominees for Exclusive Xbox Game of the Year are:
- Ravenlok, Cococucumber
- Hi-Fi RUSH, Tango Gameworks
- Forza Motorsport, Turn 10
- Planet of Lana, Wishfully
- Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios
And And the Boss Key goes to… Hi-Fi Rush from Tango Gameworks
PLAYSTATION EXCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR
The nominees for PlayStation Game of the Year are:
- Tchia, Awaceb
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Insomniac Games
- Final Fantasy XVI, Square-Enix / Creative Business Unit 3
- Horizon: Call of the Mountain VR, Guerrilla Games
- Forspoken, Luminous Productions
And the Boss Key goes to… Final Fantasy XVI by Square-Enix/Creative Business Unit 3!
NINTENDO EXCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR
The nominees for Nintendo exclusive game of the year are:
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Nintendo
- Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Platinum Games
- Fire Emblem Engage, Intelligent Systems
- Pikmin 4, Nintendo
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo
And the Boss Key goes to… The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom!
TOP TEN GAMES OF 2023 AS VOTED AND RANKED BY THE BOSS RUSH NETWORK
For this final category, we will count down the top video games nominations released in 2023 from ten to one based of the votes within the Boss Rush community:
- #10: Lies of P, NEOWIZ Games
- #9: Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Respawn Entertainment
- #8: Final Fantasy XVI, Square-Enix / Creative Business Unit 3
- #7: Pikmin 4, Nintendo
- #6: Diablo IV, Blizzard Entertainment
- #5: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Nintendo
- #4: Alan Wake 2, Remedy Entertainment
- #3: Hogwarts Legacy, WB Avalanche
- #2: Baldur’s Gate III, Larian Studios
…and the #1 video game of 2023, and winner of the Big Boss Key goes to…
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!
Congratulations to the team at Nintendo for creating a masterful game with breathtaking visuals, a touching story, and innovative gameplay. The community at Boss Rush has greatly appreciated another successful installment in the Zelda franchise.
The FIRST ANNUAL Awards Show for The Boss Rush Network has been an incredible celebration of the creativity, innovation, and passion that define the world of video games. Once again, we want to thank all the publishers, developers, colleagues, and our very own community for a wonderful 2023. Here’s to great gaming in 2024!
Follow Our Team:
- Corey Dirrig, Cofounder, Host, and President of Boss Rush Media. You can connect with Corey on X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
- Stephanie Klimov, Host and Chief Content Officer of Boss Rush Media. You can connect with Stephanie on X/Twitter and Instagram.
- Edward Varnell, Cofounder, Host, and Vice President of Boss Rush Media. You can connect with Edward on X/Twitter and Instagram.
- LeRon Dawkins, Host and Chief Technology Officer of Boss Rush Media. You can connect with LeRon on X/Twitter, Instagram, and his personal YouTube channel.
- Pat Klein, Cohost at Boss Rush Media. You can connect with Pat on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on Instagram.
Email the Show:
podcast.bossrush@gmail.com
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