2023 Wrap-Up: The Most-Played Games on PS4 and PS5 Around the World

As 2023 ended, the gaming community looked back at the titles that defined the gaming experience on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Sony’s platforms have continued to offer an eclectic mix of genres, catering to gamers’ varied tastes and preferences. From action-packed shooters and immersive role-playing games to competitive sports simulations, the list of most-played games reflects the dynamic landscape of the global gaming industry.

In 2024, using a VPN with your PS4, such as CyberGhost, has become increasingly practical for gamers seeking to access games and content available in different regions while ensuring their online activities remain secure. A VPN connection allows PS4 users to change their IP address to bypass geo-restrictions, enabling access to a wider variety of gaming content. Additionally, it provides an essential layer of security against potential online threats, such as hacking or DDoS attacks, which are common concerns in online gaming. This straightforward approach enhances the gaming experience by offering more content options and significantly improves online safety for gamers.

Global Favorites: Fortnite, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC 24

Among the most-played games, according to PlayStation, three titles stood out for their widespread popularity across different continents: Fortnite, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC 24 (formerly known as FIFA 23).

Fortnite solidified its status as a cultural juggernaut, engaging players from the United States to Australia with its vibrant, ever-changing universe. The game’s blend of competitive battle royale mechanics, creative sandbox elements, and community-driven events, such as in-game concerts and collaborative storytelling, kept its content fresh and exciting. Its ability to adapt and evolve with player feedback underscored its global appeal, making it a staple in the gaming community.

With its 2023 release of Modern Warfare 3, the Call of Duty franchise continued to set the standard for first-person shooters. The game’s gripping campaign, detailed multiplayer maps, and innovative modes provided a deeply immersive and competitive experience. Its success in countries like the United Kingdom, Poland, and Mexico reflected the series’ legacy and its ability to reinvent itself, keeping the gameplay engaging for both veterans and newcomers.

EA Sports FC 24, the game that picked up the mantle from FIFA, scored goals worldwide, particularly in nations with a deep-seated love for football, like Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Argentina. The game’s use of cutting-edge technology like HyperMotion and the Frostbite Engine brought players closer to the pitch, offering a level of realism and immersion previously unseen in football video games. Its comprehensive roster of teams, dynamic playstyles, and inclusion of significant tournaments like UEFA Euro 2024 kept football fans deeply engaged throughout the year.

Regional Highlights and Surprises

While Fortnite, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC 24 were familiar sights on many lists, certain regions showed a preference for other titles, revealing exciting trends:

In South Korea, the popularity of Diablo IV and Elden Ring pointed to a strong national interest in rich, narrative-driven role-playing games and challenging action-adventure titles. Diablo IV’s dark, expansive world and Elden Ring’s intricate design and deep lore appealed to gamers’ appreciation for storytelling, strategic gameplay, and immersive worlds.

Japan‘s gaming scene was notably influenced by free-to-play titles like Apex Legends and Genshin Impact, showcasing a preference for games that offer deep, engaging content without an upfront cost. The success of these games in Japan also reflected the country’s long-standing affection for anime and manga, with Genshin Impact’s anime-inspired world and characters resonating strongly with local players.

Argentina revealed its eclectic gaming taste by embracing Rocket League. This title combines the excitement of soccer with the high-octane thrill of vehicular acrobatics. This choice underscored Argentina’s broader gaming interests, extending beyond traditional sports simulations to include innovative, genre-blending experiences that offer a fresh take on competitive gaming.

These regional favorites and surprises illustrate the diverse and evolving nature of the global gaming landscape, highlighting how cultural preferences and trends can shape gaming habits and preferences.

The gaming landscape is further enriched by each region’s specific cultural and social contexts, which influence the popularity of certain games over others. For example, the strong showing of role-playing and action-adventure games in South Korea can be attributed to the country’s vibrant PC gaming culture and a deep-rooted affinity for story-driven and strategic gameplay. This contrasts with the West’s broader acceptance of various genres, reflecting different gaming traditions and preferences. 

Similarly, Japan’s enthusiasm for free-to-play and anime-inspired games is deeply intertwined with its pioneering role in mobile gaming development and the widespread influence of anime and manga in Japanese pop culture. These regional nuances underscore the importance of understanding local tastes when analyzing global gaming trends.

Moreover, the contrast between the enduring popularity of established franchises like Call of Duty and Fortnite and the regional successes of newer or less mainstream titles demonstrates the dynamic nature of the gaming industry. It highlights how innovation, cultural relevance, and community engagement are key to capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how emerging technologies, changing gamer demographics, and new modes of content delivery will shape the future of gaming preferences across different regions. The global gaming landscape of 2023, with its mix of international blockbusters and regional favorites, offers a snapshot of this ongoing evolution, pointing to a future where the diversity of gaming experiences matches the diversity of its global audience.

Conclusion: A Year of Diverse Gaming Experiences

The most-played games on PS4 and PS5 in 2023 reflect the diversity of the gaming community and the broad appeal of specific titles across different cultures. While global blockbusters like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC 24 continued to dominate, regional preferences brought variety to the gaming landscape. This diversity highlights the different gaming cultures worldwide and showcases the wide range of experiences available on PlayStation platforms.

As we look forward to 2024, it’s clear that the appeal of gaming is universal, transcending borders and bringing people together through shared digital experiences. Whether you’re battling it out in a futuristic dystopia, scoring the winning goal in a virtual stadium, or exploring new worlds, the PlayStation ecosystem continues to be a central hub for entertainment and community.

Hope you liked this article. Keep gaming 😉