Google Play reveals best apps and games of 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, Google Play has revealed the standout Android apps, games, and books of the year. Featuring Users’ Choice and various “Best for” categories, these lists are tailored to different regions.

This year, additional award categories have been introduced to acknowledge innovative apps leveraging cutting-edge technology, including categories like “Best with AI” and “Best Game for Good.” Furthermore, recognition extends to experiences that function across various devices, with notable categories such as “Best Multi-device App and Game” and “Best for Google Play Games on PC.”

In the US, ChatGPT claims the Users’ Choice App award, succeeding last year’s winner, BeReal. Previous winners include streaming services Paramount+ and Disney+. On the gaming front, MONOPOLY GO! takes the coveted Users’ Choice Game title.

Here, you can take a look at all the nominees for Google Play Users’ Choice Awards 2023.

Best Overall App and Game

Best App: Imprint: Learn Visually

“As our best app of 2023, Imprint: Learn Visually shares bite-sized lessons that use visual storytelling to bring concepts to life. Explore the worlds of psychology, history, health, technology and more in a brand new way.”

Best Game: Honkai: Star Rail

“This sci-fi extravaganza takes the title of our best game of the year thanks to its excellent depth of content, stunning visuals and thoughtful design. By sprinkling lore and character backstories throughout the game, Honkai: Star Rail delivers lasting entertainment for role-playing game enthusiasts and newcomers alike.”

Best multi-device app and game

Best Multi-device App: Spotify

“Whether listening to your favorite music in the kitchen, on the commute or out on a hike, Spotify shines when it comes to working smoothly across devices. We love how you can remotely control playback on another device, and download tracks or episodes for offline playback.”

Best Multi-device Game: OUTERPLANE – Strategy Anime

“While we love its charming characters and captivating story, OUTERPLANE’s ability to easily work across multiple devices sets it apart from other turn-based strategy experiences on Play. From outstanding PC performance to flawless transition between screens on foldables, OUTERPLANE is visually stunning, technically impressive and just plain fun.”

Users’ Choice app and game

Users’ Choice App: ChatGPT

Users’ Choice Game: MONOPOLY GO!

Best apps of 2023

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

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 FC™ 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 for Google Play Games on PC: Arknights

Best books of 2023

• “In the Lives of Puppets” by TJ Klune (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel” by S.A. Cosby (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “Bellies: A Novel” by Nicola Dinan (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “The Art of Scandal” by Regina Black (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir” by Lamya H (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko (Ebook, Audiobook)
• “Boys Weekend” by Mattie Lubchansky (Ebook)
• “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin (Ebook, Audiobook)