The Apple App Store Awards for 2023 have heralded some of the year's most commendable games across Apple's devices, with Honkai Star Rail shining as the iPhone Game of the Year. It outperformed contenders like Vampire Survivors and Afterplace, demonstrating its popularity and quality in mobile gaming. For iPad enthusiasts, Lost in Play claimed the Game of the Year, captivating users with its whimsical, picture-book aesthetic. Moving to the Mac, the Souls-like adventure Lies of P, developed by Neowiz, took the crown, surpassing competitors including Elex 2 and Return to Monkey Island.n

Notably, Apple also recognized games with significant cultural impact, such as the creative Pok Pok, the Xbox Game Pass hit Unpacking, and the immersive Finding Hannah. Honkai Star Rail's ascent to success continued post-launch, evidenced by its swift acquisition of a million players on PS5, and the game's ability to evoke nostalgic feelings of classic PS2 RPGs. Additionally, Apple Arcade's top spot was secured by Hello Kitty Island Adventure, a game that draws inspiration from the beloved Animal Crossing series.n

This year's awards underscore the versatility and depth of gaming experiences available on Apple's platforms, reflecting consumer trends and innovations within the gaming industry. As gaming on Apple devices continues to attract a wide audience, games like Honkai Star Rail set an industry benchmark for engaging and compelling content on mobile and beyond.n

What game won the iPhone Game of the Year award for 2023?

Honkai Star Rail won the iPhone Game of the Year award in the 2023 Apple App Store Awards.