Every year has its own rhythm when it comes to gaming. Some years are filled with grand campaigns, long nights of epic adventures, and heavy strategy titles that sprawl across the table. Other years lean more toward short bursts of play, lighter fare, and comfort games that invite laughter as much as they do competition. Looking back at 2023, I noticed a distinct pattern in the way my gaming habits formed. A handful of titles kept coming back again and again, some because they are favorites, others because they are approachable for new players, and a few simply because the right circumstances kept putting them on the table.
When I first sat down to tally up the plays, I expected a neat “Top 5” list. What I got instead was a small tangle of ties that expanded the list into more of a “Top 8.” It turns out that certain games ended up with the exact same number of plays, and I didn’t want to leave any of them out. Rather than force a ranking, I kept them all and looked at the reasons why these games rose to the top. What follows is part one of a four-part reflection, beginning with the games that shared the number five spot.
Forbidden Desert – Cooperation in the Sands
Forbidden Desert is one of those cooperative titles that manages to be both tense and accessible. Every playthrough unfolds like a little survival story: players stranded in a desert wasteland, battered by storms and blistering heat, scavenging for pieces of a legendary airship that promises escape. The structure is straightforward, which makes it great for introducing new players. Each turn gives just enough choices to feel meaningful without overwhelming anyone with complex rules.
In 2023, this game hit the table often because it bridged a gap. With different groups, I could set it up in minutes and explain the premise without flipping through pages of rulebooks. Friends who hadn’t played modern board games before could jump in immediately. That approachability matters a lot when trying to build enthusiasm. Instead of worrying about memorizing phases or learning asymmetric powers, players were absorbed into the narrative: the sand is piling up, the storm is intensifying, the heat is relentless, and teamwork is the only chance of survival.
What struck me about these sessions was how quickly cooperation formed. Even with a table of near-strangers, the game nudges players toward communication. Someone will volunteer to clear sand, another will focus on scouting for parts, and before long there is a rhythm of collaboration. Losing doesn’t feel punishing because it almost always comes down to a dramatic, last-minute collapse. Winning, on the other hand, delivers a collective rush as the airship finally takes shape.
Comparing it to its sibling, Forbidden Island, I still hold a soft spot for the island theme. But since Desert is the copy I actually own, it naturally became the go-to option. That ownership difference alone explains part of why it made the list in 2023. Accessibility plus availability is a powerful combination.
King of New York – Monsters in the City
Next among the number five entries was King of New York. For many players, King of Tokyo remains the iconic monster-brawling dice game. Yet I’ve always gravitated toward New York’s version. It takes the same core — giant creatures rolling dice, smashing buildings, battling for dominance — and adds just enough twists to make it more engaging for me personally.
Where Tokyo’s simplicity makes it lightning-fast, New York introduces buildings and districts that add variety. I enjoy stomping across neighborhoods, toppling skyscrapers, and scattering military forces that fight back against your monster. It transforms the game from pure dice-chucking into a light tactical romp. There’s more room for moments of story: a monster rampaging through Manhattan, helicopters swarming overhead, tanks rolling in, and the inevitable dramatic showdown between titans.
In 2023, this game earned its place not only because I enjoy the mechanics but also because of how infectious the laughter can be when it’s played. There’s something about chucking big dice covered with claws, energy, and hearts that reduces the whole table to gleeful shouting. Even people who don’t usually dive into board games get drawn into the spectacle. You don’t need to understand complex scoring systems; you just need to roll dice, smash things, and revel in the chaos.
One observation from this year’s plays was how different groups approached it. Some dove headfirst into direct combat, trying to knock each other out as quickly as possible. Others treated it more like a race for points, carefully timing when to retreat from Manhattan and when to dive back in. Both styles work, and both leave memorable stories. While the broader community may still favor King of Tokyo for its streamlined nature, my table often preferred the fuller chaos of New York, and that’s why it appeared so frequently throughout the year.
The Resistance – Lies, Deduction, and Trust
The third entry sharing the number five spot was The Resistance, which has long been my favorite social deduction game. Many titles in this category suffer from player elimination: you’re out of the round early and end up waiting while everyone else plays. The Resistance avoids that trap, keeping every participant engaged until the end. That constant involvement is part of its enduring appeal.
Each session unfolds as a tense dance of suspicion. Who can be trusted? Who is sabotaging missions? Every vote, every hesitation, and every line of dialogue gets scrutinized. I find the game particularly rewarding with groups that enjoy bluffing and banter. In 2023, it came to the table often because it thrives on larger gatherings where energy is high.
What makes it stand out from others in the genre is its balance between structure and freedom. There’s a clear framework: rounds of voting, missions that succeed or fail, victory conditions for each side. Within that framework, though, lies endless room for human drama. One player accuses another, alliances shift, and even seasoned groups find themselves second-guessing their instincts.
I’ve also collected a few character expansions that add new wrinkles, like roles that can peek at hidden information or manipulate outcomes in subtle ways. These additions kept the game fresh through multiple plays in 2023. Even with familiar players who know each other’s tells, introducing a twist changes the dynamics enough to keep things unpredictable.
Reflecting on the year, I realized that The Resistance wasn’t just about who won or lost. The true fun came from the debates, the mock outrage, and the sly smiles across the table. It’s one of the few games where I don’t care if I end up on the losing side, because the journey of suspicion and deception is rewarding on its own.
Shared Themes Across the Tied Games
Looking at Forbidden Desert, King of New York, and The Resistance together, a pattern emerges. All three foster strong interaction between players, though in very different ways. Desert emphasizes cooperation under pressure, New York thrives on chaotic competition, and Resistance thrives on deception and deduction. None of them are solitary puzzles. Instead, they thrive because they bring people together, spark conversation, and create stories.
That social element is likely why they all tied in number of plays for the year. They are not just games; they are experiences that unfold uniquely with each group. The mechanics fade into the background, leaving behind memories of shouting, laughter, desperate strategy sessions, or nervous accusations. Whether escaping a sandstorm, stomping through a city, or unmasking a traitor, each of these games carved out a space in my 2023 gaming calendar because they connected people at the table.
My Most Played Games of 2023
When tallying my most played games of 2023, I quickly realized that a single “Top 5” list wouldn’t do the year justice. Several games ended up tied for spots, which says a lot about the balance of my play habits. Instead of one clear frontrunner in each position, the year was filled with small clusters of favorites. After looking back at the trio of tied games in the number five spot, it’s time to step into the number four position — a space shared by two very different titles: Dominion and Bites.
Both of these games became staples of my 2023 gaming sessions, though for entirely different reasons. One is a modern classic that has influenced countless other designs, while the other is a lighthearted surprise that sneaked into the mix despite not even being part of my collection. Together, they reflect how diverse gaming tastes can be, even within a single year.
Dominion – The Timeless Deck-Builder
Few games have left as strong a mark on modern tabletop gaming as Dominion. Released years ago, it effectively defined the “deck-building” genre. The premise is straightforward: players start with a small, weak deck of cards and gradually acquire stronger cards to shuffle into their personal deck. Over time, what began as a collection of coppers and estates evolves into an efficient engine capable of generating wealth, buying power, and victory points.
Despite its age, Dominion still feels fresh whenever it comes to the table. In 2023, it remained a steady part of my gaming rotation, though with fewer plays than the previous year. What struck me most was how it continued to challenge me with new strategic puzzles, even after dozens of sessions. Every game is shaped by the random set of kingdom cards chosen at the beginning. One session might revolve around quick bursts of attack cards, another around long-term engine building, and another around subtle combinations that reward patience.
What I particularly enjoy is the balance between familiarity and discovery. The core mechanics never change — draw cards, play actions, buy new cards — but the details shift dramatically. No two games unfold the same way, and that variability keeps the experience from feeling repetitive. Some sessions I found myself experimenting with bold strategies, while others pushed me into defensive play to counter what others were attempting.
Another reason Dominion saw multiple plays this past year is its accessibility. The rules are simple enough to teach in minutes, but the depth unfolds as players gain experience. I introduced the game to several people who had never played a deck-builder before, and they quickly picked up the rhythm. It works just as well with casual players who enjoy the straightforward act of buying cards as it does with experienced players who delight in carefully crafted combos.
Personally, I’ve found great enjoyment in the expansions. In 2023, I explored Nocturne more often. This set introduced night cards and unique twists that shook up the familiar formula. Even with years of play, these additions made it feel like I was learning the game anew. There’s something satisfying about revisiting an old favorite and finding it has layers you hadn’t fully explored before.
The year also reminded me why Dominion has such staying power. It doesn’t rely on flashy components or over-the-top themes. Instead, it thrives on clean design and elegant mechanics. Every choice matters, and the payoff of seeing your deck grow stronger remains consistently rewarding. Even when I lost badly in some sessions, I still walked away with a sense of having explored something interesting.
Bites – A Pleasant Surprise
If Dominion represents the weight of tradition and legacy, Bites represents lightness, novelty, and the joy of discovery. Unlike Dominion, I don’t own a copy of Bites, which makes its place on my most played list in 2023 a bit unusual. All of my plays came from joining board game groups where someone else brought it to the table.
At first glance, Bites doesn’t look like much more than a simple filler game. Players move colorful ants along a path of food tokens, competing to collect the tastiest morsels and score points. Yet beneath that straightforward premise lies an engaging little system that rewards clever timing and observation.
What makes Bites so engaging is its approachable nature. The rules are light, the playtime short, and the table presence charming. It’s the kind of game you can pull out in almost any situation — as a warm-up, between heavier games, or at the end of the night when people are winding down. In 2023, that flexibility gave it plenty of opportunities to shine.
The experience also highlighted something I value in gaming: the importance of social context. I didn’t gravitate toward Bites because of deep strategy or narrative immersion. I gravitated toward it because it brought people together. New players, younger players, and even people who didn’t consider themselves “board gamers” felt comfortable sitting down for a round. It worked as a bridge, connecting different groups of people at the table.
Another delightful aspect is its unpredictability. Though the rules are simple, the way players move ants and collect food can create surprising outcomes. A small choice in the early turns can ripple into larger consequences later on, and watching those ripples unfold is part of the charm. It doesn’t demand heavy analysis; instead, it invites laughter and playful competition.
What surprised me most was how often I found myself genuinely looking forward to it. Even without owning the game, I caught myself hoping someone would bring it along to game night. That speaks volumes about its replayability and charm. In a year where I played many heavier titles, Bites offered a refreshing contrast — a reminder that not every session has to be a strategic marathon. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from a colorful, quirky game that knows exactly what it wants to be.
Two Very Different Paths to Replayability
Looking at Dominion and Bites side by side, the contrast couldn’t be clearer. Dominion is a heavyweight classic, offering deep strategy and endless replay through variable setups. Bites is a light filler, offering quick fun and charm without complexity. One rewards careful planning across dozens of turns, while the other thrives on spontaneity and table banter.
And yet, both ended up tied in my most played list. That says something important about the nature of gaming: replayability doesn’t always come from the same source. Sometimes it comes from intellectual challenge and strategic depth. Other times it comes from accessibility, charm, and the ability to fit seamlessly into almost any situation.
Together, they highlight the range of experiences that make up a well-rounded gaming year. Dominion satisfied the part of me that craves optimization and long-term planning. Bites satisfied the part of me that enjoys connection, laughter, and shared moments with friends. Neither invalidates the other; instead, they complement each other.
Reflections on the #4 Spot
If I had to sum up what Dominion and Bites represent in my 2023 gaming year, I’d say they capture two sides of the same coin. Dominion demonstrates the enduring appeal of classics that never lose their shine. Bites reminds me to stay open to unexpected discoveries, even if they aren’t in my personal collection.
Both games taught me something about the rhythms of my gaming life. It isn’t always about owning the newest release or sticking to heavy strategy. It’s about finding joy in the familiar and the unexpected alike. That balance — between deep strategy and light fun — kept my gaming year varied, enjoyable, and filled with memories.
As I continue reflecting on 2023, the games only get more colorful. In part three, I’ll move into the number three and two spots on the list, where the focus shifts toward beauty, science fiction, and the thrill of ambitious design. Those games, while different again from what we’ve covered so far, reveal even more about why gaming continues to be such a rewarding hobby year after year.
My Most Played Games of 2023
Every gaming year feels like a tapestry woven from different threads. Some threads are bright and playful, others more complex and challenging. When I look back on 2023, I see patterns that reflect both my personal tastes and the circumstances that shaped when and how games made it to the table. By the time I reached the top three of my most played list, two games stood out not just for the number of plays they received, but for how vividly they captured different aspects of what I love about gaming.
At number three sits Sagrada, a dice-drafting puzzle of colors and patterns. At number two is Race for the Galaxy, a sprawling card game that immerses players in the construction of interstellar civilizations. They could not be more different in presentation and play style, yet both earned dozens of plays in 2023, each scratching a very different itch.
Sagrada – Building Stained Glass with Dice
Few games combine elegance, simplicity, and beauty quite like Sagrada. At its heart, it is a dice drafting game where players take turns selecting colorful dice to place into their personal stained-glass window. Placement follows certain restrictions — no two dice of the same color can touch directly, specific spaces require particular values, and rows or columns cannot repeat numbers. Out of those simple rules emerges a puzzle that feels both artistic and strategic.
One reason Sagrada saw so much play in 2023 was its accessibility. Much like Forbidden Desert earlier on the list, Sagrada is easy to teach and visually inviting. New players who might be intimidated by heavy strategy games are immediately drawn to its vibrant dice and beautiful window boards. The act of drafting dice is intuitive, and the tactile pleasure of placing them in just the right spot creates an immediate sense of satisfaction.
For me, the appeal goes deeper. I love puzzles that unfold incrementally, where early choices ripple into later constraints. In Sagrada, the first few rounds feel open and full of possibility. But as the window fills, the tension rises. Suddenly, a decision made early on about where to place a six can block off entire options later. That growing crunchiness transforms the game from a breezy activity into a tight, strategic contest.
Another factor in its replayability is the variety of objective cards. Some games emphasize color distribution, others reward certain number patterns, and others push players toward long-term planning. This variability ensures that no two games feel identical, even if the basic structure never changes. In 2023, I noticed how this variety kept Sagrada fresh. Some sessions were relaxed and casual, while others became fierce battles of efficiency and foresight.
What I particularly enjoyed was introducing the game to new groups. Sagrada has a way of winning over skeptics. People who think they don’t enjoy abstract games suddenly find themselves immersed in its patterns. The theme of stained glass, though light, softens the abstract mechanics and creates an atmosphere of artistry. More than once, I saw players take pride not just in winning but in how their finished window looked. That visual element adds a layer of satisfaction that extends beyond scoring.
The game also works well at a wide range of player counts. With two players, it becomes a sharp duel over dice choices. With more players, it transforms into a more communal draft where timing and prediction matter. In both cases, it remains quick and approachable, making it easy to fit multiple plays into a single evening. That ease of setup and play contributed to its frequent appearances on the table throughout 2023.
In the end, Sagrada made it into the number three spot not because it is the deepest or most complex game in my collection, but because it delivers consistent enjoyment. It’s the kind of game I never hesitate to suggest, knowing it will create a satisfying experience for everyone at the table.
Race for the Galaxy – Expanding the Universe
If Sagrada is about delicate artistry and incremental puzzles, Race for the Galaxy is about ambition, scope, and the thrill of building something vast. At first glance, Race can be intimidating. Its symbology-heavy cards and layers of mechanics often overwhelm new players. Yet beneath that complex surface lies one of the most rewarding engine-building games ever designed.
Each player begins with a starting world and gradually expands their empire by playing cards that represent planets, technologies, and developments. The core system revolves around role selection: every round, players secretly choose phases to activate, but only those chosen by someone at the table will occur. This creates an intricate dance of prediction and timing, where success often hinges on anticipating what others will do.
In 2023, Race for the Galaxy became my number two most played game, despite the fact that I am far from mastering it. In fact, I don’t think I won a single session all year. But that never diminished my enjoyment. Part of the game’s brilliance is that even in defeat, you feel like you’ve created something impressive. By the end of each game, I had a tableau of planets, trade routes, and developments that told the story of a civilization’s rise.
The thematic immersion is a big part of its appeal. I’ve always enjoyed science fiction, and Race delivers that feeling of exploring and colonizing the galaxy without requiring miniatures or sprawling maps. Instead, the narrative emerges from the cards. A settlement on a new world, a breakthrough in research, a fleet of starships — all of these combine into a personalized vision of a galactic empire.
Another reason it rose so high in my play count was the challenge. Where Sagrada feels relaxing even when it gets tense, Race for the Galaxy is mentally demanding from start to finish. Every turn requires tough choices about how to use cards, when to push for military conquest versus economic growth, and whether to expand quickly or build for long-term efficiency. Even after dozens of games, I often felt like I was just scratching the surface of possible strategies.
In 2023, I also experimented with expansions, though not as extensively as I might have liked. Adding new cards and mechanics shifted the dynamics in ways that kept the game from feeling predictable. Even without expansions, the sheer number of card combinations makes each game unique. It’s the kind of title that rewards repeated play, not just to improve skill but to explore its depth.
What kept me coming back despite frequent losses was the joy of incremental improvement. I could sense myself learning — recognizing when to pivot strategies, understanding the importance of timing, and appreciating the balance between short-term gains and long-term planning. That process of growth, even if slow, was deeply satisfying.
Contrasts and Complements
Putting Sagrada and Race for the Galaxy side by side reveals just how broad the spectrum of gaming experiences can be. One is light, colorful, and immediately inviting. The other is dense, symbolic, and initially opaque. One rewards pattern recognition and careful placement, while the other demands strategic foresight and adaptability.
And yet, both offered something that kept them in heavy rotation in 2023. For Sagrada, it was the ability to bring people together, to offer a beautiful and approachable puzzle that everyone could enjoy. For Race for the Galaxy, it was the intellectual challenge, the thrill of exploration, and the long-term satisfaction of slowly grasping its intricacies.
Together, they represent two different sides of my gaming year: the social and the strategic, the light and the heavy, the artistic and the analytical. They highlight how gaming can meet different needs depending on mood, group, and context.
My Most Played Games of 2023
When I began compiling my list of most played games in 2023, I expected to see a predictable pattern: classics I’ve owned for years, strategy titles I revisit often, and party games that show up in larger gatherings. And for the most part, that prediction was accurate. Cooperative adventures like Forbidden Desert, chaotic dice-rollers like King of New York, deduction favorites like The Resistance, timeless deck-builders like Dominion, charming fillers like Bites, artistic puzzles like Sagrada, and sprawling sci-fi epics like Race for the Galaxy all carved out their place on the list.
But then came the surprise. At the very top of the chart, sitting at number one, was a game I hadn’t expected to play so often. A game that many might dismiss as a branded spinoff. A game I initially approached with skepticism but ended up appreciating for what it managed to achieve. That game was UNO Ultimate Marvel.
UNO Ultimate Marvel – A Familiar Formula Reimagined
UNO is one of the most recognizable card games in the world. Generations have grown up with its bright colors, simple rules, and blend of luck and light strategy. Because of that familiarity, most gamers don’t think twice when they see another version or spinoff on the shelf. Over the years, there have been countless themed editions that change nothing about the gameplay beyond swapping in licensed artwork.
That’s why UNO Ultimate Marvel stands out. Instead of just slapping characters onto existing cards, this version tweaks the core formula in meaningful ways. Each player chooses a Marvel hero, and those heroes come with their own themed deck of cards, abilities, and playstyle. Suddenly, UNO becomes more than just matching numbers and colors — it becomes a light but distinct game of asymmetric powers and strategic decisions.
In 2023, this little twist transformed what might have been a casual distraction into my most played game of the year. The changes didn’t make it heavy or complicated. Instead, they made it fresh enough to keep me coming back.
Why It Rose to Number One
The first reason UNO Ultimate Marvel appeared so often at the table was simple: accessibility. Much like Bites and Sagrada, it was easy to teach. Everyone already knows the basic framework of UNO, so the leap to this version felt natural. The new hero abilities added just enough to make it interesting without overwhelming anyone. That made it perfect for mixed groups of players — friends, family, and casual gamers alike.
The second reason was speed. Games lasted around fifteen minutes, which meant we could fit multiple rounds into a single session. Compared to sprawling strategy titles that require setup, planning, and long playtimes, UNO Ultimate Marvel was effortless. That brevity encouraged repeated plays. Before long, those quick sessions added up, and by the end of the year, it had become the most played title in my collection.
The third reason was variety. Each hero deck felt different, which gave players a reason to switch things up between rounds. One hero might focus on aggressive plays, another on defensive tactics, another on clever card manipulation. That variety added replayability beyond what I normally expect from UNO. In a way, it borrowed a small piece of the appeal of games like Dominion or Race for the Galaxy, where every session feels different thanks to shifting setups or strategies.
Finally, there was the social factor. UNO, in any form, thrives on table talk, laughter, and dramatic reversals. Adding Marvel heroes into the mix only amplified that atmosphere. I saw friends who rarely touch board games light up when they could play as their favorite characters. That shared enthusiasm helped the game become a recurring choice whenever we wanted something lighthearted and fun.
Reconciling the Surprise
If you had asked me at the start of 2023 which game would take the top spot in my play count, UNO Ultimate Marvel would never have crossed my mind. In fact, I might have laughed at the idea. Yet as the months went by, its combination of accessibility, speed, variety, and social energy kept pulling it back onto the table.
At first, I was tempted to dismiss this outcome, as though it somehow didn’t “count” compared to heavier, more respected strategy games. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it perfectly captured the essence of what makes gaming meaningful. The number of plays doesn’t measure depth, complexity, or critical acclaim. It measures what people actually play, and in 2023, that meant UNO Ultimate Marvel.
Far from being an embarrassment, I came to see it as a reminder that gaming is about joy, connection, and shared experience. Sometimes that comes from a carefully constructed tableau in Race for the Galaxy. Sometimes it comes from piecing together a stained-glass masterpiece in Sagrada. And sometimes it comes from shouting in triumph as you slam down the final card in a quick round of UNO.
Final Thoughts – My Most Played Games of 2023
When I began reflecting on my most played games of 2023, I didn’t realize how much the list would tell me about the year itself. A play count might seem like a simple statistic, a measure of frequency rather than meaning, but when you look closely, patterns emerge. Each game on the list represented more than just hours spent around a table. Each one reflected the people I played with, the kinds of experiences I sought, and the circumstances that shaped my gaming sessions throughout the year.
A Journey Across Genres
The first thing that stood out to me about 2023 was the sheer variety of games I played. On one end of the spectrum, I found myself immersed in cooperative adventures like Forbidden Desert, where tension built with every shifting sand tile. On the other end, I embraced the lighthearted chaos of UNO Ultimate Marvel, a branded spinoff that surprised me by taking the number one spot. Between those extremes, I experienced everything from deduction and bluffing in The Resistance to the quiet puzzle-building of Sagrada, from stomping through cityscapes in King of New York to building vast interstellar civilizations in Race for the Galaxy.
What this variety showed me is that gaming, at least in my life, is not confined to a single style or mood. Some nights called for strategy and careful planning. Others called for laughter, speed, and unpredictability. The list of most played games was not a reflection of a singular preference, but rather a tapestry of different moments and different needs throughout the year.
The Power of Accessibility
A recurring theme across my top games was accessibility. Titles like Bites and UNO Ultimate Marvel climbed the ranks not because they were the most strategically deep, but because they were easy to teach and quick to play. They could be brought out with friends who rarely played board games, or slotted into an evening when time was short.
This doesn’t mean that accessibility replaced depth. Games like Dominion and Race for the Galaxy still demanded focus and rewarded repeated play. But what it does mean is that accessibility created opportunities. Without games like Bites, I might not have played as often with certain groups of people. Without UNO Ultimate Marvel, I might have struggled to find common ground between gamers and non-gamers alike.
Looking back, I realize how important that factor was in shaping my play counts. Accessibility turned potential game nights into actual game nights. It opened doors rather than closing them, and that mattered more than I first understood.
The Balance of Old Favorites and New Discoveries
Another layer of my 2023 experience was the balance between old favorites and new discoveries. Dominion and The Resistance are games I’ve known and loved for years, but they still made the list because they continue to hold their appeal. Race for the Galaxy also falls into this category — a long-standing favorite that remained challenging and rewarding even after countless plays.
At the same time, games like Bites and UNO Ultimate Marvel represented newer entries into my collection. They injected freshness into the rotation, offering different tones and styles that balanced out the heavier classics. This interplay between old and new gave 2023 its rhythm. Too much reliance on old favorites might have led to stagnation. Too much focus on novelty might have left me chasing trends without depth. The mix of both created a healthy, varied experience.
The Social Dimension
Perhaps the most important realization I had while reflecting on the year is that my most played games were rarely about the games themselves. They were about the people I played them with.
The Resistance wouldn’t have been half as fun without the laughter, accusations, and mock-serious debates that accompanied every round. UNO Ultimate Marvel thrived not because of its mechanics alone, but because players enjoyed slipping into the roles of their favorite heroes. Forbidden Desert created moments of tension and triumph that bonded the group in shared survival.
Even in more strategic titles, the social element mattered. Playing Dominion wasn’t just about optimizing decks — it was about reading the table, gauging opponents, and sharing in the surprises of each kingdom setup. Race for the Galaxy was more than just a puzzle — it was a shared challenge, where I could appreciate the strategies others pursued even as I worked on my own.
In the end, the social dimension transformed each game from an isolated activity into a shared memory. That, I think, is why certain games rose to the top of the list. They were the ones that best facilitated connection, laughter, and storytelling.
Embracing the Unexpected
If there was one surprise that defined 2023, it was the rise of UNO Ultimate Marvel to the number one spot. At first, I was almost reluctant to acknowledge it. How could a spinoff of a mass-market card game eclipse strategic titans like Dominion or Race for the Galaxy?
But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. UNO Ultimate Marvel was quick, approachable, and fun. It wasn’t pretending to be something it wasn’t. It delivered exactly what it promised: a familiar framework with just enough of a twist to keep it fresh. And because of that, it kept hitting the table again and again.
In a way, its presence at the top of the list was a reminder to never underestimate the simple joys of gaming. Not every experience has to be a sprawling strategy session. Sometimes, the most meaningful plays are the ones that fit into small pockets of time, bring unexpected groups together, or spark laughter at just the right moment.