Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak was the game of the year 2023 at the Japan Game Awards

The expansion for Monster Hunter Rise — Sunbreak — won the top prize at Thursday’s Japan Game Awards. The expansion, which was first released last year for PC and Nintendo Switch and ported to other consoles earlier this year, took the top prize at the ceremony, which is held annually by the Japan Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA) and voted on in part by the public.

The Nintendo Switch PC (aka Famicom, or NES in the West) was named the winner of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, which is given to a person or organization that has made a major contribution to the Japanese game industry.

The Famicom turned 40 this year, and the award was presented on behalf of Nintendo by its CEO and designer of Super Mario Bros. Takashi Tezuka. Tezuka thanked CESA for the award and said that not only Nintendo should accept it, but all the companies that created classic Famicom games.

The award was presented to the Famicom’s CEO and designer, Takashi Tezuka.

The award for outstanding achievement went to 11 games, including God of War Ragnarök, Hogwarts Legacy, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Resident Evil 4, Sonic Frontiers and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The Game Designers Award, which is chosen by a jury of nine Japanese creators including Smash Bros. designer Masahiro Sakurai. Masahiro Sakurai and PlatinumGames’ Hideki Kamiya, was awarded to «handwritten RPG» RPG Time: The Legend of Wright.

The Game Designers Award, which is chosen by a panel of nine Japanese creators including Smash Bros. designer Masahiro Sakurai and PlatinumGames’ Hideki Kamiya.

WINNERS OF THE JAPAN GAME AWARDS 2023

Chapter Award

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (Capcom)

Outstanding Achievement Award

Earth Defense Force 6 (Sandlot)
Final Fantasy 7 Reunion (Square Enix)
God of War Ragnarök (Sony)
Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros)
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (Capcom)
Paranormasight (Square Enix)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Nintendo)
Resident Evil 4 (Capcom)
Sonic Frontiers (Sega)
Splatoon 3 (Nintendo)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Nintendo)

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Nintendo)

Best Sales Award

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Nintendo)

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Family Computer

Game Designers Award

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright