The DeanBeat: Creativity thrives in the top 10 games of the year (poll)

In 2013, gaming hit its peak in so many ways. My favorite games of the year reflect both the peak for the consoles and the emergence of digital gaming as a vital part of the industry. As the final year for a long console generation, 2013 was fulfilling for game fans because we saw so many top-quality games debut after a long gestation. These turned into huge hits as they took advantage of the huge installed base already in gamers’ homes.

Mobile games also rose to new peaks for the game makers who figured out exactly what the audience wants. Indie hits like Minecraft and Clash of Clans generated millions of dollars a day for the makers of free-to-play titles on mobile and online platforms. That will help them justify bigger investments in future games that will raise the level of quality on emerging digital platforms.