December 2023 Game Releases to Be Aware Of
As we approach the end of 2023 with just one month left in the year, December, usually a slow period for game releases, appears to be breaking the trend. Ubisoft is set to deliver a significant title for fans of the Avatar film series, defying the usual lull. Additionally, a substantial DLC is on the horizon, enticing players to revisit a familiar pocket monster title. For a comprehensive overview of the major December 2023 game releases, check out our guide below.
SteamWorld Build – December 1
The well-loved SteamWorld series is taking a fresh turn with the launch of SteamWorld Build on December 1st. This indie game transforms the SteamWorld universe into a city-building experience. Like other city-building games, players will actively manage resources, defend their settlements against enemies, and engage in underground mining to uncover hidden secrets.
SteamWorld Build will release on December 1st for PC, PS5, XSX, PS4, XBO, and Nintendo Switch. The game is in development by The Station, with publishing responsibilities handled by Thunderful Publishing.
Born of Bread – December 5
Another intriguing indie title set to debut this month is WildArts Studio’s Born of Bread. This paper RPG lets players take on the role of a flour golem, collaborating with a diverse cast of characters to explore a captivating and mysterious world.
If you’re a Paper Mario series enthusiast, this game appears to worth checking out. The art style and combat strongly evoke the essence of that series, but with its own refreshing and new design experience.
Born of Bread will release on December 5th for PC.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – December 7
The standout release of the month is Ubisoft’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Derived from James Cameron’s multi-billion dollar franchise, this first-person action-adventure game is set in the expansive open world of the Western Frontier of Pandora.
Players step into the shoes of a Na’Vi who has been abducted and trained by the RDA, a militaristic human corporation. After fifteen years, you break free and return to your birthplace, only to discover a drastically altered world. Your mission: confront the RDA and defend your homeland.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will release on December 7th for PC, PS5, and XSX.
The Day Before – December 7
Oh boy, here we go again. The Day Before, an open-world third-person survival title, is arguably one of the most controversial games slated for release. Initially set for November 11th, the game’s release has been pushed to December 7th. There has been a release trailer for players to pour over, but there still remains uncertainty whether the game will see the light of day.
Should the game make it to release, players will have the opportunity to dive into an open-world zombie survival MMO. The game boasts a variety of mechanics to explore, encompassing driving, shooting, looting, and engaging in player-versus-player-versus-environment encounters.
The Day Before will launch on PC in early access on December 7.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk DLC – December 14
The second piece of DLC content for Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, The Indigo Disk is set to release on December 14th. This expansion is part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero pack.
This new expansion takes players to Blueberry Academy follow the conclusion of the events in the base game. In this new location players will go to class, meet new students, and explore a large biodome full of new and returning Pokémon.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk will release on December 14th for Nintendo Switch.
Baldur’s Gate 3 – Xbox Release TBA
Baldur’s Gate 3 stood out as one of the most significant and unexpected game releases in 2023. Its impact was so substantial that it earned a Game of the Year nomination from The Game Awards Show. However, a notable drawback was its release on PC and PlayStation, excluding the Xbox platform.
Fans eager to experience this epic RPG on Xbox will have their opportunity in December. Although there’s no official release date yet, Larian Studios has confirmed that the revelation of the release date will take place on December 7th during The Game Awards Show.
Other Noteworthy December Game Releases
- Batman: Arkham Trilogy [Switch] – December 1
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince [Switch] – December 1
- The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria [PS5] – December 5
- PlayStation Access controller [PS5] – December 6
- Arizona Sunshine 2 [PC VR, PSVR 2] – December 7
- Lego Bricktales VR [Quest] – December 7
That wraps up the major game releases for December 2023. Share your thoughts in the comments—let us know which games you’re planning to grab at launch and which ones you’re opting to wait on! Check out the big January 2024 game releases too.
