As the year 2023 comes to a close, Google Play has announced its list of the best Android apps and games in India. This comprehensive selection covers a variety of categories, showcasing the preferences of both users and Google’s editorial team.
Best App of 2023: Level SuperMind Takes the Lead
The coveted title of the best app of 2023 goes to Level SuperMind, a mind performance app co-founded by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. Not only does it claim the overall top spot, but it also secures the best app in the personal growth category. Level SuperMind employs personalised artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled paths, incorporating meditation, exercises, journals, and sleep stories to enhance mindfulness.
User’s Choice: THAP Emerges as the Favorite Therapy App
In a user-driven selection process, therapy app ‘THAP: Your Happiness Gym’ emerged as the favourite app of the year in India. Additionally, THAP clinched the top spot in the ‘Best App for Good’ category, alongside learning app Autism Basics and environmental platform Earth5R. Natasha Sagar, CEO of THAP, expressed the app’s mission to normalise mental health conversations and enhance overall mental well-being.
Top Games of 2023: Monopoly Go and Subway Surfers Blast
Monopoly Go, a mobile version of the classic board game, secured the title of the best game of 2023. On the user’s front, Subway Surfers Blast, a puzzle adventure game from Sybo and Outplay Entertainment, emerged as the favourite game for the year.
Made in India Excellence: SuperGaming’s Battle Stars
Pune-based SuperGaming’s Battle Stars, a multiplayer mobile shooting game, claims the title of the best Made in India game. The company’s commitment to player-centric experiences is further highlighted with Silly Royale, recognized in the Best on Play Pass games category. Google’s Play Pass, a subscription service offering ad-free and in-app purchase-free access to apps and games, features these immersive titles.
Best Indie Games: Bombay Play and Studio Sirah Shine
Bombay Play’s ‘Block Heads: Duel Puzzle Games’ and Studio Sirah’s ‘Kurukshetra: Ascension’ are acknowledged as the Best Indie games for 2023. Studio Sirah’s Abhaas Shah emphasises the fusion of Indian content and core gaming in ‘Kurukshetra,’ while Bombay Play’s Oliver Jones sees the win as a testament to their mission of creating high-quality games from India for a global audience.
Ongoing and Multiplayer Excellence: Krafton Dominates
Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) stands out as the winner in the Best Ongoing games category, along with Road to Valor: Empires winning in the Best Multiplayer games category. The company expresses excitement about bringing new content and updates to these games for players globally.
Reflecting Innovation Trends: Google’s App Choices for 2023
Google’s selection of apps across 24 categories on the India Play Store reflects emerging trends in app and game innovation. Notably, the increasing use of AI by developers to enhance user experiences in categories such as learning, wellness, and e-commerce stands out. The introduction of a new “Best with AI” category recognizes apps like Stimuler and SwiftChat, utilising AI for language skills improvement and personalised learning content, respectively.
As Google Play wraps up the year, these selections not only represent the current state of app and game innovation but also anticipate the trends that will shape the digital landscape in the coming years.
