With December knocking on ??? ??????? ???????? ??? ??????the door, Google shared its annual list of best apps, games, and books on Google Play.

This year, there are a few new categories, including "Best Game for Good," and "Best with AI" (you didn't think this could go down without some mention of AI, did you?)

The company also announced best multi-device apps and games this year, reflecting the fact that some apps work better on multiple platforms than others.

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Without further ado, here are this year's winners:

Best App:Imprint: Learn Visually

Imprint: Learn Visually Credit: Imprint: Learn Visually/Google Play

Google says that the learning app "shares bite-sized lessons that use visual storytelling to bring concepts to life," allowing users to "explore the worlds of psychology, history, health, technology and more in a brand new way."

Best Game: Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail Credit: Honkai: Star Rail/Google Play

This space fantasy RPG deserved the top spot "thanks to its excellent depth of content, stunning visuals and thoughtful design," said Google. "By sprinkling lore and character backstories throughout the game, Honkai: Star Rail delivers lasting entertainment for role-playing game enthusiasts and newcomers alike."

Here are the rest of this year's winners:

Best multi-device apps and games:

Best Multi-device App: Spotify

Best Multi-device Game: OUTERPLANE - Strategy Anime

Users' Choice:

Users’ Choice App: ChatGPT

Users’ Choice Game: MONOPOLY GO!

Best apps of 2023

Best for Fun: Bumble For Friends: Meet IRL

● Honorable mention: Reelsy Reel Maker Video Editor

Best for Personal Growth: Voidpet Garden: Mental Health

● Honorable mention: Imprint: Learn Visually

Best Everyday Essential: Artifact: Feed Your Curiosity

● Honorable mention: ReciMe: Easy & Tasty Recipes

Best Hidden Gem: Aware: Mindfulness & Wellbeing

● Honorable mention: Stippl: Explore, Plan & Share

Best with AI: Character AI: AI-Powered Chat

● Honorable mention: ChatGPT

Best for Families: Paw Patrol Academy

● Honorable mention: LEGO DUPLO DISNEY

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Best App for Good: AWorld in support of ActNow

Best for Watches: WhatsApp Messenger

● Honorable mentions: AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run, Audible: Audio Entertainment

Best for Tablets: Concepts: Sketch, Note, Draw

● Honorable mentions: Canva: Design, Photo & Video, Everand: Ebooks and audiobooks

Best for Chromebooks: FlipaClip: Create 2D Animation

● Honorable mentions: Evernote – Note Organizer, Wideo

Best for Google TV: Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies

● Honorable mentions: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Disney+, Tubi: Movies & Live TV

Best for Cars: Amazon Prime Video

● Honorable mentions: Beach Buggy Racing, Spotify

Best games of 2023

Best Multiplayer: Farlight 84

● Honorable mentions: Arena Breakout, Call of Dragons, MARVEL SNAP, Undawn

Best Pick Up & Play: MONOPOLY GO!

● Honorable mentions: Chrome Valley Customs, Mighty DOOM, Monster Hunter Now, Ninja Must Die

Best Indies: Vampire Survivors

● Honorable mentions: Roto Force, Song of Bloom, Super Meat Boy Forever, Underground Blossom

Best Story: Honkai: Star Rail

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● Honorable mentions: Down in Bermuda, FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS, Lost Words: Beyond the Page, MementoMori: AFKRPG

Best Ongoing: Stumble Guys

● Honorable mentions: Clash of Clans, EA SPORTS FCTM Mobile Soccer, Merge Gardens, Royal Match

Best Games for Good: Pokémon Sleep

● Honorable mentions: Beecarbonize, Garden Joy - Design Game, Lingo Legend Language Learning, Longleaf Valley: Merge & Plant

Best on Play Pass: Magic Rampage

● Honorable mentions: ARIDA: Backland’s Awakening, Linea: An Innerlight Game, Machinarium, Silly Royale – Devil Amongst Us

Best for Tablets: Honkai: Star Rail

● Honorable mentions: MARVEL SNAP, MONOPOLY GO!, Roto Force, SOULS

Best for Chromebooks: Minecraft

Best on Google Play Games on PC: Arknights

Best books of 2023

“In the Lives of Puppets” by TJ Klune (Ebook, Audiobook)

“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese (Ebook, Audiobook)

“All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel” by S.A. Cosby (Ebook, Audiobook)

“Bellies: A Novel” by Nicola Dinan (Ebook, Audiobook)

“The Art of Scandal” by Regina Black (Ebook, Audiobook)

“Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir” by Lamya H (Ebook, Audiobook)

“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros (Ebook, Audiobook)

“Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko (Ebook, Audiobook)

“Boys Weekend” by Mattie Lubchansky (Ebook)

“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin (Ebook, Audiobook)

Topics Google