2023 is sizing up to be one of the biggest years for video game releases in recent memory. While multiple years have seen major titles delayed due to ongoing world events and the increasingly resource heavy nature of game development, a lot of huge games seem set to release in 2023. Meanwhile, other major titles like Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, and Hogwarts Legacy have already arrived.
One month in particular seems like it is set to be the busiest month of the year both for new game releases and industry events ahead of the holiday season, which is when most of the biggest titles of the year usually release. June 2023 seems to be setting a new trend however, as the month seems set to deliver a huge plethora of AAA game releases.
The Game Releases Of June 2023
- Street Fighter 6 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S) - June 2
- Diablo 4 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - June 6
- Crash Team Rumble (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - June 20
- Final Fantasy 16 (PS5) - June 22
June has historically been a quiet month for new game releases. While some big titles have released in the summer months, this period usually sees very few major titles release, as many publishers choose to wait until fall to release their biggest titles of the year, usually to capitalize on holiday sales. That said, June 2023 immediately starts on a strong note with the release of Street Fighter 6 on June 2, bringing Capcom's iconic fighting game series into a new era with 18 characters at launch, sporting brand-new single player options and revolutionary new mechanics. More fighters will likely arrive for years to come.
Then, another one of the year's biggest releases arrives one week later with the release of Diablo 4 on June 9. This long anticipated new entry in Blizzard's action RPG series was originally announced in 2019. After a few delays and some controversies surrounding its development, not to mention the obstacle of the ongoing Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard, it is finally gearing up for release amidst a variety of other high profile releases. Feedback has been strong regarding the multiple closed and open betas for Diablo 4, which hopefully ensures that the game does not suffer Diablo 3's infamous "Error 37" controversy.
Activision Blizzard returns only two weeks after Diablo 4's release with yet another highly anticipated game in a beloved franchise, as Crash Team Rumble is set to release on June 20. After being rumored for years following the release of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, then referred to as "Wumpa League," Crash Team Rumble is the orange marsupial's new MOBA-like spinoff, blending platforming elements with competitive action gameplay. The game features multiple characters from the Crash Bandicoot universe, including his sister Coco, his girlfriend Tawna, and villains Dr. Neo Cortex and Dingodile.
The last major release of June 2023 is one RPG fans have waited a very long time for. Coming almost seven years after the polarizing Final Fantasy 15, Square Enix is finally set to release Final Fantasy 16. News recently arrived that Final Fantasy 16 has gone gold almost three months ahead of release, indicating the level of quality Square Enix is preparing for this incredibly hyped action RPG. Originally announced back in 2020 as a timed PlayStation 5 exclusive, Final Fantasy 16's developer has often claimed that its main goal is to release an incredibly polished experience that lives up to the Final Fantasy name, and so far it seems like its efforts have paid off. Final Fantasy 16 will release on June 22.
