June is going to be a massive month for the video game industry. In June, gamers can look forward toevents like the Xbox showcase, Summer Game Fest festivities, and blockbuster new game releases. Assuming all the big events and new games coming out in June 2023 live up to the hype, it could very well be one of the biggest months the gaming industry has seen in quite some time.
One of the biggest new releases in June 2023 isFinal Fantasy 16, scheduled to launch on June 22.Final Fantasy 16is the latest installment in Square Enix’s long-running JRPG franchise, and it’s looking to take the series back to its medieval fantasy roots while pushing things forward with cutting-edge graphics and a brand-new,Devil May Cry-inspired combat system.Final Fantasy 16alone could make June 2023 a month to remember for gamers, but there are even more massive new releases to look forward to next month.
RELATED:Street Fighter 6 Brings Back Character Missing Since the First Game
Out of all the days in June, the one that has potential to be the absolute biggest is easily June 2. On that day, gamers will not only be able to play thelong-awaitedStreet Fighter 6fighting game, but they will also be able to start their adventures inDiablo 4- assuming they are willing to pay a bit extra, that is.
Street Fighter 6 Has Massive Potential
Capcom has been on an absolute roll lately, and it’s looking to keep that momentum going strong with the release ofStreet Fighter 6. Capcom seems to have learned from the mistakes it made withStreet Fighter 5, which launched in a disappointing and content-deficient state.Street Fighter 6, by comparison, seems to be jam-packed with content, with an impressive roster of fighters, plenty of multiplayer game modes, and thesingle-player World Tour modethat looks to be one of the most ambitious story modes that the franchise has seen to date.
Capcom is confident enough inStreet Fighter 6that it has given fans the chance to play a demo version of the game ahead of launch. AStreet Fighter 6open betawill take place between May 19 and May 22, giving fighting game fans the chance to try out even more of the highly-anticipated game before June 2 rolls around.
Street Fighter 6being the latest installment in one of gaming’s most-beloved franchises would be enough to make June 2 one to remember for the gaming industry, but it’s not going to be alone that day. Anyone interested inStreet Fighter 6can check it out on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X, but joining it isDiablo 4’s early access, a game that also has the chance to be a Game of the Year contender.
How to Play Diablo 4 Early
So far, Blizzard has givenDiablofans multiple chances to playDiablo 4early. It first hosted a closed beta that gaveDiablofans their first taste of the newDiablo, and then it expanded that to an open beta test. Most recently, Blizzard hosted aspecialDiablo 4Server Slam eventthat gave franchise fans another opportunity to explore the game’s early hours ahead of its official release date on June 6.
While it’s true that the officialDiablo 4release date is on June 6,Diablofans will have the opportunity to get early access to the game. To playDiablo 4in early access, players have to pre-order the $90 Digital Deluxe Edition or the $100 Ultimate Edition. Besides early access, both editions give gamers access to the Light-Bearer Mount (as long as they pre-order), Caparison of Faith Mount Armor, various items for other Blizzard games, the Temptation Mount, the Hellborn Carapace Mount Armor, and the premium seasonal battle pass. TheDiablo 4Ultimate Editionalso comes with the accelerated battle pass that gives players 20 tier skips and the Wings of the Creator Emote.
Early access forDiablo 4officially starts on June 2, but some gamers will get to play on June 1 depending on where they’re located.Diablo 4early access technically starts at 4pm PT on June 1, sohardcoreDiablofans can start even earlier than expected.
Just as Capcom has displayed extreme confidence inStreet Fighter 6, so too has Blizzard shown confidence inDiablo 4. TheDiablo 4betas have earned a great deal of acclaim from fans and critics alike, and even more divisive elements like its live service features and microtransactions haven’t caused much controversy. Barring any unforeseen issues,Diablo 4has potential to be a massive hit. It may enjoy the lion’s share of its success when the official release date of June 6 comes around, but there will still be many players jumping in on June 2.Diablo 4will be available across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE:How Diablo 4’s Betas and Server Slam Should Influence Other Developers
