June is going to be a massive month for the video game industry. In June, gamers can look forward to events 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 is Final Fantasy 16, scheduled to launch on June 22. Final Fantasy 16 is 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 16 alone could make June 2023 a month to remember for gamers, but there are even more massive new releases to look forward to next month.
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 the long-awaited Street Fighter 6 fighting game, but they will also be able to start their adventures in Diablo 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 of Street Fighter 6. Capcom seems to have learned from the mistakes it made with Street 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 the single-player World Tour mode that looks to be one of the most ambitious story modes that the franchise has seen to date.
Capcom is confident enough in Street Fighter 6 that it has given fans the chance to play a demo version of the game ahead of launch. A Street Fighter 6 open beta will 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 6 being 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 in Street Fighter 6 can check it out on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X, but joining it is Diablo 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 given Diablo fans multiple chances to play Diablo 4 early. It first hosted a closed beta that gave Diablo fans their first taste of the new Diablo, and then it expanded that to an open beta test. Most recently, Blizzard hosted a special Diablo 4 Server Slam event that 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 official Diablo 4 release date is on June 6, Diablo fans will have the opportunity to get early access to the game. To play Diablo 4 in 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. The Diablo 4 Ultimate Edition also comes with the accelerated battle pass that gives players 20 tier skips and the Wings of the Creator Emote.
Early access for Diablo 4 officially starts on June 2, but some gamers will get to play on June 1 depending on where they're located. Diablo 4 early access technically starts at 4pm PT on June 1, so hardcore Diablo fans can start even earlier than expected.
Just as Capcom has displayed extreme confidence in Street Fighter 6, so too has Blizzard shown confidence in Diablo 4. The Diablo 4 betas 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 4 has 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 4 will be available across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.