The fact that we’re nearly a quarter through the year might be troubling to some people. “Where has the year gone?” they might say. We at Stuff, on the other hand, relish the constant tick of time because it edges us closer to cool tech launches and new video game releases. Instead of having to keep track of the latter yourself, we’ve put a list together of the biggest titles releasing in 2023’s second quarter so you can add them to your calendar. You might want to use a pencil though — the possibility of a delay always lurks in the shadows.
April
Minecraft Legends – 18 April
While some video game snobs might turn their noses up at the mention of Minecraft, there’s no denying its mass appeal. It isn’t one of the best-selling video games of all time for nothing. Minecraft Legends seeks to replicate at least some of that success. The upcoming action-strategy game is set in the extended Minecraft universe and tasks players with defending the Overworld from Nether corruption and invading Piglins, either alone or with up to three friends. When it launches it will be available on pretty much everything, other than smartphones.
Dead Island 2 – 21 April
As mentioned earlier, the video game industry is intimately familiar with delays, whether that be a week, a month, or a generation. Dambuster Studio’s zombie-killing sequel to Dead Island, released in 2012, had its first announcement trailer at E3 2014. Now, nine years later, we’re set to finally receive Dead Island 2. Originally slated for a 3 February release, it was pushed back to 28 April and then brought forward a week, finally settling on 21 April. You can expect a similar first-person hack-and-slash-style zombie-slayer to the first game with a new combat system, among others. If it isn’t delayed again, you can pick it up on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, and PC.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – 28 April
Cal Kestis returns from his break after Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order in 2019 to Respawn’s sequel – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Set five years after the last game, Cal continues his struggle to save the galaxy from the deviousness of the Empire. Players will explore more of the Star Wars galaxy and dispatch their foes with the same cinematic combat system as the first game and additional lightsaber fighting styles and force abilities. Get it on PS5, Xbox Series S and X, or PC.
May
Redfall – 2 May
Discover the truth and save the town of Redfall from a legion of vampires single-handedly or with three friends in this new story-driven open-world first-person shooter by Arkane Austin, the same studio behind Prey and Dishonored. The roster of playable characters all feature unique skills to unlock and we’re sure there’ll be no shortage of methods for exterminating the blood-drinking bat people. Play it on the day of release with Xbox Games Pass on PC or Xbox Series S and X.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – 12 May
It isn’t even out yet and we’re sure it’s already on a few Game of the Year lists. Tears of the Kingdom certainly has large loafers to fill with everyone expecting something as good or better than Breath of the Wild. That could turn out to be to its own detriment. But this is Nintendo we’re talking about. If there’s one thing it’s good at, that’s making a good Legend of Zelda game. Unfortunately, you’ll need to own a Switch to play this one. No exceptions.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – 26 May
Learning from your mistakes is widely regarded as a good idea. Learning from the mistakes of others is up there as well. From what we know of it so far, it doesn’t look like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has done that. Marvel’s Avengers sounded like a good idea at first and turned out to be a money siphon disguised as a video game that only lasted two and a bit years. But hopefully, the team from Rocksteady Studios (the same team responsible for the Batman Arkham series) proves us (and everyone else) wrong. If you want to see for yourself, it’ll have to be on PS5, Xbox Series S and X, or PC.
June
Street Fighter 6 – 2 June
Capcom’s latest entry to the Street Fighter series is nearly upon us, seven years after its predecessor launched and became a staple in fighting esports. Aside from the return of many fan favourite fighters, Street Fighter 6 will be the first next-gen fighting game which will undoubtedly give it a foot up in becoming the choice of esports fighting competitors. Behind Smash Bros, of course. Once released, it will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S and X.
Diablo 4 – 6 June
Ten years have passed since Blizzard released Diablo 3 and what better way to apologize for Diablo Immortal than to release what fans wanted from the start. Diablo 4 is set years after Diablo 3‘s Reaper of Souls expansion. That came out in 2014 so we won’t blame you if you need a recap. Apparently, there will be a large focus on decision-making in Diablo 4 as it opts to forego a linear story. As is usually the case these days, there’ll be an open world to explore, loot to collect, XP to gain, and skill trees to unlock. Whether you do that alone, or with a party is up to you. As long as you and your friends are playing on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series S and X, you should be fine.
Final Fantasy 16 – 22 June
We could’ve sworn Square Enix already released this one what with the Final Fantasy franchise jumping all over the place between main instalments and remakes. Apparently not. The latest FF title makes the switch to real-time combat and will feature grand, cinematic boss battles. And if you are worried about a short game, don’t. According to producer Naoki Yoshida, there are eleven hours of cinematic cutscenes alone. Franchise fans will have to own a PS5 if they want to play this one in the first six months after it launches. There has been talk of a PC version releasing at some point, but that hasn’t been set in stone yet. In the video game industry, nothing is.
