A new year brings with it a new slate of video game releases, some of which have yet to even be announced yet. While new games will no doubt be announced in the coming months at events such as the rumored Xbox-Bethesda Conference, Summer Game Fest, and E3 2023, there is already a strong line-up of games confirmed for the new year. Even if some of these are delayed out of their original spots or some even end up in 2024, 2023 has the makings of a great year.
Every game below has a confirmed release date or, at least, a confirmed release window for 2023. The following are the most anticipated games of 2023, listed in order of release date.
Dead Space Remake (January 27)
Dead Space 3 released back in 2013, making the upcoming Dead Space Remake the first "new" franchise entry in nearly a decade. It seems to be incredibly faithful, with the game retaining the same plot with a few gameplay improvements. Perhaps the biggest change is Dead Space Remake's Isaac being fully voiced as he was in the original sequel and threequel, and while it remains to be seen how that is received, that hasn't stopped the hype train from going ahead full steam. It's not the first release of the new year, but it's high on the list of many personal anticipated lists for January.
Dead Space will release on January 27, 2023, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Hogwarts Legacy (February 10)
Although the upcoming game is mired in controversy because of J.K. Rowling, there's no doubt many Harry Potter fans are looking forward to Hogwarts Legacy after years of anticipation. Many fans have wanted a full-blown RPG set in Hogwarts for some time, and that's how this game bills itself. Set in the 1890s, players take on the role of an unusual Hogwarts student entering in the fifth year. The customizable playable character has ties to an ancient secret, a mysterious forgotten magic, and more, with the game also allowing players to choose their Hogwarts House, have friends that represent each of them, and more. Indeed, the hype is palpable for a potentially definitive Harry Potter experience.
Hogwarts Legacy launches on February 10, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with PS4 and Xbox One versions coming on April 4 and the Switch version launching on July 25.
Like a Dragon: Ishin (February 21)
The original Like a Dragon: Ishin! Released back in February 2014, but only in Japan, never making it to a worldwide audience. However, since then, the Like a Dragon franchise has grown and flourished around the globe, and this remake is coming to the world over in February 2023. Unlike most entries in the franchise, this game takes place in the Late Edo Period (1853-1867). In it, players take on the role of Sakamoto Ryoma as they attempt to find their mentor's murderer during a Tosa takeover, while dealing with the streets of Kyoto and joining the Shinsengumi.
Like a Dragon: Ishin releases February 21, 2023, for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (March 17)
Cal Kestis' journey continues in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which is set five years after the first game. Outside a potential scattering of the Mantis Crew, not much about the story has been shown so far, but its gameplay speaks for itself. There are plenty of new additions, such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's blaster + lightsaber combo as well as the crossguard lightsaber, and a plethora of new Force powers and applications thereof to engage with too. It's incredibly exciting, especially when its release is only a few months away.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor releases on March 17, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Resident Evil 4 Remake (March 24)
Capcom has a reputation for high-quality remakes, and that reputation combined with one of the most beloved games in the Resident Evil franchise, RE4, is a match made in heaven. Fans can expect some improved connections across the franchise's various parasites and viruses, as seen in the Resident Evil 3 remake, but other improvements include an updated control scheme, new gameplay mechanics, improved graphic and character models, and much, much more.
Resident Evil 4 launches March 24, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Dead Island 2 (April 28)
For the longest time, Dead Island 2 seemed like a pipe dream that was never coming out until it officially received a release date of February 3. However, following this official re-reveal and announcement, Dead Island 2 has ironically been delayed to its current release date of April 28. It's uncertain if this release date will stick, but hopefully, fans will be able to check it out sooner rather than later, given the extended wait for it already. It takes place in an open-world Los Angeles, semi-jokingly referred to as Hell-A, during its zombie outbreak quarantine. Players will be able to take on the role of slayers with unique abilities, with a few playable Dead Island 2 characters, such as Jacob, Amy, Ryan, and Dani, revealed so far.
Dead Island 2 releases on April 28, 2023, on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (May 12)
Sequel to the open-world epic The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been a long time coming. Fans have kept their eyes on the ground for every possible Nintendo event it could be at, and barring any more delays, it seems 2023 will be its year. Link and Zelda seem to be separated again, something strange is potentially going on with Malice and Ganondorf, and there are now floating islands above Hyrule. Fans can expect more information early next year, heading into launch.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases May 12, 2023, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (May 26)
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League pits the likes of Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark against the Brainiac-controlled Justice League, including Superman, Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and potentially more. Based on trailers from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, it seems Wonder Woman has somehow escaped Brainiac's control, but it's not certain yet what this means for the story. It's also a co-op squad-based game, where unlike its DC predecessor Gotham Knights, players can switch between characters at will when playing solo; those not currently controlled by the player are AI. Beyond its promising premise, story beats, and gameplay elements, it's also in development by Rocksteady, a beloved studio that worked on the Batman: Arkham games before this.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launches May 26, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Street Fighter 6 (June 2)
Street Fighter 6 is the next entry in the beloved fighting game franchise, coming with three main game modes: Fighting Ground (local and online versus battles), World Tour (single-player story), and Battle Hub (online lobby mode). Of course, its story has had little confirmed so far when gameplay is the driving force behind it, with features like Drive Gauge and super combos being shown off in the story's stead. More is likely to be revealed in the coming months. As of this writing, Street Fighter 6 has 18 characters confirmed for launch so far, 6 of whom are brand new to the franchise.
Street Fighter 6 will be released on June 2, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Diablo 4 (June 6)
Diablo 4 sees players come face to face with a resurrected Lilith, whose strength grows rapidly as the armies of angels and demons are weak following past games. Players can take on one of five Diablo 4 classes, those being the Barbarian, the Sorceress, the Druid, the Rogue, and the Necromancer. Several gameplay changes, features, and more have been detailed over the past few months, with more likely to be confirmed over the next few months too.
Diablo 4 launches on June 6, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.