Video games 2023: Watch for ‘Zelda’ sequel, ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Starfield’

A few years removed from the start of the pandemic, the video game industry appears as though it’ll be hitting its stride in 2023. Players will find plenty of new big-name titles, led by several highly anticipated sequels and a few original projects. Here’s a look:

“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” — The direct follow-up to one of the most influential games of the past generation has fans waiting with bated breath. Nintendo likes to keep the details of its games secret; all fans know from snippets of trailers and screenshots is that it will retain the mechanics of “Breath of the Wild” while also adding floating islands above Hyrule.

Details: It releases May 12 on the Nintendo Switch.

“Street Fighter 6” — The latest entry to the legendary fighting game series will likely bring an infusion of new interest in the genre. Capcom brings together many of the mechanics from previous entries and streamlines them into a more accessible but deep combat system. Not only will it likely breathe new life into fighting games, but it could bring back an arcadelike experience that the newer generation missed out on.

Details: Releases June 2 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series X and PC.

“Starfield” — This could be the year when the Xbox Game Pass proves its worth. That’s because Bethesda’s highly anticipated sci-fi role-playing game comes out on the service, and the title itself is exclusive to PC, Xbox Series X and Series S. If the game is on the level of Bethesda’s previous works such as “Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” or “Fallout 4,” it could challenge “Tears of the Kingdom” for game of the year honors.

Details: Due out sometime in 2023.