Summary
- Xbox's Developer Direct next week will showcase four games, with the identity of the fourth game currently a mystery.
- The mystery game is hinted to be a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP.
- Some possibilities for the mystery game include Resident Evil, Persona, and a new Ninja Gaiden, though it could turn out to be something different.
Xbox's third-annual Developer Direct is set to go live next week, generating excitement among fans eager to learn more about upcoming titles. Since its inception in January 2023, the Developer Direct has been a platform for Xbox's studios to connect directly with their audience, discussing their latest projects. Notably, the first Developer Direct saw the surprise release of Tango Gameworks' acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, cementing the event's reputation for unexpected announcements. Last year's Direct featured insights into Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and a surprise appearance from Square Enix showcasing Visions of Mana.
Scheduled for next Thursday, January 23, the upcoming Developer Direct will spotlight three anticipated 2025 releases: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive. Additionally, Xbox has teased a mystery fourth game, fueling speculation and anticipation among the community. Fans have been buzzing with guesses ranging from Fable and The Outer Worlds 2 to Gears of War: E-Day.
In a recent feature on Windows Central, industry insider Jez Corden shed light on the mystery game, suggesting it could be a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history." This revelation has shifted focus away from Xbox's first-party studios, opening up a range of possibilities from renowned Japanese franchises.
Given Square Enix's previous appearance at the Direct with Visions of Mana, some speculate a new Final Fantasy game could be revealed. However, considering Square Enix's ongoing partnership with PlayStation for Final Fantasy and the recent releases of major titles in the series, this seems unlikely.
Other potential candidates include Capcom's Resident Evil and Sega's Persona. Although Resident Evil games are typically unveiled at PlayStation events, Resident Evil 9 has been rumored to be in development and could be ready for a reveal. Sega's partnership with Xbox for Metaphor: ReFantazio's marketing, coupled with rumors of Persona 6's 2025 release, makes a Persona announcement at the Developer Direct a thrilling possibility. Additionally, a new Ninja Gaiden game from Team Ninja, given its historical ties to Xbox, could also be in the cards.
While these speculations are exciting, they remain just that—speculations. Fans are encouraged to tune into Xbox's Developer Direct on January 23 to learn more about Compulsion Games' South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and to finally uncover the identity of the mysterious fourth game.
