
Xbox's upcoming Developer Direct will unveil four games, with the fourth remaining a secret. Hints suggest it's a new installment in a renowned Japanese franchise.
Speculation is rife, with possibilities including a new entry in the Resident Evil, Persona, or Ninja Gaiden series. However, the actual reveal could be entirely unexpected.
Xbox's Developer Directs, initiated in January 2023, have become known for showcasing upcoming titles from their studios and partners. The inaugural event surprisingly launched Hi-Fi Rush, setting a high bar for subsequent shows. Last year's event featured Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and a presentation from Square Enix showcasing Visions of Mana.
This year's Direct, scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, will feature Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The identity of the fourth game, however, remains shrouded in mystery. Fan speculation ranges from Fable and The Outer Worlds 2 to Gears of War: E-Day.
Industry insider Jez Corden hinted that the mystery game is a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history," suggesting it's not from an Xbox first-party studio.
While a Square Enix appearance, perhaps with a new Final Fantasy title, is conceivable, the ongoing PlayStation partnership for Final Fantasy makes this unlikely, especially given the recent releases of major titles in the franchise.
Other strong contenders include Capcom's Resident Evil (though new entries are often revealed at PlayStation events), Sega's Persona (given Xbox's marketing partnership with Sega for Metaphor: ReFantazio), and a potential Ninja Gaiden revival from Team Ninja, considering the franchise's strong ties to Xbox during the original Xbox era.
Ultimately, all are just educated guesses. Viewers should tune in to the Xbox Developer Direct on January 23rd to witness the unveiling of the mystery game and the other announced titles.