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. However, it could turn out to be something different.
Xbox's third annual Developer Direct is set to go live next week, generating excitement among gaming enthusiasts. Since its inception in January 2023, Xbox's Developer Direct has become a key event where developers from Xbox's studios directly engage with fans, sharing insights into upcoming titles. The first Developer Direct famously shadow-dropped Tango Gameworks' critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, setting a high bar for future events. Last year's Direct provided in-depth looks at Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and featured a special appearance by Square Enix with Visions of Mana.
Scheduled for Thursday, January 23, the upcoming Developer Direct will focus on three highly anticipated 2025 titles: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive. Additionally, Xbox has teased a fourth mystery game, sparking widespread speculation among fans. While some hope for updates on Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, or Gears of War: E-Day, a feature article by Jez Corden on Windows Central suggests the mystery game might be a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history," ruling out Xbox's first-party studios.
Xbox Developer Direct Mystery Game Could Be a New Entry in a Legendary Japanese Franchise
Given Square Enix's appearance at last year's event with Visions of Mana, speculation initially pointed towards another Square Enix title, perhaps a new Final Fantasy game. However, with Square Enix's ongoing partnership with PlayStation for Final Fantasy and no new mainline entries or FF7 remakes expected soon, this seems unlikely.
Other potential candidates include Resident Evil from Capcom and Persona from Sega. While Resident Evil games are typically unveiled at PlayStation events, Resident Evil 9 has been rumored to be in development for some time, making it a possible reveal candidate. On the other hand, Xbox's collaboration with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio and rumors of Persona 6 targeting a 2025 release make Persona a strong contender. Another intriguing possibility is a new Ninja Gaiden game from Team Ninja, considering the franchise's historical ties to Xbox during the original Xbox generation.
While these speculations are thrilling, they remain just that—speculations. Fans are encouraged to tune into Xbox's Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23, to get the latest on South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and to discover the identity of the mysterious fourth game.
