Xbox has announced that another Developer_Direct is scheduled for later this month, showcasing upcoming titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Additionally, fans can expect to see a “brand new game” from a secret studio during this event.
The Developer_Direct in January 2025 is set to air via official Xbox social media channels at 10 a.m. PT on January 23. This will be the latest in a series of showcases that Xbox initiated in 2023, aimed at providing insight into future Xbox games and their development teams. The first Developer_Direct led to the surprise release of Hi-Fi Rush, and past showcases have featured titles such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Minecraft Legends, Forza Motorsport, Redfall, Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Visions of Mana, and Ara: History Untold.
This upcoming event will spotlight games that are confirmed for release within the year, with an Xbox Wire post hinting at various details about them. We will finally experience the “full reveal” of Doom: The Dark Ages, the latest shooter from iD Software, which was initially teased during the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. A comprehensive exploration of South of Midnight is also confirmed, providing another glimpse into the action-adventure game that takes inspiration from American Deep South folklore. Digital Trends was particularly impressed with the game during our visit to Complusion Games’ studio last November.
On the independent games front, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is also set to appear. This visually stunning RPG garnered attention during the latest Xbox showcase, and developer Sandfall Interactive is expected to provide insights into the game’s development, sharing details about how they plan to deliver an engaging story set in an enchanting fantasy world. Fans are hopeful for release dates for these eagerly awaited titles on Game Pass.
The most thrilling aspect of this Developer_Direct is the announcement that Xbox Wire hints at a visit to a surprise location to unveil another studio’s new game. While no specifics have been disclosed, rumors abound that it may involve an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. However, the use of the term “brand new game” suggests otherwise, so we will have to tune in during the showcase in a couple of weeks to discover what’s in store.
