Xbox Mystery Game Announcement Set for January 23: Insider Reveals

Summary

• Xbox's Developer Direct next week will showcase 4 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, sparking excitement and speculation among fans about the upcoming reveals. The event, which began in January 2023, has become a key platform for Xbox's studio developers to connect directly with fans and share insights into their latest projects. Notably, the first Developer Direct saw the surprise release of Tango Gameworks' critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, setting a high bar for future shows. Last year's Direct featured in-depth looks at Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and even included a segment from Square Enix showcasing Visions of Mana.

Scheduled for next Thursday, January 23, this year's Developer Direct will focus on three anticipated 2025 titles: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Sandfall Interactive's turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, the highlight of the event might be the reveal of a mysterious fourth game. Xbox has kept details under wraps, fueling speculation among the community. Fans have been buzzing with theories, ranging from Fable and The Outer Worlds 2 to Gears of War: E-Day.

In a recent feature article by Jez Corden for Windows Central, further insight into the fourth mystery game was provided. Corden hints that it could be a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history," dismissing speculations about it being from 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, some speculate that they might return with a new Final Fantasy title. However, with Square Enix's ongoing partnership with PlayStation for the Final Fantasy series and no immediate plans for a new mainline game or FF7 remake, this seems unlikely.

Other possibilities include Capcom's Resident Evil and Sega's Persona. Although Resident Evil games have typically been unveiled at PlayStation events, Resident Evil 9 is rumored to be in development and could be ready for a reveal. Meanwhile, Xbox's partnership with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio's marketing and the rumored 2025 release of Persona 6 make it a strong contender for a reveal at the Developer Direct. Additionally, a revival of Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden, a franchise with deep roots in Xbox's history, could be on the cards.

While these speculations are thrilling, they remain just that—speculations. Fans should mark their calendars for Xbox's Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23, to get the official word on Compulsion Games' South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and to finally uncover the identity of the mysterious fourth game.