Xbox Mystery Game Announcement Set for January 23

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.
• Possible candidates for the mystery game include Resident Evil, Persona, and a new Ninja Gaiden, though it could be something different.

Xbox's third-annual Developer Direct is set to go live next week, and the excitement is palpable among fans. Since its inception in January 2023, the Developer Direct has been a platform for Xbox's studios to connect directly with their audience, providing in-depth looks at upcoming titles. The first event was memorable for the surprise release of Tango Gameworks' critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush. Last year's Direct featured insights into Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and a special appearance from Square Enix showcasing Visions of Mana.

Scheduled for next Thursday, January 23, the upcoming Developer Direct will highlight three confirmed 2025 games: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive. Additionally, Xbox has teased the reveal of a mysterious fourth game, igniting speculation among fans about what it might be. While some hope for titles like Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, or Gears of War: E-Day, a recent feature by Jez Corden on Windows Central suggests the mystery game could be a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history."

Xbox Developer Direct Mystery Game Could Be a New Entry in a Legendary Japanese Franchise

Given Square Enix's previous appearance at last year's Direct with Visions of Mana, fans might anticipate another Square Enix title, possibly a new Final Fantasy game. However, with Square's ongoing partnership with PlayStation for the Final Fantasy series and no immediate plans for a new mainline or FF7 remake, this seems unlikely.

Other potential candidates include Capcom's Resident Evil and Sega's Persona. While 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. Xbox's collaboration with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio's marketing also fuels speculation about Persona 6, rumored for a 2025 release. Additionally, a new Ninja Gaiden game from Team Ninja could be on the cards, given the franchise's historical ties to Xbox.

While these possibilities are thrilling, they remain speculative. Fans should tune into Xbox's Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23, to get the latest 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.