Xbox Mystery Game Announcement Set for January 23

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, and the anticipation is high, especially regarding the fourth mystery game. Since the inception of Xbox's Developer Directs in January 2023, these events have become a crucial platform for Xbox's studios to connect directly with fans, offering insights into upcoming titles. The first Developer Direct was memorable for the surprise release of Tango Gameworks' critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush. Last year's event featured detailed 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, the upcoming Developer Direct will focus on three confirmed 2025 releases: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive. However, the highlight for many is the mystery fourth game, which Xbox has kept under wraps. Speculation among fans has been rampant, with guesses ranging from Fable and The Outer Worlds 2 to Gears of War: E-Day.

In a recent feature article on Windows Central, Jez Corden shed some light on the mystery game, suggesting it's a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history." This revelation has shifted the focus away from Xbox's first-party studios and towards established Japanese franchises.

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

Given Square Enix's appearance at last year's Direct with Visions of Mana, it's tempting to speculate about another Square Enix title, perhaps a new Final Fantasy game. However, considering Square's ongoing partnership with PlayStation for Final Fantasy and the recent releases of major titles, this seems unlikely.

Other possibilities include Capcom's Resident Evil and Sega's Persona. 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 potential candidate for a reveal. On the other hand, Xbox's collaboration with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio's marketing, coupled with rumors of Persona 6's 2025 release, makes an appearance at the Developer Direct a thrilling prospect. Additionally, a new Ninja Gaiden game from Team Ninja could be on the cards, given the franchise's historical ties to Xbox during the original Xbox era.

While these speculations are exciting, they remain just that—speculations. Fans are encouraged to tune into Xbox's Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23, to get the latest updates 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.