Xbox's upcoming Developer Direct will unveil four games, with the identity of the fourth remaining shrouded in mystery. Hints suggest it's a new installment in a renowned Japanese franchise with a rich history.
Speculation is rife, with potential candidates including established IPs like Resident Evil, Persona, and a potential Ninja Gaiden revival. However, the possibility remains open for a completely unexpected title.
Xbox's Developer Direct series, launched in January 2023, has become a highly anticipated event, notably showcasing Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush as a surprise release. Last year's event featured titles such as Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and a presentation from Square Enix showcasing Visions of Mana.
This year's Direct, airing January 23rd, will highlight Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The mystery fourth game, according to industry insider Jez Corden, will be a new entry in a long-standing Japanese IP, potentially ruling out titles from Xbox's first-party studios.
While a Square Enix appearance, perhaps with a new Final Fantasy title, is conceivable, the ongoing PlayStation partnership for Final Fantasy makes this less likely, especially given recent major releases.
Other strong contenders include Capcom's Resident Evil (though traditionally revealed at PlayStation events), Sega's Persona (given Xbox's marketing partnership with Sega for Metaphor: ReFantazio), and a possible Ninja Gaiden reboot from Team Ninja, considering the franchise's strong ties to Xbox during the original Xbox era.
Ultimately, all these are just educated guesses. Viewers should tune in to the Xbox Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23rd, to witness the reveal of the mystery game alongside the other confirmed titles.
