The Xbox Developer Direct Returns on January 23rd, 2025
On the 23rd of January, Xbox’s 2025 Developer Direct will showcase games from multiple studios including id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive.
Welcome to the Dark Ages
DOOM: The Dark Ages – From the twisted minds at id Software will have players dawning the mantle of the Doom Slayer during a medieval holy war. He sports a more Middle Ages-styled arsenal of weapons against the demon hordes in the latest installment of the legendary Doom franchise.
Swamp Tales
South of Midnight – Developed by the mad folks at Compulsion Games. Players will explore the American Deep South, where myth and mystery are mundane occurrences. The lead protagonist Hazel, is searching for her mother, amongst other things. South of Midnight’s voice acting and impressive stop-motion animation are also its two most notable strengths going into this game’s showcase.
Setting Sail
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – The debut game from French StudioSandfall Interactive. With a dynamic turn-based system, and a vivid art direction. Where players will lead a cast of adventurers on a warpath against a malicious deity. The game’s stellar production values and premise have captured my interest since last year’s showcase.
The Fourth horseman
Last, but not (probably) least. There will be a mystery game, and if prior years have been indicated (ala Visions of Mana and Hi-Fi Rush) we’re in for a great surprise. Unfortunately, speculation is all we can offer at this time.
Final Thoughts
On the eve of Xbox’s third Developer Direct and after many shifts in the brand, I am cautiously optimistic for this year’s line-up. More so considering these games will ultimately have to differentiate themselves and capture the imagination of a ravenous audience.
The announced titles are all varied in both setting and gameplay. None of the listed games aim for a specialized genre like Forza Motorsport 2023 or Ara: History Untold. The announcement may change this, but for now, it seems that Microsoft aims to appeal to the core gaming market.
This could be a pivot in the Xbox strategy, or perhaps these were the available titles this year. Either way, Microsoft needs consistency to follow up on Indiana Jones & The Great Circle’s momentum. And I, for one, will be watching with bated breath.
