Xbox's upcoming Developer Direct, airing next week, will showcase four games, with the identity of the fourth remaining a secret. Hints suggest it's a new installment in a renowned Japanese franchise with a long history.
Speculation is rife, with possibilities including a new entry in the Resident Evil, Persona, or Ninja Gaiden series. However, the game could be entirely different.
Xbox's Developer Directs, launched in January 2023, have become known for showcasing upcoming titles from their studios and partners. The inaugural event surprisingly unveiled Hi-Fi Rush, setting a high bar for future Directs. Last year's event featured 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, scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd, will feature Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The mystery fourth game adds an element of surprise. While fans have speculated about titles like Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, and Gears of War: E-Day, industry insider Jez Corden suggests the game is a new entry in a long-standing Japanese IP, potentially ruling out Xbox's first-party studios as the developers.
While a Square Enix appearance, perhaps with a new Final Fantasy title, is conceivable, the ongoing PlayStation partnership and recent Final Fantasy releases make this unlikely. Other strong contenders include Capcom's Resident Evil (though typically revealed at PlayStation events), Sega's Persona (given Xbox's past collaboration with Sega), and a potential Ninja Gaiden revival from Team Ninja, considering the franchise's history with Xbox.
Ultimately, all are just conjectures. Viewers should tune in to the Xbox Developer Direct on January 23rd to uncover the mystery and learn more about the confirmed titles.