This morning, Xbox showcased five games from developers worldwide in its first Developer_Direct for 2025.
With one game out now, three with April or May release dates, and one getting a late 2025 release date — this showcase should set Xbox fans at ease knowing plenty is coming this year, with some long-awaited games getting releases in the next few months.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Things kicked off with Koei Tecmo, Team Ninja, and PlatinumGames announcing a team-up for Ninja Gaiden 4, which will be released this Spring on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5. It’s the first game in the series for thirteen years and will serve as a continuation while also a new jumping-on point for players who haven’t checked out any of the Ninja Gaiden games before.
But that wasn’t all; they also revealed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, which is out now on Xbox and PC. Both of which will be avaliable on Xbox Game Pass.
South of Midnight
We then checked out South of Midnight, which now has a release date of April 8 on Xbox and PC and is day one of Xbox Game Pass. In this segment, Compulsion Games explained more about the store, a storm that changes protagonist Hazel’s life, and how she discovers she is a ‘Weaver’ with magical abilities. The team also spoke about the game’s Southern Gothic inspirations and drawing from Southern fairy tales for the creatures in the game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Over in France, the Developer_Direct then took us to Sandfall Interactive, where the team talked about the early days of working on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the many inspirations behind the game, from JRPGs to the art and world. The reactive turn-based combat is at the heart of everything here, but the story and characters also sound integral, which is key for any successful JRPG or one looking to be one.
We also learnt that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch on April 24 for Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
The final game in the Developer_Direct was id Software’s latest in the world of The Slayer, DOOM: The Dark Ages. Showcasing how this game will be about ‘standing and fighting’ with a shield to block and counter enemies while also, of course, featuring plenty of massive enemies. This DOOM game also features more exploration than ever before, with levels looking to have some sandbox elements, and the story will be bigger and more important than ever in a DOOM game.
DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released on May 15 for Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5.
That’s everything from the January 2025 Xbox Developer_Direct. If you want to watch it in full, watch the video below.
What did you think of this Developer_Direct? Which game are you looking forward to playing the most? Let me know in the comment section below.
