We're busy speculating about the possible surprise at the Xbox Developer Direct in January 2025 – and invite all of you to join in.
Guest article by Patrick C. alias khromb
As already announced, the Developer_Direct instead of. That means waiting another two weeks and speculating what to expect.
As we already know, we're heading to Montreal this year to take a look at Compulsion Games South of midnight to throw. We're going to Montpellier to Sandfall Interactive Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 will show and to the id Software studios in Texas to find out more DOOM: The Dark Ages to find out.
We also go to another special place where another game is shown. Exactly is said: “[…] Visit a surprise location to see another studio’s brand new game.”
Which has already led to the wildest speculation. This is at the top of the rumors Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remakefollowed by Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth for Xbox and Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PS5. How does this fit in with Microsoft's announcement? Somehow not at all!
The following facts:
- All announced titles shown during the Xbox Developer_Direct event are projects from studios that are either part of Xbox Game Studios or work closely with Microsoft. This means that the development of these games is supported and promoted through such collaborations.
- Microsoft is focused on strengthening the Xbox platform and Xbox Game Pass. The development of new and innovative games as well as the expansion of the Game Pass are central components.
- Joe Skrebels writes in the announcement of a brand new game from another studio. This doesn't necessarily indicate a remake, remaster, sequel, or port to another platform.
So any speculation doesn't fit with the surprise title. But this doesn't mean that there couldn't be another special surprise, like in 2024 Visions of Mana and closer collaboration with Square Enix.
I would even be so free as to expand the list of possible special announcements to include the titles Fallout 3 Remaster, Dishonored 3 and Ghostwire 2.
Which studios are the most likely key candidates to unveil a surprise title during the Xbox Developer Direct event?
- Project Mara by Ninja Theory
- AAA Titles from Elsewhere Entertainment: Elsewhere Entertainment is a new studio from Activision headquartered in Warsaw, Poland. The studio is working on developing a new, narrative AAA franchise. According to one Job description is a brand new narrative open-world game.
- Clockwork revolution by InXile Entertainment
- Always wild from Rare
- Perfect dark by The Initiative
Since Microsoft is active in expanding and integrating Asian studios, it could also be an announcement of a brand new game from an Asian studio. This has too Jez Corden from WindowsCentral hinted and says that a Japanese IP will be revealed that should make fans very happy. Lost Odyssey 2, Blue Dragon 2 or a new Ninja Gaiden? What do you all mean?
It could also be a completely unannounced title from the multitude of development studios that work with Microsoft. It's not that easy to narrow down the surprise title here.
In the end, we won't find out until Developer_Direct, which airs on Thursday, January 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Until then, you can too Feel free to speculate in the commentswhat surprise Microsoft has prepared for the show.
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