Xbox's upcoming Developer Direct will unveil four games, with the fourth remaining a closely guarded secret. Hints suggest this mystery title is a new installment in a renowned Japanese franchise with a rich history.
Speculation is rife among fans and industry insiders. The annual Developer Direct, established in January 2023, has become a highly anticipated event following the surprise release of Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush after the inaugural show. Last year's event showcased titles like Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and featured Square Enix presenting 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 identity of the fourth game, however, is shrouded in mystery. While fans eagerly anticipate announcements like Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, or Gears of War: E-Day, industry analyst Jez Corden suggests the game hails from a legendary Japanese IP, potentially ruling out Xbox's first-party studios.
Several possibilities are being discussed. While a new Final Fantasy title from Square Enix is tempting, their existing PlayStation partnerships and recent major releases make this scenario less likely. Other strong contenders include Capcom's Resident Evil (though traditionally revealed at PlayStation events), Sega's Persona (given Xbox's collaboration with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio), and a potential Ninja Gaiden revival from Team Ninja, considering the franchise's strong ties to Xbox during the original Xbox era.
Ultimately, all these are just educated guesses. To uncover the truth, viewers are encouraged to tune into Xbox's Developer Direct on January 23rd to witness the reveal of this enigmatic fourth game alongside the already confirmed titles.