Xbox Mystery Game Reveal Set for Jan 23: Insider

Summary

• Xbox's upcoming Developer Direct will showcase four games, with the fourth game's identity currently unknown.
• The mystery title appears to be a new installment in a classic Japanese franchise.
• Potential candidates include Resident Evil, Persona, or Ninja Gaiden - though surprises shouldn't be ruled out.

As Xbox prepares for its third annual Developer Direct next week, industry insiders are speculating about the unannounced fourth game featured in the showcase. Since launching in January 2023, Xbox's Developer Directs have given studios a platform to connect directly with fans, with memorable moments like Hi-Fi Rush's surprise release establishing the event as must-watch programming. Last year's presentation revealed details about Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, while Square Enix debuted Visions of Mana.

Developer Direct Returns With Mystery Title

The upcoming Developer Direct premiering January 23 will spotlight three confirmed games launching in 2025: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Sandfall Interactive's turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, Xbox has teased an additional fourth game reveal without providing specifics, fueling fan speculation ranging from Fable and The Outer Worlds 2 to Gears of War: E-Day.

Windows Central's Jez Corden offered potentially significant insight about this mystery title in a recent feature, describing it as "a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP which has decades of history." This suggests the game likely isn't from Microsoft's first-party studios.

Analyzing Potential Candidates

While Square Enix appeared at last year's Direct with Visions of Mana, another Final Fantasy reveal seems improbable given PlayStation's exclusivity deal and recent major releases. Other compelling possibilities include:

• Resident Evil: Though traditionally revealed at PlayStation events, Capcom's Resident Evil 9 reportedly entered development years ago and may be ready for announcement
• Persona: With Xbox partnering with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio's marketing, Persona 6 (rumored for 2025) would be a massive get
• Ninja Gaiden: Team Ninja could revive this classic Xbox franchise that debuted on the original console

Viewers can tune in January 23 to learn more about the confirmed titles and discover the identity of this mystery Japanese franchise entry. The Developer Direct begins at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT.