Summary
Xbox's Developer Direct next week will showcase four games, with the identity of the fourth game currently a mystery. This mystery game is hinted to be a new entry in a legendary Japanese franchise. Possible contenders include Resident Evil, Persona, and a new Ninja Gaiden, but it could be something entirely different.
Xbox's third annual Developer Direct, airing next week, promises an exciting lineup. Building on the success of previous Directs, which famously unveiled Hi-Fi Rush and featured titles like Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, this year's event is generating significant buzz. Three confirmed games—Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and the turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—will be highlighted. However, the addition of a fourth, unannounced game, has ignited speculation among fans. Initial guesses ranged from Fable and The Outer Worlds 2 to Gears of War: E-Day.
Jez Corden of Windows Central offered a crucial clue: the mystery game is a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history," suggesting it's not from an Xbox first-party studio.
While Square Enix's presence at last year's Direct with Visions of Mana might suggest a return, a new Final Fantasy title seems unlikely due to ongoing PlayStation partnerships and the recent release of major installments.
Speculation naturally turns to other Japanese giants. Capcom's Resident Evil, long a PlayStation staple, is a possibility, especially with rumors of Resident Evil 9 in development. Sega's Persona, particularly Persona 6, is another strong contender, especially given Xbox's previous collaboration with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio. Finally, a Ninja Gaiden revival from Team Ninja, given the franchise's history with Xbox, remains a compelling possibility.
Despite the exciting speculation, the true identity of the fourth game remains a secret. Tune in to Xbox's Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23rd, to discover the answers and learn more about South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the mystery title.
