Summary

• Xbox's Developer Direct next week will showcase four games, with the identity of the fourth remaining a mystery.
• Hints suggest the mystery game is a new entry in a renowned Japanese franchise.
• Speculation points towards possibilities like Resident Evil, Persona, or a new Ninja Gaiden, but the actual title remains undisclosed.

Xbox's third annual Developer Direct, airing next week, has generated considerable excitement, particularly surrounding a fourth, unannounced game. Launched in January 2023, the Developer Direct series has become a key event, famously unveiling Hi-Fi Rush in its inaugural show. Last year's event highlighted titles like Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and featured Square Enix showcasing 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 mystery fourth game, however, is the source of much online discussion, with fans speculating about potential titles like Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, or even Gears of War: E-Day.

Jez Corden of Windows Central offered a significant clue, describing the mystery game as 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 might suggest a return, the ongoing PlayStation partnership for Final Fantasy makes a new entry in that franchise unlikely in the near future.

Other strong contenders include Capcom's Resident Evil, particularly given rumors of a long-in-development Resident Evil 9. Sega's Persona is another possibility, especially considering Xbox's marketing collaboration with Sega on Metaphor: ReFantazio, and rumors of a 2025 Persona 6 release. A new Ninja Gaiden from Team Ninja is also a compelling option, given the franchise's strong association with Xbox during the original Xbox era.

Despite the exciting possibilities, the true identity of the fourth game remains a secret. Viewers are encouraged to tune in to the Xbox Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23rd, to learn more about South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and finally unveil the mystery game.