Recapping Xbox’s “Developer_Direct 2025”
On January 23, Xbox hosted a special live stream where four development studios give a behind a scenes look at their respective titles. Those studios are Compulsion Games, Sandfall Interactive, ID Software, and a special fourth guest that wasn’t revealed until the day of. It’s a smaller scale event compared to the Summer Showcase, allowing for a more intimate look for what is coming to Xbox very soon. Every game listed will be playable day one with an active Game Pass subscription. Here’s a short recap of the Direct, and should any of these games catch your interest be sure to watch the full event for more information.
Team Ninja - Ninja Gaiden 4 / Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
The aforementioned unannounced fourth guest was Team Ninja, who went first to reveal their latest game: Ninja Gaiden 4. Working alongside Platinum Games, developers of NieR:Automata and Metal Gear Rising: Revengence, they are shaping Ninja Gaiden 4 to be the most ambitious in the series. It possesses the tone of the original games with it’s brooding environment juxtaposed with zany, bloody animations. Ninja Gaiden 4 is everything that a fan could have wanted to see in a follow up entry. Ryu Hayabusa is back as the main protagonist, alongside the promise of returning characters alongside new ones such as Yakumo, who plans to follow in Ryu’s footsteps to become a Master Ninja. Combat looks gratifying with excellent kill feedback, where every slash of a sword can paint the room red. Ninja Gaiden 4 releases in Fall 2025 for Xbox Series S|X, PS5 and PC. There is something to hold you over until then.
Alongside the annoucement of Ninja Gaiden 4, Team Ninja also revealed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. A full remake of 2008’s Ninja Gaiden II using Unreal Engine 5. This is available to download as of right now with Xbox Game Pass.
Compulsion Games - South of Midnight
South of Midnight is the next title from Compulsion Games, previously known for games such as We Happy Few and Contrast. The game follows Hazel, a 19 year old girl who lives in the American Deep South who gets forced into whimsical environments, all of which are inspired by Southern folklore. The game takes on a hand-crafted look, almost akin to stop-motion during the cut-scenes. Each world follows a unique creature, which are facilitated by all the various and unique landscapes. Looking at combat, it appears to come off as a “souls-like” but it seems to only via it’s camera perspective and lock on. Here it is all about precise timing with parrying and speed to land follow-up shots and string combos. South of Midnight launches April 8th, on Xbox Series X|S and on PC.
Sandfall Interactive - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Expedition 33 is a debut title by Sandfall Interactive, a small independent studio based in France. It’s a turn-based RPG, with a “reactive” combat system to allow for real-time inputs during attacking and defending. This means those who are more akin to classic JRPGs can take a more laid back methodical approach whereas those who want the thrill of combat can engage in more risky maneuvers. On the subject of classic JRPGs, Sandfall showed off a complete world map, you get to explore the entire world at your own pace and go crazy looking for every secret. With hundreds of options at the player’s helm for various builds, there’s no telling what isn’t possible in this world. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches on April 24th on Xbox Series X|S, and on PC.
ID Software - DOOM: The Dark Ages
Set before the events of DOOM (2016), this is a more grounded take on DOOM. ID Software describes it this way: if in DOOM Eternal you were a fast fighter jet, in this game you’re more of a heavy tank. There isn’t as much of a focus on vertical movement as there is on placing your shots and strafing just like you did back in 1993. The Slayer also comes equipped with a Shield Saw, and three melee weapons. DOOM’s combat is frantic and there is barely a moment to think, so to facilitate the adrenaline of fighting demons with the right tools, ID has made most actions contextual. What this means is one button can be responsible for multiple functions. For example, the Shield Saw will be thrown if the button is pressed at an enemy far away, or it’ll bash the poor demon on the ground two feet away. DOOM: The Dark Ages releases on May 15 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.
Overall, Xbox’s Developer_Direct 2025 is a unique idea and one that I hope continues. Giving these games the center stage allows all of the developers to rightfully show off their work. On one hand, it’s amazing to learn more about games we knew were coming such as DOOM. However, there’s also the joy that comes with learning about something new. There’s new in the sense of a brand new announcement such as Ninja Gaiden 4. However, there’s also the joy in learning more about a game that you may have heard about in passing. For me, that was Expedition 33. Hearing about the central story, the real time battle mechanics, and the build crafting, they are all characteristics of other games I enjoy. Without events like these, there’s so many games that will be forgotten over time. Passion is what I always believe will drive this industry forward. Watching the joy bloom when everyone was discussing their games just left me feeling excited. Here’s to a strong 2025 for Xbox!
