Microsoft has officially announced their highly anticipated Xbox Developer Direct event, set to take place on January 18 at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. This event is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase for several eagerly awaited titles, including the much-discussed Indiana Jones game from MachineGames, Obsidian’s Avowed, Oxide Games’ Ara: History Untold, and Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Fans should note, however, that Activision Blizzard games are not expected to be featured in this broadcast.
The Developer Direct will be accessible via Xbox’s various broadcasting channels, as mentioned in the recent press release.
Microsoft has provided a detailed lineup of what to expect:
Indiana Jones game: Expect a detailed look at the new Indiana Jones game from MachineGames, the acclaimed creators of the Wolfenstein series. This session will include over 10 minutes of footage, offering a first glimpse into gameplay, developer insights, narrative context, and how players will embody the iconic Indiana Jones. Additionally, the first gameplay trailer will be unveiled, highlighting his latest worldwide escapade.
Avowed: Join Obsidian Entertainment as they delve into Avowed, their forthcoming fantasy action RPG. Set in the enchanting Living Lands, this segment will focus on how Obsidian’s renowned expertise in crafting intricate, thematic worlds and dynamic gameplay is brought to life in Avowed. Players can anticipate insights into how their choices will shape the game’s narrative and their overall experience.Ara: History Untold: Oxide Games, a team of strategy game veterans and the minds behind titles like Civilization V, will reveal new gameplay footage and share insights into their upcoming historical grand strategy game. This segment will explore the game’s inspiration, key features, and future developments.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Ninja Theory at their Cambridge studio, where they will discuss the creation of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The team will highlight their dedication and intricate approach to crafting Senua’s continuing journey.
While the Developer Direct is focused on these titles, there’s ambiguity about whether Microsoft will reveal other games. A separate segment dedicated to The Elder Scrolls Online will follow the main event. Microsoft encourages fans to follow Xbox and Bethesda’s official social channels for more updates regarding the Direct.
In other news, there’s been speculation this week about Microsoft’s plans, particularly regarding Sea of Thieves, an Xbox console exclusive. Rumors suggest, as reported by Stephen Totilo of Game Files and Jeff Grubb of Giant Bomb, that Sea of Thieves might be released on PlayStation 5 and potentially on Nintendo Switch, as well as other Xbox exclusives making similar moves. However, it’s unlikely that these speculated launches will be part of the announcements at the January 18 Developer Direct.
