The Xbox Developer Direct for January 2025 was held on January 23, bringing a lineup of exciting announcements for gamers worldwide.
Held online, this event showcased what’s coming to Xbox and Game Pass in 2025, including major titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4.
The showcase gave fans plenty of reasons to get hyped for what lies ahead, from release dates to gameplay deep dives.
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Ninja Gaiden 4
The standout reveal of the showcase was Ninja Gaiden 4, marking the return of the beloved franchise after more than a decade. Developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, this action-packed sequel introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo of the Raven Clan, while still featuring the iconic Ryu Hayabusa. Set in a Tokyo ravaged by the Dark Dragon’s chaos, the game promises fast-paced combat, new traversal mechanics, and Yakumo’s devastating “Bloodraven Form.”
Ninja Gaiden 4 is slated for a Fall 2025 release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with day-one availability on Game Pass. To tide fans over, a remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black shadow-dropped during the event and is now available on Game Pass.
Doom: The Dark Ages
id Software’s Doom: The Dark Ages brings a medieval twist to the franchise, serving as a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal. Players will take on larger demons in a dark fantasy world, wielding new medieval weapons like the Shield Saw and piloting cybernetic dragons and towering mechs.
Set to launch on May 15, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game will be available on Game Pass at launch. Pre-orders are now open across all platforms.
South of Midnight
Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight charmed audiences with its Southern Gothic-inspired world and magical protagonist, Hazel. Players will explore mystical lands, heal corrupted regions, and battle folklore-inspired creatures.
Releasing April 8, 2025, on PC and Xbox Series X|S, it will also launch on Game Pass. Early access begins April 3 for Premium Edition pre-orders.
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
RPG fans can look forward to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based game blending rich storytelling and strategic combat. Players will guide flawed characters through a beautifully crafted world map as they face a looming threat.
The game launches on April 24, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, and it will also be on Game Pass at release.
The Xbox Developer Direct set the stage for an exciting year with a lineup that caters to diverse gaming tastes. Whether you’re eager to dive into the dark fantasy of Doom: The Dark Ages, explore the mystical Southern Gothic world of South of Midnight, or experience the long-awaited return of Ninja Gaiden, 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for Xbox players. With many of these titles launching on Game Pass, the future of gaming has never looked brighter for fans.