Xbox has officially announced that its next Developer Direct livestream will take place on Thursday, January 23, at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern / 6 PM UK. The event will give fans a closer look at several upcoming titles and insights from the developers behind them.
According to Microsoft, the livestream will feature a visit to Compulsion Games in Montreal to showcase South of Midnight, Sandfall Interactive in Montpellier for a preview of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and id Software in Richardson, Texas, to reveal more about Doom: The Dark Ages. Additionally, and possibly most importantly, the event will include a stop at a “surprise location” to unveil a brand-new game from another studio.
One of the highlights of the Xbox Developer Direct for January will be Doom: The Dark Ages, which Bethesda describes as an “FPS epic like nothing id Software has ever made before.” The game is set in a medieval-style world and serves as a prequel to the most recent entries in the Doom series. It is disappointing that Mick Gordon won’t be involved in the latest entry, since his music is part of the series’ identity, but otherwise, it looks like peak Doom.
South of Midnight, developed by Compulsion Games, is an adventure game set in a fictionalized version of America’s Deep South. The story follows protagonist Hazel as she navigates the aftermath of a hurricane that has destroyed her hometown.
Meanwhile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a reactive turn-based RPG inspired by the art and culture of France’s Belle Époque. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the game promises a unique visual style and gameplay experience.
There were some hushed conversations that the Xbox Developer Direct could include news about a potential remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Rumors about the project began in July 2023, but whether it actually happens on not, we’ll just have to wait and see.
