Everything We Presented at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025.
The first half of 2025 for Xbox looks quite promising.
Xbox held a presentation event where it showcased various games and their release dates, making it one of the first major video game news events of the year. The presentation, which lasted nearly an hour, included in-depth trailers for highlighted titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages and South of Midnight, along with some surprises.
One of the most exciting announcements was Ninja Gaiden 4, which was unexpectedly revealed at the beginning of the Direct. This title will be co-developed by Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, known for Bayonetta. Ninja Gaiden 4 promises to bring back the series' fast-paced and bloody combat, along with challenging platforming, this time featuring a new protagonist: Yakumo. This ninja will face the Divine Dragon Order in a dystopian, ruined Tokyo. Additionally, the renowned character Ryu Hayabusa will also be present as a playable character and rival to Yakumo. The game is set to release in the fall of this year, although players won't have to wait long to enjoy the action, as Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of Ninja Gaiden II, is already available on Xbox and Game Pass.
In the segment dedicated to South of Midnight, the developers at Compulsion Games explained the gameplay and storyline of the game. Players will take on the role of Hazel, who must use her powers as a Weaver to fight monsters and navigate an enchanted landscape to rescue her mother, who is trapped by a hurricane. This title stands out for featuring an Afro-descendant protagonist, characters that evoke southern gothic folklore, and a stop-motion artistic style that makes it distinctive. It is scheduled for release on April 8.
Another title presented was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the first project from Sandfall Interactive, a studio formed by former Ubisoft developers. This turn-based RPG follows Expedition 33, which aims to stop the Paintress, a being that has devastated the world. Each year, the Paintress chooses a number, and those who reach that age disappear. The game, which features combat mechanics inspired by Persona 5, also boasts a talented voice cast, including Charlie Cox, Jennifer English, Ben Starr, and Andy Serkis. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch on April 24.
Finally, the event concluded with a trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages, the preamble to the 2016 Doom reboot and Doom Eternal. This new title not only promises the classic destructive action that fans of the series expect but will also present an unusual narrative approach for the saga. Players will be eager to pilot a mech in the shape of Doomguy when it releases on May 15.
