Microsoft kicked off 2025 with a bang during its Xbox Developer Direct event, which featured big reveals like Ninja Gaiden 4 and a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Doom: The Dark Ages. The event, held on Thursday, offered extended gameplay footage and developer insights into four Xbox studio games: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Ninja Gaiden 4.
This Developer Direct was an important move for Microsoft, especially with Sony continuing to lead in console and software sales, and Nintendo already making waves with the announcement of the Switch 2. It looks like the strategy paid off, as excitement for the new Doom and Ninja Gaiden titles has skyrocketed after the event.
How to Watch the Xbox Developer Direct?
You can catch the full replay of the event on various platforms, including YouTube, the Xbox and Bethesda Twitch channels, the Xbox ASL Twitch channel, and the official Xbox page on Facebook.
Highlights from the Xbox Developer Direct:
The event’s big reveal was the mystery game, Ninja Gaiden 4. Team Ninja, in collaboration with Platinum Games (the creators of Bayonetta and Nier: Automata), is bringing the beloved franchise back. The new game introduces a fresh protagonist, Yakumo, while staying true to the series' trademark difficulty, although newcomers will find the gameplay more accessible. Additionally, a remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black from 2008 is now available for Xbox Game Pass.
South of Midnight from Compulsion Games was another major highlight. Set in a fictional Southern town in the U.S., this action-adventure game puts players in the shoes of Hazel, who uses her weaving abilities to cleanse corrupted creatures. The game is slated for release on April 8.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG from Sandfall Interactive. It blends traditional turn-based combat with active battle mechanics, allowing characters to dodge, combo, and parry during fights. The game will launch on April 24.
The event wrapped up with a first look at Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel to 2016's Doom reboot. This new entry will feature slower, more methodical combat with new mechanics. Players will control the Doom Slayer as he battles demons with fresh weapons, including a shield saw, new melee tools, a cybernetic dragon, and a giant mech.
All of the games shown during the Xbox Developer Direct will be available on Xbox Game Pass upon release, giving subscribers immediate access to the action.

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