Xbox has entered 2025 with a bang, revealing tons of exciting upcoming titles and news at Xbox Developer Direct 2025. These announcements include a new addition to the Doom franchise and the return of a cult classic in a brand-new sequel. So, keep reading to learn what’s revealed during the 2025 Xbox Developer Direct!
Everything Announced in the Xbox Developer Direct 2025
The Xbox Developer Direct 2025 event
showcased over 50 minutes of previews for various games coming to Microsoft’s gaming console and other platforms. Check out these announcements below:
Doom: The Dark Ages
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
- Developer: id Software
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Game Pass at Day One
Before Doom and Doom Eternal, there's Doom: The Dark Ages. This prequel to the previous Doom games reimagines the series by opting for a dark medieval fantasy setting. Players still take on the role of the Doom Slayer to hack, slash, and shoot their way through hordes of demons as they pass through the gates of hell.
As with classic Doom gameplay, The Dark Ages still emphasizes brutal combat. However, combat has been cranked up to 11 as players can use a variety of new melee and ranged weapons. Additionally, players can pilot Atlans, massive mechs to help deal with equally (or perhaps larger) enemies.
Doom: The Dark Ages also highlights Doom Slayer's past, allowing players to look into the events leading to the later games. You start as an imprisoned outsider, and that expands to an unforgiving world filled with relentless monsters and a deep narrative.
South of Midnight
- Release Date: April 8, 2025
- Developer: Compulsion Games
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass at Day One
South of Midnight presents itself as a third-person action-adventure title set in the American Deep South. Here, players take on the role of Hazel, a young woman looking for her mother after a devastating hurricane.
Since that event, Hazel discovers she can wield, or rather “weave” magic to her will. Players can use her powers to bend reality, manipulate objects to solve puzzles, deal with enemies, and unravel the corruption afflicting the land and its ecosystem.
This game offers a unique blend of Southern folklore and mythology. Control Hazel and use her abilities to explore and encounter creatures once thought only to exist in fantasy. These beings include a talking creature stuck in a tree and Huggin’ Molly, a monstrous woman-spider.
Dive into South of Midnight and its story filled with family, healing, and confronting personal demons. Interested players can also pre-order the Standard and Premium Upgrade Edition, which grants digital freebies like an art book, an original soundtrack, and the Boo-Hag comic book.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Developer: Sandfall Interactive
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox Game Pass at Day One
Fans of classic turn-based RPGs with real-time elements like Legend of Dragoon can feel right at home with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Use familiar features like turn-based combat and reaction-based offensive and defensive abilities.
Speaking of its combat, it seems to be the highlight of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Players can dive into the game’s deep character customization while going through a range of strategic options through gear modifiers called Pictos.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also features a unique art style inspired by ceramics and Art Deco. This combination of visual aesthetics presents a visually striking and original world. Players can marvel in awe as the game’s map expands, showing a large, explorable world. Get ready to spend hours exploring hidden areas and fighting a variety of bosses.
Ninja Gaiden 4
- Release Date: Fall 2025
- Developer: PlatinumGames in collaboration with Team NINJA
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, Xbox Game Cloud, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Game Pass at Day One
Thirteen years after the release of Ninja Gaiden 3, players were graced with the sequel to this beloved action-packed title during the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. This time, players strap on the helm of a new protagonist, Yakumo. As this new ninja warrior, you must face the return of the Dark Dragon in this cyberpunk-infused reimagining of modern Tokyo.
Long-time Ninja Gaiden fans know that the series is known for its high-octane action and brutal combat, and these elements still exist in the game’s fourth installment. Prepare for challenging fights and high-speed traversal elements like wire and rail actions.
Additionally, Ninja Gaiden 4 features a new mechanic called “Bloodraven Form.” With it, Yakumo can manipulate blood to unleash devastating attacks. Despite these fresh elements, this sequel aims to preserve the series’ core gameplay and the “fairness” showcased in the other Ninja Gaiden titles.
This announcement was also met with the mention of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remaster of the 2008 classic. Interested players can now relive this cult classic on different platforms, including Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Series X|S.
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