Upcoming Releases and Ninja Surprises From Xbox Developer_Direct

At the first Xbox Developer_Direct of the year, Microsoft showed off four upcoming games with developer insights - and a remaster was shadowdropped. Doom: The Dark Ages was also confirmed for PlayStation 5 - as was Ninja Gaiden 4.

Four games and their respective developers were the focus of the first Xbox Developer_Direct of the year. The team at id Software gave a deep dive into Doom: The Dark Ages, revealing that the shooter will launch on PC (Xbox App, Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 15 May 2025. It will have no multiplayer and will focus entirely on the single-player campaign - this time with a more down-to-earth approach compared to Doom: Eternal. This time the Slayer will feel like a tank with his shield saw, but she can also stomp around with a giant mech and fly with a weaponised dragon. It is a prequel to Doom (2016) and, according to id Software, "the most ambitious Doom game to date".

Compulsion Games, an Xbox game studio from Canada, has announced South of Midnight. The third-person action-adventure game will be released on 8 April 2025 for PC (Xbox App, Steam) and Xbox Series X|S. Hazel's story "is filled with macabre Southern Gothic folklore and encounters with mythical larger-than-life creatures that shape her growth and understanding of her newfound powers".

Sandfall Interactive from France (Montpellier) and publisher Kepler Interactive showed more gameplay from the RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, in particular the 'Reactive Turn-Based' system, the unique art direction of late 19th century France and the expansive overworld map. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on 24 April 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The big surprise, or rather the previously unannounced game, was Ninja Gaiden 4 from Team Ninja, in collaboration with PlatinumGames and Xbox Game Studios Publishing, which is scheduled for release in autumn 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Set in a near-futuristic Tokyo, the fourth instalment of the ninja action-adventure series introduces an all-new protagonist in Yakumo, a young ninja prodigy whose destiny is intertwined with that of Ryu Hayabusa himself.

And a graphically remastered edition of 2008's Ninja Gaiden 2 has been shadowdropped. Publisher Koei Tecmo: "In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, players take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a deadly ninja who wields the legendary Dragon Sword while embarking on a global battle against a series of formidable foes. This bloody remaster uses Unreal Engine 5 to significantly refine the graphics, enhancing everything from character visuals to environmental backgrounds. The stages, characters, effects, and lighting have all been completely redesigned and remastered to fully immerse players in this sombre ninja world." Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is digitally available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

All games featured in the showcase will be included in select tiers of Xbox Game Pass. Next up is Avowed, the upcoming fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, which launches on 18 February 18 for PC and Xbox Series X|S.