Xbox’s Developer_Direct on January 23, 2025 featured extended looks at South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and DOOM: The Dark Ages. The show also revealed NINJA GAIDEN 4 and surprise-released NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black. The release dates and Game Pass details below are announcements made at the time, not a check of current availability.
What was shown at Xbox Developer_Direct 2025?
The January 23 broadcast focused on gameplay and developer insights for four games: DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and NINJA GAIDEN 4. Xbox’s official recap also announced that NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, a graphical remaster of the 2008 game, was available that day.
Xbox said all games featured in the show supported Xbox Play Anywhere. For supported purchases through Xbox or Windows, that program provides cross-entitlement and cross-save functionality. The recap’s platform and Game Pass references describe the announcements made during the event; they do not confirm today’s catalog membership or availability.
South of Midnight: Southern Gothic action-adventure
Compulsion Games’ third-person action-adventure follows Hazel into a darkly magical world, where she discovers she has abilities as a Weaver. The segment highlighted Southern Gothic folklore, mythical creatures, handcrafted art, world building, and combat.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- This product contains a download code inside the box — no disc is included. Customer shipments will begin arriving November 12 for pre-load; game is playable starting November 19.
- Pre-order to receive the Vintage Vice City Pack.
- Grand Theft Auto VI is a single-player experience.
Xbox announced April 8, 2025 as the release date and listed Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and cloud. The game was announced as a day-one Game Pass release.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: turn-based RPG in a fantasy France
Sandfall Interactive’s debut game is a turn-based RPG set in a fantasy version of late-19th-century France. Its premise centers on an existential threat, while the Developer_Direct segment showcased its “Reactive Turn-Based” system, distinctive art direction, and expansive overworld map.
Rank #2
- BONUS 2X OFFER — Purchase Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 at Amazon and receive 5 hours of Double XP.**
- PRE-ORDER BONUS — Pre-order and unlock the Hunter Killer Operator Skin and the Gilded Pearl Camo Pack.*
- GLOBE‑SPANNING CAMPAIGN — Fight across the Korean Peninsula, New York, Paris, and Mumbai in a high‑stakes narrative where global conflict escalates and survival depends on tactical precision.
- MULTIPLAYER BUILT ON CONTROL — Engage in grounded, precise combat where fluid movement, player choice, and refined mechanics give you greater control in every firefight.
- TACTICAL DMZ OPERATIONS — Deploy behind enemy lines as an off‑the‑books asset, making high‑risk decisions on objectives and extraction in a dynamic mode where every run counts.
Xbox announced April 24, 2025 as the release date, listing Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox app for Windows PC, with day-one Game Pass access. The recap directed players to the developer for information about other platforms.
DOOM: The Dark Ages: a prequel with new weapons
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. Its segment covered combat, exploration, and story in a setting Xbox described as a mix of dark fantasy and science fiction, including new weapons for the Slayer.
Rank #3
- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
Xbox announced May 15, 2025 as the release date. The recap listed Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, plus day-one Game Pass availability.
NINJA GAIDEN: a new game and a surprise remaster
NINJA GAIDEN 4
Xbox revealed NINJA GAIDEN 4 for Fall 2025. The story introduces Yakumo, a new protagonist in a devastated, near-future Tokyo. Xbox highlighted Bloodbind Ninjutsu and confirmed that Ryu Hayabusa would return as a playable character.
Rank #4
- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black
The show’s surprise release was NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, a graphical remaster of the 2008 game. Xbox announced it as available on the day of the broadcast for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, and through Game Pass.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release dates and platforms announced during the show
| Game | Announced date or timing | Platforms listed in the Xbox recap | Game Pass announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| South of Midnight | April 8, 2025 | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, cloud | Day one |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | April 24, 2025 | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox app for Windows PC; recap directed readers to the developer for other platforms | Day one |
| DOOM: The Dark Ages | May 15, 2025 | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5 | Day one |
| NINJA GAIDEN 4 | Fall 2025 | Not stated in the Xbox recap | Not stated in the Xbox recap |
| NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black | Available January 23, 2025 | Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC | Announced as available through Game Pass |
These are the event’s announcement-era details. Xbox’s recap does not establish current platform availability, prices, physical editions, stock, or whether any title remains in the Game Pass catalog.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THE CITY: Put The City on your back and lead a new era of MyPLAYERs fueled by basketball. Let your passion power your unique style on and off the court, team up with friends to form a Crew, and dominate the courts at The REC, Park, and beyond.
- MyCAREER: Create a MyPLAYER and experience a legacy-defining story in MyCAREER, where you’ll be tested on your path to becoming the greatest player of all time. Shatter expectations, compete against legends of the sport, and leave your mark on NBA history.
- POWERED BY ProPLAY: Master your skills with lifelike gameplay animations directly translated from real NBA action. Use an array of ProPLAY features to cook defenders with ankle-breaking crossovers, show off your range with enhanced shooting mechanics, and become a matchup nightmare every time you step on the court.
- MyTEAM: Collect your favorite NBA and WNBA stars with ease and build a fantasy squad for the ages. Grow your collection and assemble endless lineup combinations; take control of your MyTEAM and put it to the test in single-player and multiplayer modes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
