Xbox Developer Direct showcase reportedly coming this month

Xbox Series X restock
(Image credit: Microsoft)

A new Xbox showcase and the platform's first so-called Developer Direct will reportedly air later this month with new info on the likes of Redfall, Forza, and more. 

That's according to a new report from Windows Central, which has claimed that a new Xbox presentation has been in the works for some time, and has now clarified that a Developer Direct is coming January 25. The show hasn't been officially announced, and the outlet notes that this date is subject to change, but it is confident that titles including Redfall, Minecraft Legends, and Forza Motorsport will make an appearance. Starfield, however, apparently isn't on the guest list for now. 

The showcase seems to borrow Nintendo's Direct moniker and resemble PlayStation's State of Play in scope. Windows Central describes it as "a more intimate look at some upcoming exclusives" rather than an E3-grade blowout.  It also notes that, as the name implies, this may be the start of a new series of smaller but more regular updates from Xbox, which has recently faced criticism for its relative silence throughout 2022, especially the big holiday cycle of launches and announcements. 

Indeed, as we said in our own Xbox Year in Review 2022, Microsoft has given itself quite a lot to talk about and even more to prove after a quiet year. 

Xbox marketing VP Aaron Greenberg acknowledged this sort of feedback in a December tweet, assuring fans that the platform has "a lot planned to show and share about an incredibly exciting year ahead." He added that "you will not have to wait too long for what's next from us," and as it happens, just this morning he teased that "this should be a fun week." Assuming this Developer Direct showcase is real and scheduled for later this month, we may see Xbox confirm it sooner rather than later – potentially in the days ahead.  

Check out our updated new games 2023 list for all the hottest titles coming this year. 

Austin Wood
Senior writer

Austin has been a game journalist for 12 years, having freelanced for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, IGN, Sports Illustrated, and more while finishing his journalism degree. He's been with 12DOVE since 2019. They've yet to realize his position is a cover for his career-spanning Destiny column, and he's kept the ruse going with a lot of news and the occasional feature, all while playing as many roguelikes as possible.

Read more
A close-up of the Doom Slayer in the upcoming PC game, Doom: The Dark Ages.
Xbox Developer Direct kicks off 2025 with Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur, and a "surprise" fourth game
A close-up of the Doom Slayer in the upcoming PC game, Doom: The Dark Ages.
Xbox Developer Direct 2025: date, time, and where to stream the showcase
Doom: The Dark Ages key art featuring the slayer on top a pile of bodies with the ruins of hell behind them
Everything announced at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025
South of Midnight Big Preview GamesRadar
12DOVE Big Preview reveal: This month, we are diving deep into South of Midnight
Upcoming Xbox Series X games header image featuring State of Decay 3, Fable 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and South of Midnight
Upcoming Xbox Series X games for 2025 and beyond
Avowed screenshot showing the lush fantasy realm called The Living Lands, with the protagonist looking at a lush cave powered by magical energy
With the release of Avowed just days away, Xbox is set to kick off its most important year of the current generation
Latest in Games
Ultima Online
As Ultima Online approaches its 28th birthday, former creative lead reveals what it takes for an MMO to last for decades, and why they sometimes fail: "Content does not last forever"
Link and Epona
A Zelda movie is finally happening, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto used to adamantly oppose the idea even "if Steven Spielberg himself" wanted to do it
Stardew Valley
With another "thank you," Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone brings an update arc to a close with "the Switch patch to fix the last Switch patch"
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds' story is as divisive as expected: some players hate the "relentless on rails handholding," others love the build-up to "the best scene in Monster Hunter history"
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds art director and 20-year series vet says the new game intentionally leans into a question fans have debated forever: "What is a hunter?"
Absolum
The other devs behind the best retro beat-em-up in recent memory are making a co-op roguelike brawler that "channels the spirit" of Capcom's classic D&D games
Latest in News
Ultima Online
As Ultima Online approaches its 28th birthday, former creative lead reveals what it takes for an MMO to last for decades, and why they sometimes fail: "Content does not last forever"
Link and Epona
A Zelda movie is finally happening, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto used to adamantly oppose the idea even "if Steven Spielberg himself" wanted to do it
Robert Downey Jr announces his Doctor Doom casting at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
"He is so dialed in": Robert Downey Jr. is coming up with backstory and costume ideas for Doctor Doom ahead of Avengers: Doomsday
Stardew Valley
With another "thank you," Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone brings an update arc to a close with "the Switch patch to fix the last Switch patch"
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
Over 80 countries and 42 days: the first Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie's remarkable staggered release plans have been revealed – including a US date
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds' story is as divisive as expected: some players hate the "relentless on rails handholding," others love the build-up to "the best scene in Monster Hunter history"