The green brand has dropped its Xbox Developer Direct for 2025, and it’s packed with some incredibly exciting reveals to help fuel what is shaping up to be this console generation’s biggest year yet. From long-awaited sequels to bold new titles, there’s a lot to get hyped about. Highlights include Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Ninja Gaiden Returns for it’s Fourth Instalment
Yes, you read that right—after over a decade, Ninja Gaiden 4 is officially happening! Developed by my dream team of Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, this entry is shaping to be a brutal return to form. While series icon Ryu Hayabusa is back, the spotlight shifts to Yakumo, a new hero from the mysterious Raven Clan.
Now that Tokyo is a hellish wasteland, courtesy of the Dark Dragon’s chaos. Yakumo must battle through a nightmarish cityscape filled with enemies and even face off against the legendary Ryu himself.
Yakumo’s arsenal includes lightning-fast movement, rail-sliding action, and the terrifyingly terrific Bloodraven Form, allowing him to manipulate blood into devastating weapons. Oh, and the Bloodbath Kill ability? Expect it to turn your enemies into gory confetti.
Release Date: Fall 2025 for PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5
You don’t have to wait to dive back into the action—Ninja Gaiden 2 Black shadow-dropped on Xbox Game Pass. So, I’ll be playing that as soon as I’ve finished typing this post.
South of Midnight Brings Southern Gothic Magic this April
From the creators of We Happy Few comes South of Midnight, an enchanting action adventure steeped in Southern Gothic vibes. Releasing April 8, it follows Hazel, a magic-wielding heroine, as she unravels the secrets of a world shaped by mythical creatures and broken memories. Expect spellbinding environments, tricky puzzles, and a narrative with heart.
Release Date: 08 April, 2025 for PC and Xbox Series X|S
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Looks Like a Fantasic New RPG
Set your sights on April 24, when Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lands on Xbox. This RPG promises a compelling blend of rich storytelling, unique character abilities, and a sprawling world map that’ll satisfy the explorer in every gamer.
Instead of the tired good-versus-evil trope, expect morally complex characters who must work together despite their flaws. Add an extensive skill tree and an RPG will be built for strategy lovers.
Release Date: 24 April, 2025 for PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5
Doom: The Dark Ages Gets its Release Date
The Slayer returns for Doom: The Dark Ages, but this time, it’s medieval. Launching May 15, this prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal delivers a brutal twist, swapping fighter-jet agility for iron-tank resilience.
Weapons like the Shield Saw, Electric Gauntlet, and Spiked Mace bring creative carnage to the battlefield, while a giant Cyber-Dragon with Gatling Guns sounds like every Doom fan’s wet dream come true. Add exploration, hidden paths, and (finally) cinematic storytelling; this could be the most ambitious Doom yet.
Release Date: 15 May, 2025 for PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5
There you have it—the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 served up plenty of reasons to get excited. Whether you’re itching to rip and tear in Doom, slice through foes in Ninja Gaiden, or dive into the deep narratives of South of Midnight and Clair Obscur, this year is shaping up to be massive for Xbox fans.
Remember, all of the titles shown during the Developer Direct will be launching day one with Xbox Game Pass.