Summary

Next Thursday, January 18 is set to be an especially big day forXboxgamers thanks to the Xbox Developer Direct, new info coming forThe Elder Scrolls Online, the release ofPrince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and the addition of a brand-new, day one Xbox Game Pass game, one of the first of the new year. Needless to say,Xboxgamers should definitely be sure to circle Thursday, January 18 on their calendars.

2023 was a big year for Xbox, with the green brand kicking things off with an exciting Developer Direct that focused on its upcoming games andshadow-dropped the critically-acclaimedHi-Fi Rush. It now seems as though Xbox is going to make the Developer Direct a big annual event, as a new Developer Direct has been announced for 2024, taking place on Thursday, January 18.

xbox developer direct 2024

Xbox has clued fans in on what to expect from the2024 version of its Developer Direct, which makes the event that much more exciting. Hardcore Xbox fans should definitely be sure to tune in, though they should also note that the Developer Direct is just one of many reasons why they should be excited for Thursday, January 18.

Xbox Developer Direct

The Xbox Developer Direct will take place on Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT and will focus on four upcoming Xbox console exclusive games inAvowed,Ara: History Untold, theIndiana Jonesgame from MachineGames, andSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. These four games are expected to be the big Xbox console exclusives for 2024, and so it will be interesting to see what all is shown of them. While there are no doubt some surprises in store, Xbox has teased fans with what they can expect to see out of each game.

Avowed

Avowedwas one of the first games ever revealed for the Xbox Series X. An ambitious new RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, not a lot has been shown ofAvowedso far, but the game is clearly taking inspiration from Bethesda’sElder Scrollsfantasy series. Come the Xbox Developer Direct on January 18, Xbox gamers will get to see a lot more ofAvowed, as they will be treated to the first-ever “deep dive” into its gameplay. Players will get to learn ’s story and Living Lands setting, as well as how their choices will impact the game world.Avowedis easily one of the most hotly-anticipated Xbox console exclusive games, so hopefully it’s able to make a big splash at the Xbox Developer Direct on January 18.

Ara: History Untold

Turn-based grand strategy fans should definitely keep an eye onAra: History Untold. Developed by Oxide Games and published by Xbox Game Studios,Ara: History Untoldis coming to PC later this year, and will be released as aday one Game Pass game. New gameplay and other key features will be revealed forAra: History Untoldat the Xbox Developer Direct. Fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for a console port announcement, but time will tell if that comes to pass or not.

Indiana Jones

Since so little of it has been shown so far, it’s safe to say that most gamers did not expect to see theIndiana Jonesgame from MachineGames featured at the Xbox Developer Direct. However, it seems thatIndiana Joneswill actually have a big presence at the show. Players will get to see the action-adventure game in action for the first time, with “more than 10 minutes” of details about the game. Fans can expect tolearn about theIndiana Jonesgame setting, story, and gameplay. Next to nothing is known about theIndiana Jonesgame at the time of this writing, but MachineGames has an excellent track record, and it will be exciting to see what the studio has managed to do with the classic IP.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

2017’sHellblade: Senua’s Sacrificewas a critical darling, and so many have been eagerly anticipating the release ofSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2from Ninja Theory.Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2has looked incredibly impressive so far, with the game looking to be one of the most visually-impressive Xbox Series X titles to date whenever it launches. Those tuning in to the Xbox Developer Direct on Thursday, January 18 will get some behind-the-scenes looks atHellblade 2. Hopefully the game’s long-awaited release date is announced too, but fans will just have to tune in to see what all is shared about the upcoming game.

The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Update

Once the Xbox Developer Direct concludes, Xbox gamers will want to keep watching to learn all about whatThe Elder Scrolls OnlineMMO has in storefor 2024. ZeniMax Online Studios will be hosting a special Global Reveal forThe Elder Scrolls Onlineat 1pm PT on January 18. Fans know that the reveal event will include a look atThe Elder Scrolls Online’s new zone, storyline, and other features coming as part of its next Chapter, but specifics remain unavailable at this time.

TheElder Scrolls Onlineevent is something that even gamers on non-Xbox platforms might want to tune in to as well. WhileThe Elder Scrolls Onlinetechnically falls under the Xbox umbrella sinceMicrosoft acquired ZeniMax, the game is still readily available on PC and PlayStation.

Avowed trailer Kai

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Release Date

New game releases are always exciting, and January 18 marks the release date of what is arguably 2024’s first major game,Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownreviews are out, with the game earning a great deal of praise from critics. It seems most everyone agrees thatPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownsucceeds in translating the long-running action-adventure franchise to a Metroidvania style. So while Xbox gamers will have a lot of excitement from the Xbox Developer Direct, it seems there’s a good chance those that buyPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownwill have a great time playing through it on January 18 as well.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

WHERE TO PLAY

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.UNLEASH YOUR INNER WARRIORUse your Time Powers, combat, and platforming skills to perform deadly combos and defeat time-corrupted enemies and mythological creatures.LOSE YOURSELF IN THE PRODIGIOUS MOUNT QAFDiscover a cursed Persian-inspired world filled with larger-than-life landmarks and explore a variety of highly detailed biomes, each with their own identity, wonder, and danger.LIVE AN EPIC ADVENTUREImmerse yourself in a Persian mythological​ fantasy through an intriguing and original story as you use your wits to solve puzzles, find hidden treasures, and complete quests to learn more about this corrupted place.

New Xbox Game Pass Game

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you may play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.

Ara History Untold Gameplay

Indiana Jones teaser screenshot whip camera

Screenshot of an Unreal Engine 5 facial animation demo for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Mage, Barbarian, Thief

prince of persia lost crown sargon facing off with boss monster

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Tag Page Cover Art

turnip boy robs a bank key art

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate