Xbox Developer Direct rumored for next week with a possible surprise game release

Rumors have begun to swirl, suggesting that Microsoft could be planning to host another Developer Direct next week, similar to last year's show that gave us Hi-Fi Rush.

Tom West

Published 08 Jan 2024

Last year, Microsoft held a "small" games showcase called a Developer Direct, offering us a look at many of its first-party games like Redfall, Forza Motorsport, and Minecraft Legends — we even saw Tango GameWorks' Hi-Fi Rush shadow drop into Xbox Game Pass during the show. Now rumors are beginning to appear suggesting that another Developer Direct could take place as soon as next week.

Rumors started appearing about a potential Developer Direct last week, which YouTuber eXtas1stv added to by reporting that they had heard Microsoft plans to include a "surprise release" during the show. They had reportedly heard that Microsoft plans to hold the Direct between January 15 and January 19. Although eXtas1stv doesn't have the greatest track record of correctly reporting leaks, the fires were stoked a little further when a more reliable source, Zantorn, also reported hearing that a Developer Direct would be held during the week of January 14, but hadn't heard anything about a potential shadow drop.

Now, other reputable sources have also mentioned that a show could arrive next week.

Early last week, Windows Central's Jez Corden said that he would "bet money" that Microsoft will hold something similar to a Developer Direct in the "near term," which is understandable considering the success of last year's show.

Interestingly, however, Corden has now replied to a repost about the comment by the Xbox news account Idle Sloth, saying that it's a "good bet." That's also been corroborated by The Verge's Tom Warren, who says: "I bet you five beans that it's the week of January 14."

With so many people suggesting that a Developer Direct or a similar show could arrive next week, it sure looks like it might just happen. If true, we can likely expect an announcement from Microsoft this week, so we'll let you know if and when one arrives.

Rumour

Written by Tom West

Tom has been playing video games since he was old enough to hold a controller, experimenting with a number of systems until he eventually fell in love with Xbox. With a passion for the platform, he decided to make a career out of it, and now happily spends his days writing about that which he loves. If he’s not hunting for Xbox achievements, you’ll likely find him somewhere in The Elder Scrolls Online or fighting for survival in Battlefield.