| Xbox Developer_Direct | |
|---|---|
Logo since 2024
| |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Video game livestream event |
| Frequency | Irregular |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Inaugurated | January 25, 2023 (2023-01-25) |
| Most recent | January 18, 2024 (2024-01-18) |
| Next event | TBA |
| Organised by | Microsoft Gaming |
Xbox Developer Direct (stylized as Developer_Direct) is a series of livestream events produced by Microsoft Gaming to showcase upcoming first-party content from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment, and King.[1] The livestreams also include third-party titles.[2] The Developer Direct usually takes place at the beginning of each year in January.[3]
Xbox Developer Direct was founded as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement with gamers worldwide.[4] Prior to Devolder Direct, some critics argued that Xbox needed to have a showcase to establish "brand identity" and differentiate themselves from other competitors. Additionally, there were suggestions that Xbox should be more transparent regarding the development of their video games.[5]
The first showcase was announced on January 11, 2023, and took place on January 25, 2024. Developer Direct has evolved and expanded. Initially focusing on presentations from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks, in 2024 the event series has grown to encompass a broader range of developers and publishers, including third-party titles.[5][6]
Each Xbox Developer Direct event typically features a combination of announcements, trailers, gameplay reveals, and developer interviews. These presentations offer audiences a look into upcoming games, downloadable content (DLC), expansion packs, updates, and other relevant developments.[7] The format allows developers to showcase their games directly to fans and consumers and announce brand-new video game content.[8][9]
Alongside the Xbox Developer Direct livestreams, other Xbox events without the "Xbox Developer Direct" branding are listed. These include various Xbox showcases that have continued following the establishment of Developer Direct format in 2023.
| Name | Date | Duration | Games featured | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer_Direct | January 25, 2023 | 44 minutes | Minecraft Legends, Forza Motorsport, Hi-Fi Rush, The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, Redfall | [10][11] |
| Developer_Direct 2024 | January 18, 2024 | 48 minutes and 42 seconds | Avowed, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Visions of Mana, Ara: History Untold, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | [12][13] |
| Name | Date | Duration | Games featured | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Partner Preview | October 25, 2023 | 28 minutes and 51 seconds | Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Alan Wake 2, Ark: Survival Ascended, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Still Wakes the Deep, Manor Lords, IKARO: Will Not Die, Spirit of the North 2, RoboCop: Rogue City, Dungeons of Hinterberg, The Finals | [18][19] |
| Xbox Partner Preview | March 6, 2024 | 29 minutes and 31 seconds | Unknown 9: Awakening, Sleight of Hand, The Alters, Creatures of Ava, Roblox, The Sinking City 2, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy, Monster Jam Showdown, Persona 3 Reload, The First Berserker: Khazan, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, Frostpunk 2, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess | [20][21] |
