Xbox Developer_Direct | |
---|---|
Status | Active |
Genre | Video game livestream event |
Frequency | Irregular |
Years active | 2023–present |
Inaugurated | January 25, 2023 |
Most recent | January 18, 2024 |
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, 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 | [6] [12] |
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 | [21] [22] |
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 | [23] [24] |
Xbox Partner Preview | October 17, 2024 | 28 minutes and 43 seconds | Alan Wake 2 - The Lake House , Cronos: The New Dawn, Blindfire, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Mouse: P.I. For Hire Subnautica 2, Animal Well, Edens Zero, Eternal Strands, Mistfall Hunter, Wheel World, Phasmophobia, The Legend Of Baboo, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, FBC: Firebreak | [25] [26] |
Bethesda Softworks LLC is an American video game publisher based in Rockville, Maryland. The company was founded by Christopher Weaver in 1986 as a division of Media Technology Limited. In 1999, it became a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media. In its first 15 years, it was a video game developer and self-published its titles. In 2001, Bethesda spun off its in-house development team into Bethesda Game Studios, leaving Bethesda Softworks to focus on publishing operations.
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Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an adventure video game by indie developer Greg Lobanov and published by Finji. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in June 2021, for Nintendo Switch in December 2021, and for Xbox One and Xbox Series X and Series S in May 2023. The game features an anthropomorphic dog with a magical paintbrush, which is used to color the game world. Chicory: A Colorful Tale received "universal acclaim" from critics, who were impressed by its innovative gameplay and emotional, uplifting themes.
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