Xbox Developer Direct
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. The livestreams also include third-party titles. The Developer Direct takes place at the beginning of each year in January.
| Xbox Developer_Direct | |
|---|---|
 Logo since 2024 | |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Video game livestream event |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location | Worldwide |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Inaugurated | January 25, 2023 |
| Founders | |
| Most recent | January 22, 2026 |
| 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 takes place at the beginning of each year in January.[3]
History
[edit]Xbox Developer Direct was founded as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement with gamers worldwide.[4] Prior to Developer Direct, some critics argued that Xbox needed to have a showcase to establish "brand identity" and differentiate themselves from other competitors' platform showcases such as Nintendo Direct and State of Play. 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, 2023. 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] Following Microsoft Gaming's strategic pivot towards multiplatform publishing in 2024, the January 2025 installment of Xbox Developer Direct was the first presentation to advertise the availability of Xbox's first and second-party titles on platforms outside Microsoft's ecosystem, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and Doom: The Dark Ages on PlayStation 5. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the following month that all Microsoft Gaming showcases going forward would be transparent about the availability of their games on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.[7][8]
Format
[edit]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.[9] The format allows developers to showcase their games directly to fans and consumers and announce brand-new video game content.[10][11]
List of events
[edit]Alongside the Xbox Developer Direct livestreams, other Xbox events without the "Xbox Developer Direct" branding are listed.
Xbox Developer Direct
[edit]| 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 | [12][13] |
| Developer_Direct '24 | 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][14] |
| Developer_Direct '25 | January 23, 2025 | 52 minutes and 29 seconds | Ninja Gaiden 4, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages | [15][16] |
| Developer_Direct '26 | January 22, 2026 | 52 minutes and 48 seconds | Fable, Forza Horizon 6, Beast of Reincarnation, Kiln | [17][18] |
Xbox Games Showcase
[edit]The Xbox Games Showcase debuted in 2021 as a joint presentation between Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks replacing the publisher's traditional E3 press conference around that timeframe, before being rebranded to reflect the expanded Microsoft Gaming group.[19] The showcase similarly recurs annually during the summer season, and features a mix of previously announced and new titles from across Microsoft Gaming's subsidiaries and an array of third-party partners.[20][21] Since 2023, Xbox Games Showcase has been immediately followed by a dedicated "Direct" presentation specifically focused on an upcoming game from Xbox's first-party studios.[22]
Xbox Partner Preview
[edit]Xbox Partner Preview debuted in 2023 as a shorter presentation of previously announced and newly debuted upcoming titles, coming to Xbox platforms from third-party publishers.[34]
Xbox Presents
[edit]Xbox Presents is a new format introduced in 2026 that encompasses standalone presentations dedicated to upcoming Xbox games.[45]
| Name | Date | Duration | Games featured | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Presents: A First Look at Metro 2039 | April 16, 2026 | - | Metro 2039 | [46][47] |
| Xbox Presents: A Special Look at Stranger Than Heaven | May 6, 2026 | - | Stranger Than Heaven | [48][49] |
Xbox Tokyo Game Show
[edit]Since 2021, an Xbox presentation has aired in conjunction with the annually scheduled Tokyo Game Show in September, highlighting a slate of upcoming games from Microsoft Gaming's studios, Japanese third-party publishers, and select independent developers.[50][51][52][53]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Warren, Tom (January 11, 2023). "Microsoft announces Xbox Developer_Direct game show for January 25th". The Verge. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Pureza, Gabriel Machado (January 18, 2024). "Square Enix Makes Surprise Appearance at Xbox Developer Direct". Game Rant. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Bošnjak, Dominik (January 6, 2024). "Rumor: Xbox Developer Direct Possibly Happening This Month". Game Rant. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ "Xbox's Developer_Direct is their most important showcase ever". Digital Trends. January 12, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Zachary Boddy (January 18, 2024). "Square Enix steals the spotlight with Visions of Mana at the Xbox Developer_Direct 2024". Windows Central. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Plant, Logan (January 18, 2024). "Xbox Developer Direct 2024: Everything Announced". IGN. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (February 17, 2025). "'I Know It's Not What Everybody Else Is Doing' — Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Will Keep on Putting PlayStation and Nintendo Logos in Microsoft Showcases". IGN. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Xbox Showcases Will Now Have PlayStation And Nintendo Logos". GameSpot. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Jez Corden (January 12, 2023). "Why Microsoft's Developer_Direct is the perfect modern show format Xbox needs". Windows Central. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Xbox, Pure (January 19, 2024). "Reaction: Xbox Developer Direct 2024 Proved That Microsoft's New Format Really Works". Pure Xbox. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ updated, Sam LoveridgeContributions from Rollin Bishop last (January 18, 2024). "Everything announced at the Xbox Developer Direct 2024". GamesRadar+. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Everything announced at Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct". Eurogamer.net. January 25, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
- ^ Developer_Direct, presented by Xbox & Bethesda. Retrieved April 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Developer_Direct 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Warren, Tom (January 9, 2025). "Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct returns on January 23rd with a "brand new game"". The Verge. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
- ^ Bankhurst, Adam (January 23, 2025). "Xbox Developer Direct 2025: Everything Announced". IGN. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Carcasole, David (January 8, 2026). "Xbox Developer Direct Returns This Month, Will Feature a Look at Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Game Freak's New Non-Pokémon Game". Wccftech. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ Bishop, Rollin Bishop; Harris, Iain (January 22, 2026). "Everything announced at the Xbox Developer Direct 2026". GamesRadar+. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ Nelson, Mike (June 13, 2021). "Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase: 20+ Day One Games with Xbox Game Pass". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Tuttle, Will (June 13, 2021). "Xbox Unveils its Biggest Exclusive Games Lineup Ever". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Nelson, Mike (June 12, 2022). "Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase Recap 2022". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (May 3, 2023). "Get Ready for the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature Airing June 11". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Bankhurst, Adam (June 13, 2021). "Xbox and Bethesda E3 2021 Showcase: Everything Announced". IGN. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Parkin, Jeffrey (June 13, 2021). "Xbox and Bethesda at E3 2021: The 20 biggest announcements (and a mini fridge)". Polygon. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Kevin (June 12, 2022). "Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase 2022: Everything Announced and Revealed". IGN. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Xbox (June 12, 2022). Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Stardew Valley 1.6 Now In Final Stages, Release Date Set For 2024". Gamepur. January 26, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ [4K] Xbox Games Showcase + Starfield Direct. Retrieved April 8, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Sanchay Saksena (May 23, 2024). "Xbox Games Showcase 2024 Roster Seemingly Revealed by Industry Insider". IGN India. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ Xbox (June 9, 2024). [4K] Xbox Games Showcase Followed by Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct. Retrieved June 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (April 9, 2025). "Microsoft Confirms Xbox Games Showcase 2025 for June, Plus the Outer Worlds 2 Direct". IGN. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ Colantonio, Giovanni (June 8, 2025). "Everything announced at Xbox Games Showcase 2025: Black Ops 7, Persona 4, and more". Digital Trends. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (March 30, 2026). "Xbox Games Showcase Announced for June, Gears of War: E-Day This Year's Headline Title Getting Dedicated Direct". IGN. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
- ^ Nelson, Mike (October 23, 2023). "Xbox Partner Preview: See What's Next From Our Incredible Third-Party Publishing Partners". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Xbox Partner Preview | October 2023. Retrieved April 8, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ Zachary Boddy (October 25, 2023). "Xbox Partner Preview 2023: Every trailer, reveal, and Game Pass addition from the show". Windows Central. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ Xbox Partner Preview | March 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ Zachary Boddy (March 6, 2024). "Xbox Partner Preview (March 2024): All the gameplay trailers, new reveals, and Xbox Game Pass additions you need to see". Windows Central. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ Xbox (October 17, 2024). [4K] Xbox Partner Preview | October 2024. Retrieved October 18, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ IGN Staff (October 17, 2024). "Xbox Partner Preview October 2024: Everything Announced at the Showcase". IGN. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ Partis, Danielle (November 17, 2025). "Xbox Partner Preview: See the Latest Games From Our Amazing Third Party Partners This Week". Xbox Wire. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
- ^ Cripe, Michael (November 20, 2025). "Xbox Partner Preview November 2025: Everything Announced". IGN. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ^ "Xbox Partner Preview date, time, and reveals". Windows Central. March 23, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- ^ Partis, Danielle (March 26, 2026). "Xbox Partner Preview: March 2026 – All the Announcements from Our Amazing Partners". Xbox Wire. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
- ^ Gilbert, Fraser (March 26, 2026). "'Xbox Presents' Is A New Type Of Showcase Debuting This May For Stranger Than Heaven". Pure Xbox. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (April 13, 2026). "We're finally getting another Metro game". Polygon.com. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (April 13, 2026). "UPDATE: Metro 2039 to Debut as Part of an Xbox First Look Showcase This Week, Microsoft Confirms". IGN. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ^ "SEGA® AND MICROSOFT ANNOUNCE XBOX PRESENTS: A SPECIAL LOOK AT STRANGER THAN HEAVEN BROADCAST, AIRING MAY 7". Games Press. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (March 26, 2026). "Stranger Than Heaven Gets a Wild New Trailer – and an Entirely New Broadcast on May 6". Xbox Wire. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
- ^ Tuttle, Will (September 30, 2021). "Tokyo Game Show 2021 Recap: Xbox Cloud Gaming Launches in Japan". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Nelson, Mike (August 31, 2022). "The Xbox Stream is Back for Tokyo Game Show 2022". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Dickinson, Rich (September 8, 2023). "Tokyo Game Show 2023: Xbox Digital Broadcast Returns". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (September 6, 2024). "Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024". Xbox Wire. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ Feit, Diamond (September 30, 2021). "Xbox Showcase at Tokyo Game Show 2021: The Biggest Announcements and Reveals". IGN. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ Xbox, Pure (September 30, 2021). "Roundup: Here's Everything That Was Revealed During Xbox's Tokyo Game Show 2021 Stream". Pure Xbox. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ Young, Jennifer (September 15, 2022). "Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2022: Here's everything that was announced". Windows Central. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "Tokyo Game Show Xbox Stream 2022: News and Updates on 22 Games from majority Japanese developers, STOUTLAND coming to Xbox Next Week, and much more!". Microsoft. September 15, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ Xbox (September 21, 2023). Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2023 Digital Broadcast. Retrieved October 5, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Wood, Anthony (September 21, 2023). "Every Game Pass Title From Today's Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2023 Broadcast". IGN. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ Xbox (September 26, 2024). Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast. Retrieved October 5, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024: All The Biggest Announcements". GameSpot. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (September 9, 2025). "Xbox Returns to Tokyo Game Show 2025 - Here's How to Tune In". Xbox Wire. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (September 25, 2025). "Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast: Everything Announced, Including the Forza Horizon 6 Setting". Xbox Wire. Retrieved October 3, 2025.