Microsoft is set to host an Xbox Developer Direct next week, featuring fresh updates on several highly anticipated titles, including the Indiana Jones game and Obsidian’s fantasy RPG, Avowed. The event will commence on Thursday, January 18, at 1:30 AM IST in India and 12 PM PT in the United States. Viewers can tune in via Xbox’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. The presentation will showcase both gameplay footage and developer interviews, providing a comprehensive look at upcoming games, many of which will be available through Xbox Game Pass. However, despite the recent acquisition completion, no Activision Blizzard titles are expected to be featured during the stream.
A key highlight will be MachineGames’ Indiana Jones, confirmed as a PC and Xbox exclusive during the Microsoft vs. US FTC trial last June. This title was first unveiled shortly after Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion. An initial gameplay trailer is anticipated to give players a glimpse into the adventures of the iconic archaeologist and elaborate on the game’s overall narrative. This segment is slated to last just over 10 minutes. Additionally, Ninja Theory is set to guide viewers through a behind-the-scenes look at Hellblade 2, as Senua embarks on a new journey through Viking Iceland to rescue innocents from oppressive rule. Expectations are high for a concrete release date, particularly as the development team has been teasing the utilization of Unreal Engine 5 for some time.
Obsidian, known for its expertise in creating branching RPG narratives, will transport players back to the fictional realm of Eora in Avowed. In this latest RPG offering, players will assume the role of a messenger investigating a burgeoning plague in the vivid Living Lands, an environment rich with engaging characters and diverse wildlife. Gamers can look forward to mastering spells and wielding swords powered by elemental magic. Following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, which set new standards for player choice, Avowed faces high expectations. Oxide Games will also preview gameplay from Ara: History Untold, sharing insights on the game’s inspirations, key features, and future development plans.
Immediately following the Xbox Developer Direct, ZeniMax Online Studios will host a separate broadcast focused on The Elder Scrolls Online, revealing the next significant chapter that introduces a new zone, narrative arcs, and improvements to quality-of-life features. This stream is scheduled to begin at 2:30 AM IST in India and 1 PM PT in the US, and will also be available on the Xbox channel. In other news, there are circulating rumors suggesting that Sea of Thieves may be coming to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch — details could emerge during the upcoming digital event.
The Xbox Developer Direct is set for January 18 at 1:30 AM IST in India and 12 PM PT in the US.
