Xbox Series X|S users are counting down to the start of January’s Xbox Direct conference, which will be broadcast live on YouTube (below). Featuring a first look at Wolfenstein developer MachineGames’ new Indiana Jones release, the Xbox Developer Direct will be available to watch at 8pm GMT UK time on the evening of January 18. According to Microsoft, fans can also expect developer insights from the likes of Obsidian, Ninja Theory and Oxide.
Microsoft explains more: “MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, will reveal their upcoming Indiana Jones game, an action-adventure that puts players in the leather jacket of the legendary archaeologist.
“Developer_Direct will showcase more than 10 minutes of game and developer insights, including details about the game’s setting and story, how fans will actually play as Indy, additional details from his next globe-trotting adventure, and the premiere of the first gameplay trailer.”
In addition to the Indiana Jones game, Microsoft will shine the spotlight on some of this year’s biggest new Xbox releases.
This includes Obsidian’s fantasy role-playing game Avowed, which will be the subject of a separate deep dive.
“The team at Obsidian will share the first deep dive into the gameplay experience fans can expect in Avowed, their upcoming fantasy action RPG, set in the fantastical, vibrant Living Lands.
“Learn more about how Obsidian’s expertise in building worlds with deep themes, dynamic gameplay, and thoughtful reactivity come to life in Avowed where players will have agency to make choices to shape every step of their adventure.”
The January Xbox Direct showcase will also focus on Ara: History Untold, and Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Ara: History Untold is a new historical strategy release from Oxide Games, which is made up of former Civilization V developers.
Hellblade 2, on the other hand, is an action game with a deep narrative and strong atmosphere. Based on the early footage, it’s also shaping up to be one of the best looking games launching this year.
The only bad news is that the Xbox showcase won’t feature any updates on future Activision Blizzard titles.
Microsoft continues: “You can look forward to news from those teams later this year.”