Next Thursday, January 18 is set to be an especially big day for Xbox gamers thanks to the Xbox Developer Direct, new info coming for The Elder Scrolls Online, the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and the addition of a brand-new, day one Xbox Game Pass game, one of the first of the new year. Needless to say, Xbox gamers should definitely be sure to circle Thursday, January 18 on their calendars.

2023 was a big year for Xbox, with the green brand kicking things off with an exciting Developer Direct that focused on its upcoming games and shadow-dropped the critically-acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush. It now seems as though Xbox is going to make the Developer Direct a big annual event, as a new Developer Direct has been announced for 2024, taking place on Thursday, January 18.

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Xbox Developer Direct Confirms Date, Time, and 4 Games

The recently-confirmed Xbox Developer Direct confirms its date, time, and four games that will be showcased during the event.

Xbox has clued fans in on what to expect from the 2024 version of its Developer Direct, which makes the event that much more exciting. Hardcore Xbox fans should definitely be sure to tune in, though they should also note that the Developer Direct is just one of many reasons why they should be excited for Thursday, January 18.

Xbox Developer Direct

• Date and Time: Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT
• Featured Games: Avowed, Ara, Indiana Jones, Hellblade 2

The Xbox Developer Direct will take place on Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT and will focus on four upcoming Xbox console exclusive games in Avowed, Ara: History Untold, the Indiana Jones game from MachineGames, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. These four games are expected to be the big Xbox console exclusives for 2024, and so it will be interesting to see what all is shown of them. While there are no doubt some surprises in store, Xbox has teased fans with what they can expect to see out of each game.

Avowed

Avowed was one of the first games ever revealed for the Xbox Series X. An ambitious new RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, not a lot has been shown of Avowed so far, but the game is clearly taking inspiration from Bethesda's Elder Scrolls fantasy series. Come the Xbox Developer Direct on January 18, Xbox gamers will get to see a lot more of Avowed, as they will be treated to the first-ever "deep dive" into its gameplay. Players will get to learn more about Avowed's story and Living Lands setting, as well as how their choices will impact the game world. Avowed is easily one of the most hotly-anticipated Xbox console exclusive games, so hopefully it's able to make a big splash at the Xbox Developer Direct on January 18.

Ara: History Untold

Turn-based grand strategy fans should definitely keep an eye on Ara: History Untold. Developed by Oxide Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, Ara: History Untold is coming to PC later this year, and will be released as a day one Game Pass game. New gameplay and other key features will be revealed for Ara: History Untold at the Xbox Developer Direct. Fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for a console port announcement, but time will tell if that comes to pass or not.

Indiana Jones

Since so little of it has been shown so far, it's safe to say that most gamers did not expect to see the Indiana Jones game from MachineGames featured at the Xbox Developer Direct. However, it seems that Indiana Jones will actually have a big presence at the show. Players will get to see the action-adventure game in action for the first time, with "more than 10 minutes" of details about the game. Fans can expect to learn about the Indiana Jones game setting, story, and gameplay. Next to nothing is known about the Indiana Jones game at the time of this writing, but MachineGames has an excellent track record, and it will be exciting to see what the studio has managed to do with the classic IP.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

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Xbox Reportedly Has High Hopes for Hellblade 2

According to a gaming industry insider, Xbox believes Ninja Theory's upcoming Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is poised to do well critically.

2017's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was a critical darling, and so many have been eagerly anticipating the release of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 from Ninja Theory. Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has looked incredibly impressive so far, with the game looking to be one of the most visually-impressive Xbox Series X titles to date whenever it launches. Those tuning in to the Xbox Developer Direct on Thursday, January 18 will get some behind-the-scenes looks at Hellblade 2. Hopefully the game's long-awaited release date is announced too, but fans will just have to tune in to see what all is shared about the upcoming game.

The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Update

• Date and Time: Thursday, January 18 at 1pm PT
• New Zone
• New Storyline
• New Features Coming in the next chapter

Once the Xbox Developer Direct concludes, Xbox gamers will want to keep watching to learn all about what The Elder Scrolls Online MMO has in store for 2024. ZeniMax Online Studios will be hosting a special Global Reveal for The Elder Scrolls Online at 1pm PT on January 18. Fans know that the reveal event will include a look at The Elder Scrolls Online's new zone, storyline, and other features coming as part of its next Chapter, but specifics remain unavailable at this time.

The Elder Scrolls Online event is something that even gamers on non-Xbox platforms might want to tune in to as well. While The Elder Scrolls Online technically falls under the Xbox umbrella since Microsoft acquired ZeniMax, the game is still readily available on PC and PlayStation.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Release Date

New game releases are always exciting, and January 18 marks the release date of what is arguably 2024's first major game, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown reviews are out, with the game earning a great deal of praise from critics. It seems most everyone agrees that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown succeeds in translating the long-running action-adventure franchise to a Metroidvania style. So while Xbox gamers will have a lot of excitement from the Xbox Developer Direct, it seems there's a good chance those that buy Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown will have a great time playing through it on January 18 as well.

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Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Ubisoft's The Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a throwback to the franchise's early 2D days, albeit with a heavy focus on stylish combat. Inspired by Persian mythology and set on Mount Qaf, the game features platforming, parkour, action, and storytelling.

Franchise

Prince of Persia

Platform(s)

PC , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , Switch

Released

January 18, 2024

Developer(s)

Ubisoft Montpellier

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft

Genre(s)

Action , Platformer , 2D

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New Xbox Game Pass Game

• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank

Xbox Game Pass is a key component of Microsoft's current strategy in the gaming industry, and so all the major games showcased at the Xbox Developer Direct will be day one games. It's possible that there will be a shadow drop for a new Xbox Game Pass game, as has been rumored, but even if that doesn't come to pass, there will be at least one new day one game for subscribers to check out on that day.

Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one come January 18. A roguelike game that takes inspiration from classic Legend of Zelda titles, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is the sequel to Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, itself once a popular Game Pass game. Turnip Boy Robs a Bank looks like it will be retaining the sharp wit of the original and making gameplay improvements, so Xbox Game Pass subscribers should definitely keep it on their radar.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft's flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.

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