Key Takeaways
- Confirmed Headliners: Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are the major Game Pass titles to watch.
- Mystery Game: It could be Clockwork Revolution or a Japanese RPG—rumors of a new Nier game have me especially excited.
- Technological Innovation: Ray tracing, DLSS 4, and ray-tracing hit detection are set to redefine gaming visuals and mechanics.
- Additional Updates: Look out for news on Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and Gears of War: E-Day.
- Platform Availability: Games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones will also be coming to other consoles, including the PS5.
- Event Timing: The showcase is on January 23 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern / 6 PM UK—don’t miss it!
The Xbox January Showcase is just around the corner, and I’m genuinely excited for what’s in store. Scheduled for Thursday, January 23, at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern / 6 PM UK, this event promises to deliver some serious gaming goodness. With confirmed Game Pass titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, alongside updates on other big games, there’s a lot to talk about. Let’s dive in and break down what’s coming.
Major Game Pass Titles to Watch
There are three big games confirmed for the showcase, and I’ve got to say, each one offers something unique. Personally, I’m most excited for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but I know Doom: The Dark Ages is going to be the star of the show for most people. Here’s why these games have my attention.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This turn-based RPG from Sandfall Interactive really caught my eye when it was revealed four months ago. The studio might be new, but the game looks incredible. I’ll admit, I’ve been burned before by hyped-up Game Pass titles (Starfield, I’m looking at you), so I’m cautiously optimistic. Still, there’s something about this game that feels special. If you’re into RPGs with stunning visuals and tactical gameplay, definitely keep an eye on this one.
Doom: The Dark Ages
This is the big one, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the hype. Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to Doom 2016, and it’s packing all the latest tech—ray tracing, DLSS 4, and even a new ray-tracing hit detection system. I’m particularly excited to see how that last feature changes the gameplay. Early reviews from a closed demo at QuakeCon 2024 have been nothing short of glowing, so my expectations are sky-high. If you’re a fan of fast-paced FPS action, this is the game to watch. And here’s some exciting news: both Doom: The Dark Ages and the upcoming Indiana Jones game will also be available on other consoles like the PS5.
South of Midnight
I’ll be honest, this one didn’t grab me right away. The stop-motion-inspired animation style felt a bit off to me, but then I heard about the 60fps mode, and that changed everything. Developed by Compulsion Games, South of Midnight is a third-person adventure set in a folklore-inspired fantasy world. After watching the trailer again, I’m intrigued enough to give it a shot. You can check out the trailer here and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your take.
The Mystery Game
Now, let’s talk about the mystery game. Xbox is keeping this one under wraps, which has led to all kinds of speculation. Personally, I’m hoping it’s Clockwork Revolution. This steampunk game was first revealed at the 2023 Xbox Showcase, and then it just disappeared. But recent leaks suggest the mystery game might actually be a big Japanese RPG franchise. Some rumors even point to a new Nier game. If that’s true, I’m going to lose my mind—I’m a huge fan of that series. Whatever it turns out to be, I’m excited to find out on January 23.
Updates on Other Titles
In addition to the confirmed games, there are a few other titles I’m hoping to see updates for:
- Avowed: This fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment is coming out on February 18, and I’m expecting a new trailer with some juicy details.
- The Outer Worlds 2: I loved the first game, so I’m eager to see more of this sequel.
- Gears of War: E-Day: While it’s not expected to release until late 2025, a fresh teaser or trailer would be awesome.
Why I’m Excited
For me, Xbox showcases are more than just a chance to see new games—they’re a glimpse into the future of gaming. This year’s event feels especially important because it shows how committed Xbox is to making Game Pass the ultimate destination for gamers. With a mix of first-party exclusives, third-party collaborations, and cutting-edge tech, there’s a lot to be excited about.
So, that’s what I’m looking forward to at the Xbox January Showcase 2025. What about you? Let me know what games or announcements you’re most excited for—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
