Xbox Developer Direct (also called Developer_Direct) is a series of live video events organized by Xbox. These events show upcoming games made by Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, and King. The events also feature games from other companies. Xbox Developer Direct happens every January.
History
Xbox Developer Direct was created as part of Microsoft's plan to improve how they talk to and connect with gamers around the world. Before Developer Direct, some people said Xbox needed a special event to build a unique image and stand out from other companies like Nintendo and PlayStation, which already had their own events. Others suggested Xbox should share more information about how their video games are being made.
The first event was announced on January 11, 2023, and happened on January 25, 2023. Over time, Developer Direct has grown. At first, it focused on games made by Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks. By 2024, the event included games from more companies, including those not owned by Microsoft. In 2024, Microsoft changed its strategy to release games on multiple platforms. The January 2025 event was the first to show that some Xbox games, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and Doom: The Dark Ages, would be available on other systems like PlayStation 5. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed later that all future events would clearly state which platforms would have Microsoft's games.
Format
Each Xbox Developer Direct event usually includes announcements, trailers, gameplay previews, and interviews with game developers. These events show audiences what is coming next, such as new games, downloadable content (DLC), expansion packs, updates, and other important information. This format lets developers display their games directly to fans and people who buy games, and share news about new video game content.
List of events
Other Xbox events that do not have the "Xbox Developer Direct" name are also listed.
The Xbox Games Showcase began in 2021 as a joint event between Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks. It replaced Bethesda’s traditional E3 press conference around that time. Later, it was renamed to reflect the expanded Microsoft Gaming group. The showcase happens every year during the summer season and includes a mix of previously announced and new games from Microsoft Gaming’s subsidiaries and third-party partners. Since 2023, the Xbox Games Showcase has been followed immediately by a separate "Direct" presentation focused on an upcoming game from Xbox’s first-party studios.
Xbox Partner Preview started in 2023 as a shorter event that highlights previously announced and newly released upcoming games from third-party publishers.
Xbox Presents is a new format introduced in 2026. It includes standalone presentations that focus on upcoming Xbox games.
Since 2021, an Xbox presentation has been held alongside the annual Tokyo Game Show in September. This event highlights upcoming games from Microsoft Gaming’s studios, Japanese third-party publishers, and select independent developers.