Summary
Microsoftreveals the start date and time for its upcoming ID@Xbox showcase, confirming multiple indie developers like PlayStack and Dontnod, while teasing new announcements as well. It’s been a busy start to 2025 forMicrosoft, both with new game announcements and the company’s continuing shift to its multiplatform strategy.
Seemingly striking while the iron is hot, Microsoft kicked off 2025 with a newXbox Developer Direct Showcase, highlighting a number of major games launching in 2025. The showcase gave fans a deep look atSouth of Midnight,Expedition 33, andDOOM: The Dark Ages. The event also held a few surprises as Team Ninja was on hand to not only revealNinja Gaiden 4, but it shadow releasedNinja Gaiden 2 Black. Microsoft isn’t done there as the company confirmed its next ID@Xbox showcase for later this month.
In a joint announcement with IGN, Microsoft is planning to showcase a ton of new indie game projects during the upcoming ID@Xbox event on February 24. These showcases typically provide a spotlight for smaller, indie-focused titles, and the event is already teasing plenty of news. One such reveal will be the nextBalatrocollaboration, something the hit card game already has plenty of to this point.
ID@Xbox Showcase Start Date and Time
From the announcement, it appears that this show may be on the longer side as 15 indie studios have already been confirmed for the showcase. The list includes indies like Curve, Team17, Thunder Lotus, Raw Fury, Daedalic, and more. Don’t nod is also confirmed to be at the show, who fans will know from franchises like Life is Strange, Remember Me, and others. It’s expected that Don’t Nod will be showcasing new information on its upcomingadventure game calledLost Records: Bloom & Rage.
Despite all of these announcements and showcase plans, Microsoft continues its evolution into becoming a multiplatform publisher, bringing once Xbox exclusives to other consoles for players to enjoy. Just recently Microsoft confirmedForza Horizon 5is coming to PlayStationin the Spring, bringing with it cross-play support and unique features for the DualSense. In addition, Playground Games is working on a free content update called Horizon Realms which aims to put together a currated collection of the most popular content and other surprises.
