As Xbox Developer Direct fast approaches, we're getting quite excited for what we might see in the 2025 edition of the event. We know three of the games that will be showcased, while rumours are pointing towards a "legendary Japanese IP" for Xbox's fourth game of the show. But, what about another shadow drop of some sort?
Back in 2023, when Xbox debuted this new 'Dev Direct' format, the team amazingly shadow-dropped Hi-Fi RUSH during the livestream. There was so much hype around the Tango Gameworks title back then, in part because of its surprise release - and we'd love to see something like that happen again.
Now, whether a potential shadow drop would be that surprise fourth game, or even a fifth title in the lineup, we're not quite sure. To be honest, a surprise release seems unlikely to happen after Microsoft passed on that type of reveal last year, but we're still holding out hope that Team Green might go back to this type of announcement one day!
For now, all we know for sure is that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, DOOM: The Dark Ages and South of Midnight will be showcased during the livestream, while Xbox will also "visit a surprise location to see another studio’s brand new game". We have just over a week to go until we know what that surprise will be, folks.
Tell us via the poll below if you think we're getting an Xbox Shadow drop next week!
Will We Get A 'Shadow Drop' At Xbox Developer Direct? (213 votes)
- Yes
- No
Comments 28
Can't wait for them to shadow drop a new game, have it get universal acclaim, and then shut down the studio that made it!
Not sure really we might get
South of Midnight, shadow drop.
Not much mention of Avowed or PR or developer videos etc.
Is it releasing in a month on February 18th.
Call me entitled but I'm expecting more than hoping for a shadow drop we deserve it I think!
I don't expect a shadow drop. I think it is very unlikely.
As long as they treat that game better than Hi-fi Rush then yeah that'd be cool.
I don’t expect it, given that Avowed is coming so soon after the Direct, but who knows? It sort of depends what the mystery game is, I suppose. If that’s a big game that’s already on other platforms, I’d expect it, but if it’s something new, I doubt it.
Maybe at best, we get a surprise Activision Blizzard GP drop or two, but not a new release altogether.
Last shadow drop they closed down the developer didn't they?
FF XVI / VII Remake
I have a strong feeling that Towerborne will be shadow dropped. It’s been in beta/early access for a while and seems like it’s close to release. Only thing is it’s a F2P game. Guessing GamePass will have some “perks” though.
Played a little of the beta. It’s a fun game if you’ve been wanting 2 new Castle Crashers style beat em up.
Best to expect nothing from Xbox so when that occurs you are not disappointed & once in a blue moon you might be surprised.
I'm not expecting a shadow drop. I don't think that Xbox releasing Hi-Fi Rush like an RKO set any sort of precedent; in fact, I find it weird that people assume that it did.
@OldGamer999 South of Midnight won't get shadow dropped. If I'm wrong and it does, you get to pick my punishment.
@Bigmanfan ok that’s too much foreshadowing ! 😂
It would be cool to get a Shadow Drop again, so I'm voting yes. Either way, I expect a release date for my most excited about game for the year, Claire Obscure: Expedition 33. I hope it's soon!
@Doomgloom1
How’s is hoping for a south of Midnight shadow drop doom and gloom.
Then asking about any news on Avowed as it is releasing soon.
@Bigmanfan it was the best game they had released in YEARS. I was done after that lol
@Markatron84
I think the south of Midnight shadow drop is wishful thinking.
As is your punishment 🤣🤣🤣
I'd love to see a shadow-drop of the long rumoured Gears of War: Marcus Fenix Remastered Collection, but I doubt that will happen. I have lost all faith in Microsoft to do anything remotely positive for the loyal fanbase...
@Nighto4 that would be awesome but hugely unlikely unfortunately.....
Yes, there will be a shadow drop. And it will be related to the exciting, unannounced game
Come on, Quantum Break 2!
@RiverGenie
Can't say for sure it'll be HiFi Rush good, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised
@Bigmanfan Yet money talks. That is the way of the world unfortunately.
My only indication of a shadow drop is how bad January offers have been … however way too close to Avowed
For the love of god DO NOT shadow drop a new IP no one has seen before like they did with Hi-Fi Rush. That game deserved some runway to build up hype but instead it was dropped unceremoniously into the marketplace without a life jacket. I'm not saying Hi-Fi Rush would've gone on to sell 10 million but it could've made a bigger commercial splash than it did. Shadow drops work for things people are already excited for. So if they do shadow drop a game, it better be a known quantity. Or at least from a familiar franchise. Just, don't send a new IP out to die because you wanted a cool moment on your direct showcase.
Hi Fi Rush was a critical darling to say the least. It shadow dropped, and failed in sales so horrifically they closed the entire studio.
How about no more shadow drops and the total failure Aaron Greenberg does his job and they actually market a f*****g game.
No, not really unless it’s a remaster or existing release coming to Game Pass. The reason why is, as cool as it was as a gamer to get a shadow drop, I don’t think it did the developers any favours. Just look what happened to Tango Gameworks after Hi-Fi Rush.
EDIT: seems many others share the same sentiment
Game Pass on Switch 2
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