Microsoft nixes surprise 'shadow drops' at Developer Direct
Jan 17, 2024 4:42 PMMicrosoft has confirmed in a recent blog post that the upcoming Developer Direct will not feature any surprise "shadow drops" of games immediately after the broadcast. This announcement adjusts expectations as there was speculation about potential surprise releases similar to last year's Hi-Fi Rush. The Developer Direct, scheduled for this Thursday at 21:00 CET, promises details about forthcoming titles, but no immediate game launches. Additionally, titles from Activision Blizzard King will not be featured in the showcase, with updates from these teams expected later in the year.
Among the anticipated news, the Developer Direct is set to reveal new footage for the Indiana Jones game, information on Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Ara: History Untold, and Avowed. This event will particularly be notable for Indiana Jones fans as it will be the first time gameplay footage is revealed, and there are rumors that the game may release later this year.
When will the new Indiana Jones game be released?
Although there's no confirmed release date, rumors suggest the Indiana Jones game might release later this year. The first gameplay footage is expected to be revealed at the Developer Direct.
As a background note, the Indiana Jones game is developed by MachineGames, the studio behind the Wolfenstein series, and is produced in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games. Anticipation for the title has been building since its announcement, especially considering the legacy of Indiana Jones in pop culture and the lack of recent video game adaptations in the franchise.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Looks like Microsoft's playing it straight with no shadow drops this time around, keeping the hype focused on the deep dives for upcoming titles - wise move to manage those wild expectations. As for the whip-cracking Indiana Jones game, snagging a glimpse of gameplay is gonna be like finding a treasure map, but without a release date, we're all just guessing at where X marks the spot.
Bummer for those hoping to get their hands on new titles right after the Dev Direct, but it's smart for Microsoft to set the right expectations. For Indie fans, though, getting a peek at that gameplay footage has got to feel like uncovering a long-lost artifact—super hyped to see what kind of adventures are waiting in store for us later this year
Aww, looks like we'll have to temper our excitement for any shadow drops from the Developer Direct, but the anticipation for the first peek at Indiana Jones' whip-cracking action is real With MachineGames at the helm, I'm super curious to see how they'll blend their knack for narrative-driven shooters with the iconic, adventurous spirit of Indy.