Microsoft Reportedly Hosting Xbox Developer Direct 2023 Event Showing New Games; Oreo Announces Limited-Edition Cookies

Fans of Xbox could soon hear some important news about the console’s releases for the year 2023.

According to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, the Microsoft-owned brand might soon be hosting the year’s first Xbox event later this month.

Corden had first shared the rumblings of a potential Xbox Games Showcase in December last year. And recently, he shared that it won’t be a large-scale event like the Xbox Games Showcase, which rivals the scale of E3 when it comes to game announcements.

Instead, fans will be receiving a new kind of event called Developer_Direct, and we could be seeing more of them in the coming months. These events would be a part of the company’s new initiative to showcase games “outside of the major E3 and Game Awards marketing beats.”

The rumors about the Developer_Direct has intensified with Xbox Games Marketing Vice President Aaron Greenberg, whose recent tweet suggests a major surprise from the company in the coming days.

Corden has reportedly stated that the first Developer_Direct will take place on January 25 at 12PM PT/ 3 PM ET/ 8 PM GMT, on Xbox’s official social media, YouTube and Twitch channels, with the event featuring exclusives from Arkane, Bethesda and more. So, expect to hear news about Redfall, Forza Motorsport and more.

This should be a fun week, excited for the days to progress! ????

— Aaron Greenberg ????????‍♂️????U (@aarongreenberg) January 9, 2023

Xbox collaborating with Oreo for limited-edition cookies

Xbox has also announced a team-up with popular cookie brand Oreo for limited-edition packs featuring new designs. The new Oreo pack will feature six embossed custom cookie designs showcasing the Xbox controller buttons in X, A, B, and Y alongside the directional arrow and the brand’s logo itself.

Taste sweet victory with special edition @Xbox Oreos, as well as exclusive Oreo-themed in-game content such as a Halo Infinite armor coating and other Xbox skins.

Learn more: https://t.co/ZcDI1gbvpQ #UnlockPlayfulness pic.twitter.com/AVZOkFWJyy

— Halo (@Halo) January 9, 2023

These Oreos will be available for purchase in 22 European countries from January 2023. As part of the collaboration, players can scan the Oreo Xbox Special Edition cookies to gain exclusive in-game rewards. This includes Oreo-themed skins that players can redeem in Xbox titles like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves and Halo Infinite.

Along with that, participants will also enter lucky draws, where they can earn “custom Oreo hardware, Xbox consoles, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate memberships, and a holiday experience for the whole family.”