Xbox Developer Direct 2026: the biggest games and announcements | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAICESHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Xbox Developer Direct 2026: the biggest games and announcementsComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GamingUpdated Today, Jan 22, 2026, 5:50 PM UTCXbox Developer Direct 2026: the biggest games and announcementsby Andrew WebsterLinkShareRSSGiftIn a now-annual tradition, Microsoft is kicking off the year with a showcase of some of its biggest upcoming games.Last year’s edition of the Xbox Developer Direct had some big names, like Doom: The Dark Ages and a little game called Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. And we already know the three main titles that will be showcased in the 2026 version. They include Forza Horizon 6 (which looks like it’ll be launching in May), the oft-delayed fantasy RPG Fable, and Beast of Reincarnation, the action RPG from Pokémon developer Game Freak. Microsoft says that the event will include “news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year.”Of course, there’s always a chance that there will be a surprise or two, and you can stay tuned here for all the latest developments. You can also watch the showcase live on YouTube when it starts streaming on January 22nd at 1PM ET.Today, 30 minutes agoJay PetersThe next Xbox Developer Direct starts in 30 minutes.You can catch the show on YouTube starting at 1PM ET. The event will feature the Playground Games’ Fable and Forza Horizon 6 and Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak. We’ll be watching the livestream and covering what’s announced.Jan 8Tom WarrenXbox’s Developer Direct returns on January 22nd with Fable and Forza Horizon 6 gameplayImage: MicrosoftMicrosoft’s annual Xbox Developer Direct event is taking place on January 22nd this year. The fourth Developer Direct will provide a closer look at two of Microsoft’s biggest Xbox games this year, Forza Horizon 6 and Fable, as well as a first in-depth look at Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak.Playground Games will debut the first gameplay of Forza Horizon 6 during the Developer Direct show, after first revealing that the next installment in the Forza Horizon franchise is set in Japan. Forza Horizon 6 players will be able to experience the neon lights and buildings of Tokyo City, as well as an open world set in various other parts of Japan.Read Article >Most PopularMost PopularWhat a Sony and TCL partnership means for the future of TVsVolvo aims for an EV reset with the new EX60 crossoverHow much can a city take?Everyone can hear your TV in their headphones using this transmitterAnthropic’s new Claude ‘constitution’: be helpful and honest, and don’t destroy humanityThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adThe VergeThe Verge logo.FacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSContactTip UsCommunity GuidelinesArchivesAboutEthics StatementHow We Rate and Review ProductsCookie SettingsTerms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie PolicyLicensing FAQAccessibilityPlatform Status© 2026 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved

The Xbox Developer Direct 2026, a now-annual event, will showcase Microsoft’s upcoming major game releases, offering fans and the industry a preview of titles slated for release this year. The event will highlight three key games: *Forza Horizon 6*, *Fable*, and *Beast of Reincarnation*. The games are being presented as integral parts of Microsoft’s investment in gaming and a method for drawing in new consumers.

*Forza Horizon 6*, developed by Playground Games, will be one of the initial showcases. This installment of the racing franchise is set in Japan, specifically featuring the neon-lit environment of Tokyo City alongside other Japanese locales. The developers intend to display initial gameplay during the Developer Direct, providing a glimpse into the game's mechanics and visual style.

*Fable*, long-awaited by fans, will also be featured. Details of *Fable* remain limited, but it is being presented as a significant release for the Xbox platform.

Finally, *Beast of Reincarnation* from Game Freak, the creators of the *Pokémon* franchise, represents a new venture for the development team. The game is presented as an action RPG and will receive an in-depth look during the Developer Direct.

The event’s organizers emphasize that the Xbox Developer Direct will include “news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year.” The show will be streamed live on YouTube beginning January 22nd at 1 PM ET, offering access to updates and announcements from the various development teams. Microsoft appears to be using this annual event, overseen by the gaming divisions, as a vehicle to control the narrative and generate excitement for its upcoming game releases.