As expected, Xbox has announced that Developer_Direct is returning in 2026 on January 22 at 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern). This year’s broadcast will focus on three titles, two of which are from developer Playground Games. The first is an extended look at Fable, a game that was originally expected to release in 2025 before getting delayed to 2026. It sounds like Xbox is confident it’ll launch this year, and we’ll get our first look at new gameplay for the upcoming title. Playground Games is also showcasing Forza Horizon 6, which finally brings the series to Japan. Announced in September 2025, this will be the first time we’ll see gameplay for the new open-world racer.
The third title comes from Game Freak, best known for the Pokémon series. Beast of Reincarnation is an intense one-person, one-dog action RPG featuring protagonist Emma, who is able to manipulate plants. She is joined on this adventure by her canine companion, Koo, as they explore a dangerous post-apocalyptic Japan.
Last year’s Developer Direct showcased some of 2025’s biggest games, including DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Ninja Gaiden 4. Xbox also had a surprise, with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black being shadow dropped after the presentation. Will we get something similar this year? Perhaps a remaster of the original Fable? We can only wish.
