Xbox Developer Direct is back. And for Xbox’s 25th anniversary, their fourth instalment had plenty going for it. We got in-depth looks at some of their biggest upcoming games, from Fable to Forza Horizon 6. And while we knew we’d see more of Beast of Reincarnation, we didn’t expect Kiln – a new multiplayer brawler from the folks at Double Fine. It looks just as whacky and chaotic as you’d expect!
Don’t worry if you missed the showcase though. We’ve rounded up all the key details for you down below. Let’s dive in.
What is Xbox Developer Direct 2026?
These special livestreams are hosted by the devs behind the games. With a chunk of each broadcast dedicated to one title in particular, they’re packed full of exciting info. There could be a gameplay reveal, showing off how combat or open world exploration works. Or an interview with the team talking us through the story and main characters. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Developer Direct without a surprise or two.
Here’s everything we saw on Thursday night…
Fable
At a glance:
Studio - Playground Games
Release date – Autumn 2026
Platforms - Xbox Series X / Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
Xbox Game Pass – On day one
Xbox Cloud Gaming – Yes
It’s felt like an age since we visited Albion – the whimsical, fantastical world of Fable. And with this long-awaited reboot, our return isn’t too far away now. The open world action RPG lands this autumn, bringing the same charming fairytale setting to our consoles and computers. Oh, and plenty of the franchise’s trademark British humour too.
Like previous games, you’ll start your adventure as a child in a picturesque village. But under the surface, evil lurks. The rest of the residents are soon turned to stone, and it’ll be up to you to venture out on a quest to save them. To do that, you’ll need to wield your sword and spells in cinematic battles against a who’s who of monstrous nasties.
Fable is all about decisions. Will you be the classic storybook hero, protecting the weak and vanquishing the wicked. Or will the power get to your head and give your character a darker edge. Either way, things are less black and white this time around, with murkier, ‘grey’ decisions to make. Choose wisely though. Because every choice will impact Albion as well as yourself.
Forza Horizon 6
At a glance:
Studio – Playground Games
Release date – 19 May 2026
Platforms - Xbox Series X / Series S, PC, PlayStation 5 (coming post-launch day)
Xbox Game Pass – On day one
Xbox Cloud Gaming - Yes
The Forza Horizon series has always been known for its globetrotting motorsport antics. With the sixth entry in the series, we’re packing our bags for a trip to Japan. Starting as a humble tourist, you’ll need to join the famous Horizon festival and work your way up the racing ranks. And you’ll do it all whizzing across a stunningly realistic version of the country. Which is apparently the series’ largest open-world map so far. We can’t wait to burn some rubber in the shadow of Mount Fuji!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Forza game without the cars. And there’s a collection here that’d make even Clarkson jealous. There’s set to be more than 550 in all, spanning everything from cutting-edge supercars to old-school classics. So, whether you’re aiming for top spot on the podium, or taking a scenic Sunday drive around Tokyo, there’s a motor to match.
Beast of Reincarnation
At a glance:
Studio – Game Freak
Release date – Summer 2026
Platforms - Xbox Series X / Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
Game Pass – On day one
Xbox Cloud Gaming – Yes
Game Freak – the amazing minds behind Pokémon – are really changing gears here. And things definitely aren’t so cutesy. Beast in Reincarnation takes us to a devastated, post-apocalyptic Japan. You play as Emma the Sealer with one main mission. To save the remainder of humanity from annihilation. No pressure then, eh?
You won’t be completely alone though. Your trusty canine companion, Koo is there for the ride. You’ll need to team up to take down all kinds of dangerous looking foes. All while avoiding the clutches of the Blight, a plague of parasitic plants that cover the landscape. Luckily, you’re armed with an arsenal of plant manipulating powers that’ll level the playing field in battle. And we reckon they’re bound to come in handy during exploration too.
Kiln
At a glance:
Studio - Double Fine Productions
Release date – 2026
Platforms – Xbox Series X / Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
Game Pass – On day one
Xbox Cloud gaming - Yes
We had no idea this one was coming. But we’re super excited by what we saw. Kiln is a team-based multiplayer brawler, which as the name suggests, sees you take control of sentient pottery. Pottery that’s a big fan of fisticuffs. You’ll use a magical pottery wheel to craft your clay champions from scratch and send them into the fray.
Not all pots are alike though. You could build a stocky warrior who’ll soak up punishment and dish out devastating strikes. Or focus on speed, and zip across the battlefield with a smaller design that’s almost impossible to catch. You can even mould your pot during each match, letting you tweak your playstyle on the fly to adapt to your opponents’ tactics.
You’ll be able to get scrapping real soon, with an open beta coming at some stage this year. We’ll see you in the arena!
What this means for Xbox in 2026
So, it looks like Xbox have fully committed to releasing their games across multiple platforms. In the past, it would’ve been unheard of for Fable and Forza to make their way to PlayStation. But now, that seems to be the plan for exclusive franchises going forward. And hey, that can only be a good thing. The more people who get to play each game, the better!
FAQs
What is Xbox Developer Direct?
It’s where Microsoft’s top devs get the chance to dive deep into their current projects. Focusing on just a few key games, there’s usually a mixture of trailers and gameplay, giving you a proper look at what to expect when you get your hands on them. And if you’re lucky, there might even be an as yet unannounced game reveal or two. So, if you missed this one, make sure you tune in next time round.
When was Xbox Developer Direct 2026?
The latest Xbox Developer Direct happened on 22 January 2026, at 6pm GMT.
Was Fable shown at Xbox Developer Direct 2026?
Yes! And we’re glad we finally got to see it. The reboot was officially revealed all the way back in 2020. So, it’s been a while since we got our last glimpse of Albion.
Is Forza Horizon 6 coming to Xbox Series S?
If you’re playing on the slightly less powerful Xbox Series S, you don’t have to worry. You’ll still be able to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s best supercars on Microsoft’s entry-level console.
What games were shown at Xbox Developer Direct 2026?
The devs at Playground Games gave us an incredible first look at Fable. And they didn’t just show us one title. The UK studio also revealed debut gameplay of open world racer Forza Horizon 6. Throw in some in-depth Beast of Reincarnation footage alongside Kiln’s announcement, and it was a pretty stacked evening of gaming news.
What is Beast of Reincarnation?
It’s been described by the team behind the game as a ‘one-person, one-dog action RPG’. You’ll explore a ravaged, post-apocalyptic Japan with your furry friend, Koo. And as you’d expect from any game set after the world’s end, it’s not a safe place to be. The land is crawling with all sorts of deadly beasts just waiting to make you their next meal. Good luck out there.
Can I watch Xbox Developer Direct 2026 again?
You sure can. If you missed any of the big reveals, or just want to watch those epic trailers again (who wouldn’t), we’ve linked the full show down below.
Need more advice?
It looks like Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to this year! If you want to keep up with all the latest releases, head on over to our upcoming games page. We’ll have plenty of key info – from gameplay details to release dates. Plus, there might even be a discount code or two waiting there as well…
