Xbox Developer_Direct January 2026 Preview: Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation
2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Fabled Year for Xbox, Starting With Developer Direct This January
Xbox is wasting no time setting the tone for 2026. On January 22, the platform kicks off the year with its fourth Developer_Direct broadcast, a showcase that puts the spotlight directly on the creators shaping what’s next for Xbox players.
Airing during Xbox’s 25th anniversary year, this Developer_Direct feels especially significant. Legendary franchises are returning, ambitious new worlds are being revealed, and one of Japan’s most beloved studios is stepping into the spotlight with a brand-new vision. This is Xbox leaning into its history while confidently looking ahead.
Developer_Direct Puts the Creators Front and Center
What continues to set Developer_Direct apart is its focus on the people behind the games. Rather than rapid-fire announcements, the broadcast gives studios the time to explain their ideas, show real gameplay, and talk openly about the creative process.
This year’s show brings together returning icons and bold new projects, presented by the teams building them.
Players can tune in at:
- 10 am Pacific
- 1 pm Eastern
- 6 pm UK
on January 22.
Fable
Playground Games Returns to Albion
One of the most anticipated moments of the show is the first extended look at Fable. Playground Games welcomes players back to the fairytale land of Albion with a fresh beginning for the franchise.
This in-depth presentation will showcase new gameplay while reaffirming the pillars that made Fable a classic: meaningful choice, visible consequences, drama, action, and unmistakable British humour. Longtime fans can rest easy knowing the series’ signature charm remains intact, right down to its most infamous feathered residents.
Forza Horizon 6
Racing Through Japan in the Next Horizon
Playground Games is pulling double duty, also delivering the first gameplay deep dive for Forza Horizon 6. This time, the open-world racing series heads to Japan, a setting fans have long hoped to explore.
The Developer_Direct segment will reveal new features while showing how Japan’s diverse landscapes are brought to life, from urban streets to winding mountain roads. It marks a major new chapter for one of Xbox’s most consistent franchises.
Beast of Reincarnation
Game Freak Steps Into Darker Territory
Rounding out the showcase is a trip to Tokyo to visit Game Freak, offering the first in-depth look at Beast of Reincarnation.
Set in a dangerous post-apocalyptic Japan, the game follows Emma and her canine companion Koo in an intense one-person, one-dog action RPG. Developer_Direct will explore Emma’s plant manipulation abilities, combat systems, and the creative vision behind one of the studio’s most unexpected projects to date.
A Confident Start to Xbox’s Anniversary Year
With two major titles from Playground Games and a bold new project from Game Freak, this Developer_Direct feels like a statement. Xbox is honouring its legacy while clearly investing in the future, and 2026 is already shaping up to be one of its strongest years in recent memory.
For Xbox players, January 22 is more than just another showcase. It’s the opening chapter of what could be a truly special year.