Xbox Developer Direct January 2026: Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Game Freak’s New RPG Take Center Stage

Image via Xbox

Microsoft just dropped the news about the next Xbox Developer Direct. Mark your calendars for January 22, 2026, because that's when the digital showcase is going live. They're going to spill the beans on some of Xbox’s most hyped upcoming games. Expect to see new gameplay, get some cool insights from the developers, and find out what Xbox has planned for the year.

You can catch the event streaming worldwide at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM UK. They'll be diving into three big games: Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation, which is the latest action RPG from the folks at Game Freak, the creators of Pokémon.

First Extended Look at Xbox Developer Direct 2026

Fable

The January Developer Direct has everyone buzzing, mainly because we're finally getting a good look at Fable's gameplay. Announced way back in 2020, this reboot is bringing back Xbox’s beloved fantasy RPG series. Playground Games is behind it, and they're set to give Albion a makeover with modern graphics, updated mechanics, and a new vibe, all while keeping the humor and charm we all love.

Microsoft hasn't shared much about the gameplay until now, so this showcase is a big deal for the project.

Forza Horizon 6 Heads to Japan

Forza Horizon 6 is finally making its gameplay debut! The latest installment in Xbox’s open-world racing series is set in Japan, a location fans have been asking for. It was first announced last year, and now we’re getting a sneak peek.

The Developer Direct will show off the first official gameplay footage, so you can get a good look at the new setting, cars, and racing features. Just like with Fable, Playground Games is behind Forza Horizon 6, showing how important the studio is becoming in Xbox’s lineup.

Beast of Reincarnation

Wrapping up the showcase is Beast of Reincarnation, a fresh RPG from Game Freak, the folks who brought us Pokémon. Unlike Pokémon, this one's a completely independent project and takes the developer in a darker, more action-packed direction.

Set in a near-future, post-apocalyptic Japan, you’ll follow Emma and her dog on what Game Freak calls a “one-person, one-dog” adventure. The Developer Direct will give us our first deep dive into the gameplay, showing off combat, exploration, and story elements.

Beast of Reincarnation is directed by Kota Furushima, who’s been a battle designer on Pokémon for ages, and it's set to launch in 2026 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The game will be published by Fictions, a new publishing label.

A Focused Showcase for Xbox’s 25th Anniversary Year

Jon Skrebels, the Editor-in-Chief at Xbox Wire, mentioned that the January Developer Direct is also a way to celebrate Xbox's 25th birthday. Microsoft is highlighting the comeback of fan-favorite series and some exciting new projects.

Compared to big industry events like The Game Awards or Summer Game Fest, the Xbox Developer Direct is more laid-back. Instead of bombarding you with announcements, it focuses on a few games, letting developers dive into their creative ideas and show off more gameplay.

How to Watch Xbox Developer Direct 2026

Catch the Xbox Developer Direct streaming live on Xbox's official YouTube and Twitch channels on January 22. You'll get to see gameplay in action, hear behind-the-scenes insights, and find out when you can expect to play Xbox's hottest upcoming games.

With Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Game Freak's exciting new RPG lined up, this Developer Direct is set to be one of Xbox's biggest events of the year.