Microsoft has confirmed that its Developer Direct showcase will return on January 22, 2026, offering an in-depth look at several major Xbox titles scheduled for release this year. The broadcast will feature extended gameplay and developer commentary for Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation, with each segment presented directly by the studios behind the games.
The upcoming presentation marks the fourth entry in the Developer Direct series and arrives during Xbox’s 25th anniversary year. Microsoft says the event is designed to provide a closer look not only at the games themselves, but also at the creative teams shaping them, continuing the format that has emphasized transparency and developer-led storytelling.
Two of the showcased titles come from Playground Games. The UK-based studio will present the first extended gameplay reveal for Fable, offering a detailed look at its reimagined version of Albion. Developers are expected to highlight the core elements that define the franchise, including player choice, consequence-driven storytelling, action, and the series’ trademark British humor. The presentation will also mark the first substantial gameplay showcase for the new Fable, positioning it as one of Xbox’s most anticipated releases of 2026.
Playground Games will also debut gameplay for Forza Horizon 6 during the broadcast. The open world racing series is heading to Japan for its next installment, and the Developer Direct segment will include a deeper look at how the setting has been realized. According to Microsoft, the showcase will introduce new features and demonstrate how Japan’s varied landscapes are integrated into the series’ signature festival-style racing experience.
Rounding out the event is Beast of Reincarnation, a new action RPG from Game Freak, the studio best known for its long-running work on the Pokémon franchise. The Developer Direct will provide the first in-depth gameplay overview of the title, which is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Japan. The presentation will focus on protagonist Emma, her unique plant-based abilities, and her gameplay partnership with a canine companion named Koo. Developers will also share insights into the game’s world design and development process.
Xbox Developer Direct will air on January 22 at 10 am Pacific, 1 pm Eastern, and 6 pm UK time. Microsoft has indicated that additional updates and reminders will be shared through its official Xbox and Developer Direct social channels ahead of the broadcast.
