Xbox is pulling the curtain back a bit on what we can expect to see in this years Xbox Developer Direct. Alongside announcing the date for the show, which is January 22nd at 1pm EST/10am PST, Xbox says we can expect to see deep dives on the long awaited Fable, Forza Horizon 6 and a surprise third-party game from the makers of Pokémon, Beast of Reincarnation.
With only 3 titles announced for the show we can expect to see a pretty deep dive into all 3. The press release on the Xbox Wire has stated that we will indeed see extended gameplay of each title. Will we see any surprises beyond the 3 games? Based on past history the answer is a yes. During these events in the past we’ve seen shadow drops of Hi-Fi Rush and Ninja Gaiden Black II. A couple years ago we also saw the late addition of Visions of Mana to the lineup.
Two Xbox Pillars From Playground Games
With the inclusion of both Fable and Forza Horizon 6 Xbox is certainly looking to set the tone for 2026 and their 25th anniversary celebrations and they are doing so with their most decorated team. Fable is one of the most anticipated games of the year, including our most anticipated game, and will look to take center stage. Being developed by Playground Games second team it is going to be interesting to see how far the game has come.
As per the Wire post: “Devs from the Playground team will unveil the magic and mischief that awaits players in this fresh new beginning for the franchise, including a first look at some stunning new gameplay. Of course, the core themes of Fable will all be there – choice, consequence, drama, action, British humor and (of course) chickens, all reimagined for existing fans and new players alike.”
The post also reconfirms that the title is expected in 2026. Could we see it sooner rather than later? With Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved also expected in 2026, perhaps Fable is a first half 2026 title.
The other major title coming from Xbox at this show is what made Playground Games reputation in the industry to begin with, Forza Horizon 6. This iteration of the long running series will see players race through Japan. It is certainly an interesting setting for a racing game and will no doubt stun when we do see it.
We can expect to see a first look at gameplay as well as some new features coming to Forza Horizon 6. Hopefully we also get a release date for this!
Game Freak Breaking Away From Pokémon
The third game advertised for the show might actually be the most intriguing one of them all. Beast of Reincarnation is the latest game from legendary studio Game Freak, most known for creating the Pokémon franchise. While the studio has made a couple of non Pokémon games over the years, Beast of Reincarnation looks to be the first title to really push them into a more modern AAA type of game.
We currently don’t know too much about Beast of Reincarnation but that should change come January 22nd. Game Freak describes the game as a “one-person, one-dog action RPG.” As per the Wire post:
“For the first time, Game Freak will reveal details of our protagonist Emma’s innovative plant manipulation actions and gameplay with her canine companion, Koo. In Beast of Reincarnation, a profound and dangerous world unfolds in post-apocalyptic Japan.”
I for one am already hyped up for the year Xbox has lined up for 2026, and this years Developer Direct will likely only amplify that excitement. Bring on January 22nd!
