Microsoft has announced that it will host Xbox Developer_Direct ’26 on January 22. The digital event will begin at 10:00 a.m. PT and 1:00 p.m. ET. Viewers will be able to watch the broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch.
The showcase will focus on in-depth presentations from developers working on upcoming Xbox titles. Microsoft says the event will offer detailed looks at gameplay, features, and development insights directly from the teams behind the games.
One of the key highlights will be Fable. Playground Games will share the first extended look at the reboot, which is expected to launch in 2026. The presentation will include new gameplay footage and details about the world of Albion. According to the developers, the game will retain the core elements the series is known for, such as player choice, consequences, action, drama, and British humor, while reimagining them for a new generation of players.
Another major title featured at the event is Forza Horizon 6. The Forza team will reveal gameplay for the first time and confirm that the open-world racing series is heading to Japan. The segment will focus on the game’s environments, which are said to feature a mix of contrasting landscapes, along with new gameplay features introduced in this installment.
The event will also spotlight Beast of Reincarnation, a new action RPG from Game Freak. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Japan and follows a protagonist named Emma along with her dog companion, Koo. During the Developer_Direct, the studio will explain the game’s core mechanics, including plant-based abilities and combat systems, and share more about how the world and gameplay were designed.
Xbox Developer_Direct has become a platform for Microsoft to give focused updates without the format of a large stage show. The January 22 event continues that approach, with an emphasis on gameplay and developer commentary rather than brief announcements.
