Xbox Developer Direct 2026: Everything announced

Fable! Forza Horizon 6! Beast of Reincarnation!

The Xbox Developer Direct has returned for 2026! While Microsoft kindly gave us all an early heads up on some of the games appearing - Fable (finally!), Forza Horizon 6 and Beast of Reincarnation. The showcase has given us an excellent look at the gameplay for each game and the new features you can expect to enjoy in returning titles like Forza Horizon 6. Like any good showcase, there was a nice surprise too!

Whether you missed the showcase or simply looking for a refresh, you'll find all of the games featured in the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 down below.

Forza Horizon 6

Forza Horizon 6 raced into the first spot during this Developer Direct! It's the latest installment in this long running race game series. This time you'll take to the beautiful roads of Japan; driving through locations like Tokyo, Hokkaido and Mount Fuji. Just to avoid being too distracted by the lovely scenery! You wouldn't want to lose the race... But don't worry too much, you'll be able to explore Japan outside of the Horizon festival.

Forza Horizon 6 will be an open world racer, so you'll be able to enjoy some freedom and watch as the weather changes to match the season. You'll begin your journey as a tourist in Japan, but quickly find yourself absorbed into the world of racing where you'll have to earn wristbands to progress through the ranks. Eventually you'll unlock Legend Island where you'll find events, new tracks and special areas to evolve. There's also going to be over 550 cars - both new and old - for you to collect at launch!

The trailer below not only gives you a great look at the gameplay in Forza Horizon 6, but it also takes an in-depth look at how the developers recreated Japan. The highlight of their creation looks to be Tokyo - also called the biggest map ever created for a Forza Horizon game. We also got a look at some of the new accessibility features, the multiplayer building tool and the new car meets.

Forza Horizon 6 will be released on 19th May 2026 on Xbox Series X / S. It will be available on Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere from Day One. It will be released on PlayStation 5 later this year.

Beast of Reincarnation

When you hear the name 'Game Freak' you wouldn't be amiss of instantly thinking about Pokémon, but don't box them in! Beast of Reincarnation sees the developers try something new (even if it still involves having a beastly companion).

Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, Beast of Reincarnation follows Emma and her canine friend, Koo. Together they must traverse the dangerous landscape overcome with the Blight - parasitic plants - and deal with any foe who crosses their path. Emma also has some nifty plant manipulation powers which I wouldn't be surprised are helpful both inside and outside of combat.

The trailer gave us an excellent look at how these powers, and plants themselves, are going to play a part in the game. Emma has vinelike powers she can use to traverse the world and Koo also has his own set of powers too! We also got a look at some of the new creatures Game Freak have created for the game. Known as Malefacts, they're a mixture of plantlife and animals. Emma is sure to encounter many of these, including the dangerous Nushi and mechanical Golems, on her quest to defeat the Beast of Reincarnation.

Beast of Reincarnation will be released in Summer 2026 on Xbox Series X / S, PC and PlayStation 5. It will be available on Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere from Day One.

Kiln

Kiln is an upcoming team-based multiplayer brawler from Double Fine. As the name suggests, Kiln is all about creating clay warriors using a magical pottery wheel to bring your team victory. These pots can range from heavy tanks to speedy little jugs who cut through the enemy lines. You can even mould these pots during battle, allowing you to adapt to your foe's tactics. Though, if you have a little accident when crafting your pot, you might end up with an abomination.

Originally one of Double Fine's game prototypes, Kiln looks like it will be a delightful and colourful game to enjoy with your friends. It aims to mix the art of creation with the joy of smashing whole bunch of clay pots. Like a lot of pot smashing! (Anyone else remember that one house in Hyrule Castle Town in Ocarina of Time?) Maybe I'll try recreating this in real life with my Mum's jug collection… (I won't. I'll get in too much trouble.)

The trailer showcased different aspect of the gameplay - from creating your pot to some of the different game modes. The pottery wheel promises to remember the different shapes you create, which will make crafting your pots even easier! You can also add handles and sprouts, which could lead to some very creative designs. We even got a look at some of the different stages with some inspired by Greek mythology.

Kiln will be released in Spring 2026 on Xbox Series X / S, PC and PlayStation 5. It will be available on Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere from Day One. Though, if this has caught your artistic eye, there will be a beta before launch.

Fable

It's been nearly 14 years since the last game in the Fable series was released (on the Xbox 360 Kinect of all things). For a while it seemed like there wouldn't be another game in the series, especially after Fable Legends was cancelled, but 2020 actually brought some good news when a new Fable game was confirmed. Six years later and we're finally on the cusp of the game's release.

In Fable you'll return to the magical world of Albion where every choice has a consequence and the potential to send your life down a different track. The series' British humour also looks to be alive and well (whether you want it to be or not).

As is Fable tradition, you'll begin your adventure as a child in a lovely village but danger lurks behind every corner... When the residents of your village are turned to stone, it will be time to head out into the wilds of an open world Albion. Eventually you'll find yourself joining the Hero's Guild, but it's also time to head north to the city of Bloodstone.

The game aims to keep true to the original combat mechanics, while also bringing new aspects to both the melee and magic combat. If you're a Fable fan, you'll find yourself fighting some old faces alongside new ones! Though it's not all about combat - you can get a job, buy a house (all of the houses), buy a business and get married. You might be a little stuck for choices when it comes to the last one, because there's 1,000 NPCs appartently and what they think of you depends on your choices.

On the morality system, this Fable takes a more grey approach. All of your actions will have an impact on your reputation and NPCs will have different opinions on your choices. Someone might love you for your wealth, but others might hate you! Certain choices will also have a longterm impact on Albion and yourself.

Fable will be released in Autumn 2026 on Xbox Series X / S, PC and PlayStation 5. It will be available on Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere from Day One.

Hope you enjoyed the Xbox Developer Direct 2026!