As was promised, Xbox have announced their Developer_Direct for 2026 and it includes two Playground Games titles, with players finally getting a proper look at Fable, but also Forza Horizon 6 as well. For Nintendo fans, it will be weird seeing GameFreak on a show not Pokémon related, but the studio will be there with Beast of Reincarnation.

The group have always had a surprise inclusion and I don’t think that will be any different here this year, but we just have to wait for the show to see what it is.

What Xbox have said about the three known games:

Fable – Playground Games welcomes players back to the fairytale land of Albion, with the first in-depth look at Fable – one of 2026’s most anticipated titles. 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.

Forza Horizon 6 – The Forza team from Playground Games will share a deep-dive on the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6 as the open world racer takes players to the beautiful and contrasting landscapes of Japan. The segment will deep-dive into a very first look at gameplay, including reveals of new features – and how Japan comes to life in this stunning new installment.

Beast of Reincarnation – Join us as we delve into Game Freak’s intense one-person, one-dog action RPG. 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. Discover the development secrets behind its creation in Developer_Direct.

Showcase Times

• AEDT - 5am - Friday January 23

• AEST - 4:30am - Friday January 23

• ACDT - 4pm - Friday January 23

• ACST - 3:30am - Friday January 23

• AWST - 3am - Friday January 23

• NZST - 7am - Friday January 23

The times above are for the Australia/New Zealand Region, for all other timezones, please select your calendar type to the left.