Microsoft has announced a major Xbox Developer Direct showcase scheduled for January 2026, following a quieter 2025 Game Awards. In an interview, Matt Booty, president of Xbox Game Studios, hinted at an impressive lineup of upcoming games, suggesting that this year's event will feature more content than can fit into a single presentation. Key titles anticipated include Forza Horizon 6 and the new Fable game, alongside Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved, all set for release in 2026. Booty hinted that there might be additional showcases focused on individual games later in the year, reaffirming a strong push for Xbox's biggest franchises.

What can we expect from the January 2026 Xbox Developer Direct?

Expect detailed looks at several highly anticipated titles like Forza Horizon 6 and the next installment of Fable, along with updates on Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved. There may also be follow-up showcases dedicated to specific games later in the year.

Fable is a beloved action role-playing game series developed by Playground Games, known for its rich storytelling and whimsical world. The last mainline entry was Fable III, released in 2010, and anticipation for the new installment has grown since its announcement. Forza Horizon is also a long-standing franchise celebrated for its expansive open-world racing gameplay, continually pushing graphical and gameplay boundaries. Both titles highlight Xbox's commitment to catering to diverse gaming audiences in the upcoming generation.