Microsoft kicked off 2026 with a stacked Developer Direct on January 22, revealing major updates on four games—including the long-awaited Fable reboot and the first gameplay of Forza Horizon 6. Here's everything announced.
Quick Recap
- Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19, 2026 (set in Japan, largest map ever)
- Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak arrives Summer 2026
- Kiln is Double Fine's surprise party brawler coming Spring 2026
- Fable releases Autumn 2026 across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5
All four games are day-one Game Pass titles.
Forza Horizon 6: Japan at Last
Playground Games opened the show with the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6, finally confirming Japan as the setting. You start as a tourist joining the Horizon festival, gradually unlocking regions across what the studio calls the series' largest map yet.
Key features revealed:
- Authentic Japanese locations created with local consultants
- Customizable garages at every playable house
- Estate building—construct directly in the open world
- Friends can visit your garage and estate
- New cosmetic tire wear system
- Balanced car roster with hundreds of vehicles
- Possible Gundam collaboration teased
Release date: May 19, 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5)
Beast of Reincarnation: Game Freak's Bold New Direction
The Pokémon developer is venturing into entirely new territory. Beast of Reincarnation is a one-person, one-dog action RPG set in post-apocalyptic Japan. You play as Emma the Sealer, journeying to save humanity from extinction alongside your canine companion, Koo.
The game features innovative plant manipulation combat and promises a "profound and dangerous world." This is Game Freak's first original IP since Little Town Hero, and the studio is clearly swinging for the fences.
Release date: Summer 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5) — Day-one Game Pass
Kiln: Double Fine's Surprise Comeback
The event's surprise reveal was Kiln, a multiplayer pottery party brawler from Double Fine Productions. Studio head Tim Schafer described it as "all about creating with other players before destroying everything."
Players use an in-game potter's wheel to create pots that transform into playable characters. It's high-energy, expressive multiplayer mayhem—classic Double Fine weirdness.
Interestingly, Kiln was first mentioned back in 2017, making this re-reveal a long time coming. A closed beta is planned before launch.
Release date: Spring 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5)
Fable: The Star of the Show
Microsoft saved the biggest reveal for last. After six years in development, Fable finally got its extended gameplay showcase—and it looks worth the wait.
What we learned:
- True open world: Go anywhere from the start of the game
- You begin as a child growing up in a sleepy village, becoming Albion's first hero in a generation
- Combat combines melee, ranged, and magic with returning enemies like Hobbes
- 1,000 fully-voiced NPCs with individual routines and conversations
- Buy houses, run businesses, romance villagers, have kids—the life sim elements are back and expanded
- Reputation system where your choices visibly change Albion
- Chicken kicking confirmed
Playground Games emphasized this is a fresh new beginning, not Fable 4. The studio built an entirely new team for this reboot while continuing to develop Forza Horizon.
Release date: Autumn 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5)
Pro Tips
- Game Pass subscribers get day-one access to all four titles
- Forza Horizon 6 is the first confirmed release (May 19)—mark your calendars
- Fable hitting PlayStation 5 signals Microsoft's continued multiplatform strategy
- Watch for Kiln's closed beta if you want early access to Double Fine's latest
- Beast of Reincarnation could be Game Freak's breakout non-Pokémon hit
FAQ
Will these games be on PlayStation?
Yes. Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation were all confirmed for PS5. This continues Microsoft's multiplatform approach announced in 2024.
Is Fable a sequel or reboot?
A reboot. Playground Games has stated they "needed to put their stamp on it" rather than making Fable 4. It's a fresh start in the world of Albion.
What about Avowed and other Xbox games?
Developer Direct focused only on these four titles. Other games like Avowed will likely appear at future events.
Is Game Pass required to play?
No, all games will be available for standalone purchase. Game Pass simply includes them on day one.
When is the next Xbox showcase?
Microsoft hasn't announced the next major event, but expect updates as 2026 progresses.
Summary
Xbox Developer Direct 2026 delivered exactly what fans wanted: concrete gameplay, release windows, and confirmation that Microsoft's biggest franchises are almost here. Fable stole the show with its ambitious open-world RPG systems, but Forza Horizon 6's Japan setting and Double Fine's surprise Kiln announcement prove Xbox has a diverse 2026 lineup locked in.
