Xbox Developer Direct Returns January 22: Fable and Forza Horizon 6 Take Center Stage

Microsoft is kicking off 2026 with momentum. As part of Xbox’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the date and content details for the year’s first major digital showcase, Developer Direct, have been announced.

According to Xbox’s official announcement, the fourth installment of Developer Direct will stream on Thursday, January 22 at 6pm GMT / 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern. The event maintains its signature format, with development teams presenting their games directly, focusing on behind-the-scenes insights and in-depth gameplay mechanics.

This year’s presentation will heavily feature UK-based Playground Games, with the studio showcasing both the highly anticipated Fable and the latest entry in the racing franchise, Forza Horizon 6.

The event’s featured titles include:

Forza Horizon 6 Officially Heads to Japan

The location racing fans have been requesting for years is finally becoming reality. Playground Games has confirmed that the next open-world racing game, Forza Horizon 6, will be set in Japan. The event will debut the first gameplay footage and detail how Japan’s diverse and contrasting landscapes come to life in the game.

First In-Depth Look at Fable

One of 2026’s most anticipated titles, Fable, will receive its “first in-depth look” during this broadcast. Marking the return to Albion’s fairytale world, the Playground team will demonstrate how choices, consequences, and the series’ signature British humor have been reimagined for a new generation. The presentation will include new gameplay footage.

Game Freak’s New IP: Beast of Reincarnation

Beast of Reincarnation, announced at last year’s Xbox Games Showcase and developed by Game Freak, will also feature prominently. Set in post-apocalyptic Japan, this action RPG will showcase for the first time the cooperative mechanics between protagonist Emma and her canine companion Koo. The studio will reveal the “innovative” gameplay structure built around Emma’s plant manipulation abilities.

Positioned as part of Xbox’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Developer Direct will stream live on January 22 across Xbox’s social media channels.