The Xbox Developer Direct has made its return for 2026! Microsoft gave players an early look at some of the games appearing in the showcase, including Fable (finally!), Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation. The event provided an excellent view of the gameplay for each title and the new features you can expect in returning favorites like Forza Horizon 6. Like any good showcase, there was also a nice surprise for fans.

If you missed the live event or simply want a quick refresh, you will find all of the games featured in the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 listed below.

Forza Horizon 6

Forza Horizon 6 raced into the first spot during this Developer Direct. It is the latest installment in this long-running racing game series. This time, players will take to the beautiful roads of Japan, driving through locations like Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Mount Fuji. The scenery is lovely, but you will need to stay focused to avoid losing the race. However, you do not need to worry too much, as you will be able to explore Japan outside of the Horizon festival.

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

The trailer below gives you a great look at the gameplay in Forza Horizon 6. It also takes an in-depth look at how the developers recreated Japan. The highlight of their creation looks to be Tokyo, which is 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 and S. It will be available on Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere from Day One. It will also be released on PlayStation 5 later this year.

Beast of Reincarnation

When you hear the name “Game Freak,” you might instantly think of Pokémon, but they are trying something new with Beast of Reincarnation. Even though it still involves having a beastly companion, this game takes a different approach.

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, which consists of parasitic plants. They also have to deal with any foe who crosses their path. Emma also has some nifty plant manipulation powers which will likely be helpful both inside and outside of combat.

The trailer gave us an excellent look at how these powers, and the plants themselves, are going to play a part in the game. Emma has vine-like powers she can use to traverse the world, and Koo also has his own set of powers. We also got a look at some of the new creatures Game Freak have created for the game. Known as Malefacts, they are a mixture of plant life 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 and 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 mold these pots during battle, allowing you to adapt to your foe’s tactics. However, 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 colorful game to enjoy with your friends. It aims to mix the art of creation with the joy of smashing whole bunches of clay pots. There will be a lot of pot smashing involved.

The trailer showcased different aspects 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 and S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be available on Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere from Day One. However, if this has caught your artistic eye, there will be a beta before the official launch.

Fable

It has been nearly 14 years since the last game in the Fable series was released on the Xbox 360. For a while, it seemed like there would not be another game in the series, especially after Fable Legends was cancelled. However, 2020 actually brought some good news when a new Fable game was confirmed. Six years later, we are finally on the cusp of the game’s release.

In Fable, you will 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 humor also looks to be alive and well, whether you want it to be or not.

As is Fable tradition, you will 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 will find yourself joining the Hero’s Guild, but it is 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 are a Fable fan, you will find yourself fighting some old faces alongside new ones. However, it is not all about combat. You can get a job, buy a house, buy a business, and get married. You might be a little stuck for choices when it comes to the last one, because there are 1,000 NPCs apparently, 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 long-term impact on Albion and yourself.

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