Microsoft has declared its third annual Xbox Developer Direct, set for Thursday, January 22, 2026. The event starts at 6:00 PM GMT/10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET and will run for around 45 minutes. The showcase will focus on upcoming Xbox first-party games, with developers showing real gameplay and explaining how their games work.
Microsoft has confirmed three games for the event. Fable, developed by Playground Games, is expected to show more gameplay and may finally get a release window. Forza Horizon 6, from the same studio, will also be featured, with details expected on its setting, visuals, and unique features. The third confirmed game is Beast of Reincarnation, a new title from Game Freak, best known for Pokémon.
There is also talk of a surprise game being shown. Past Developer Direct events included unexpected reveals like Hi-Fi RUSH, which launched shortly after its announcement. This year, some fans think a smaller title, such as Witchbrook or another project from an Xbox studio, could appear, but Microsoft has not confirmed this.
According to the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours megathread, fans are actively guessing what the unannounced “secret” game could be. Some believe it might be a smaller, indie-style first-party game, possibly Kiln, since rumors suggest an internal Xbox studio is working on a project outside the three already confirmed games.
Others think the mystery title could be a new project from Obsidian Entertainment, something closer in style to Pentiment rather than a major surprise reveal. None of this is confirmed yet—it’s all based on community discussion and speculation.
[MEGATHREAD] Xbox Developer Direct 1.22.26
byu/Spheromancer inGamingLeaksAndRumours
Another topic fans are talking about is platform availability. Some Reddit users are wondering if Fable could get a PS5 release window announcement.
This discussion picked up because Forza Horizon 6 may not launch on PS5 at the same time as Xbox and PC, unlike some earlier games. None of this has been confirmed officially—it’s all based on how fans are interpreting leaks and community rumors.
Fable is in development for PS5
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A Twitter user is excited for Xbox Developer Direct. He is confident Forza Horizon 6 will be great because of the series’ strong history, but he is most excited about Fable.
As a longtime fan, he is especially curious to see how Playground Games will reimagine the Fable franchise and bring their own vision to it.
https://x.com/DMC_Ryan/status/2011199121038983344
The event will stream live on Xbox’s official YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook channels. The Developer Direct keeps things simple. Instead of big, flashy trailers, it shows real gameplay and updates straight from the developers.
This style has helped Microsoft and Xbox give players clearer and more honest information about upcoming games.
