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Microsoft has unveiled multiple game reveals, updates, and trailers during the Xbox Developer Direct 2026. The event also marked the brand’s 25th anniversary, with some major announcements making headlines at the fourth annual meetup.
Microsoft started 2026 with fresh surprises for gamers, announcing four major roadmaps across Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Game Pass throughout the year. Let’s take a closer look at these launches.
Forza Horizon 6 opened the show with its first gameplay reveal. Players can start as a newcomer to the Horizon Festival, unlocking regions and events. At launch, they will have access to 550 cars, with an overhauled roster designed to better reflect Japan’s tuning scene, off-road heritage, and performance icons.
It has also introduced customizable garages tied to player-owned homes. Other new systems include ‘The Estate,’ ‘Drag Meets,’ and ‘Horizon Time Attack Circuits,’ aimed at offering clearer goals to players without losing the series’ free-roaming spirit.
Forza Horizon 6 will be launched on May 19, 2026. Gamers can gain early access through the Deluxe Edition, and a PlayStation 5 version.
It is a post-apocalyptic action RPG, developed by Game Freak. Set in Japan, more than 2,000 years in the future, it is based on a world consumed by a spreading blight. You will play as Emma, a young woman affected by this scenario, stripping her memories and emotions but giving her vine-like hair with unique traversal and combat abilities.
Alongside her is Koo, a wolf-like ‘malefact’ who plays a central role in both the story and gameplay. This world is filled with hostile malefacts, which are creatures fused with animals and the plant life responsible for ending civilization. As Emma defeats them, she seals their blight within her own body.
Game Freak has described it as a one-person, one-dog action RPG. Emma and Koo are tasked with stopping powerful enemies known as Nushi, who threaten the Capital.
Beast of Reincarnation is scheduled for Summer 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.
Double Fine Productions revealed Kiln, an online multiplayer party brawler centered around pottery-themed characters. Players create pots that transform into playable fighters. It blends creative elements with fast-paced multiplayer matches.
Kiln will be launched this spring on Xbox, PC, cloud, PlayStation 5, and Game Pass Ultimate, with a closed beta planned ahead of release.
Playground Games revealed an updated version of the classic RPG series, Fable. Set in an open version of Albion, the game places strong emphasis on player choice, reputation, and long-term consequences. Combat, character customization, and world interaction were briefly shown, alongside systems tied to housing, relationships, and NPC reactions.
Fable is scheduled to release in Fall 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Also Read: Xbox Handheld Compatibility Gets a Boost With Smoother, Optimized Play
Xbox Developer Direct 2026 highlighted a combination of major franchises and new ideas. Microsoft owns one of the largest studio portfolios in the industry, spanning Playground Games, Bethesda, Obsidian, Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and more. The company has moved away from treating console exclusivity as the main battleground.
It has also reiterated that titles such as Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved are still on the way, alongside additional projects from third-party partners.
