This week, Xbox hosted the Developer Direct 2026, showcasing four big games coming to Xbox (and PC, and sometimes PlayStation) throughout the year: Kiln, Forza Horizon 6, Beast of Reincarnation, and Fable.
Watch the quick recap video above, and enjoy our brief breakdown of the games below.
Kiln
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Release: Spring 2026
Leave it to veteran indie-turned-Microsoft developer, Double Fine, to announce a game about battling ceramics. Officially described as an Online Multiplayer Pottery-Party Brawler, Kiln features player-made pottery bent on destroying the opposing team. The kind of pot you craft (using a realistic pottery wheel!) determines its abilities, varying in extreme size and shape, from large urns to tiny saucers. The animated legs and faces look absolutely delightful.
The main battles are fought in 4v4 matches to destroy the enemy team’s kiln. Between battles, practice pottery skills, decorate pots, and share your creations. Kiln easily just shot up our list of most anticipated family games of the year!
Forza Horizon 6
Developer: Playground Games
Platforms: Windows PC, Xbox (releasing on PS5 later in 2026)
Release: May 19
The Developer Direct revealed a release date for Forza Horizon 6: May 19! The new gameplay trailer also showcased the Japanese setting, as players compete in the Horizon International. Japan represents Forza Horizon’s biggest and densest map yet, including diverse biomes and seasons.
Forza Horizon 6 will include over 550 real-world cars, including the recently announced cover cars, the 2025 GR GT Prototype (making its debut in Horizon 6), and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser. Players can also enjoy modding cars and storing cars in Customizable Garages, and a free-build mountain valley called the Estate.
Pre-orders are available now, with the Premium Edition unlocked four days of early access, as well as future DLC. All pre-orders include the Ferrari J50 as a pre-order bonus (in game, of course).
Beast of Reincarnation
Developer: Game Freak
Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Release: Summer 2026
Originally revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase last year, Beast of Reincarnation is a third-person action-RPG set in a future post-apocalyptic Japan. From the developers of the Pokémon series, the story stars Emma, a warrior with special powers, and her oversized canine companion Koo.
Their journey is primary focused on battling monsters and mutants. Beast of Reincarnation is inspired by the popular soulslike genre of combat-focused action RPGs, including Black Myth Wukong. Players control Emma, with her fast-paced sword attacks and plant-based powers, while activating Koo slows time and provides other special abilities.
Fable
Developer: Playground Games
Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Release: Fall 2026
The developers of the Forza Horizon series have taken over the reigns of Fable, Microsoft’s once-mighty 2000s-era RPG series. The new Fable reboot has been in active development for years, running off the ForzaTech engine, and now we finally have a release date. Er, release window, anyway. Fable is due out later this Fall.
The Fable series is known for its Shrek-like irreverence toward the fantasy genre and dark humor, with a fully customizable protagonist, and an open, reactive world a la the Elder Scrolls series. The reboot hopes to capture the magic of the original trilogy with humor and heart. For more details, read an extended interview with Fable’s Game Director Ralph Fulton (hosted by Xbox).
Which game from the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 are you looking forward to the most? Let us know via our social media channels, and sign up for our weekly newsletter!
