Microsoft has confirmed plans for a vital Xbox Developer Direct showcase in January 2026 after a comparatively quiet The Game Awards.
Whereas Microsoft-owned Blizzard introduced the subsequent Diablo 4 enlargement, and we bought information that South of Midnight is coming to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Swap 2, followers noticed nothing of the brand new Fable, Forza, Gears of Conflict, or Halo video games confirmed to be popping out in 2026.
However in an interview with Variety, Microsoft president of recreation content material and studios Matt Booty promised massive issues are coming subsequent month.
“I can’t share precisely what’s there, however we’ve bought a lot of stuff that we’re transport subsequent yr. Actually, often Dev Direct is about highlighting what’s developing for the yr forward. This yr, we’ve bought extra stuff developing than we are able to match in one present,” Booty teased.
“So I’ll inform you that Playground Video games goes to be in the Dev Direct, however we’ll have extra stuff subsequent yr to ship than we are able to match into one Dev Direct present in January, which is a good place to be.”
So, what can we anticipate? If Playground Video games is in the Dev Direct, it appears probably we’ll get a nearer take a look at Forza Horizon 6 and, probably, the subsequent Fable recreation, each of that are in the works on the UK studio. Past that, maybe we’ll see extra of Gears of Conflict: E-Day and Halo: Marketing campaign Advanced, each of that are confirmed 2026 releases.
Xbox Video games Collection Tier Checklist
Xbox Video games Collection Tier Checklist
However, additionally based mostly on Booty’s feedback, maybe Microsoft will observe up January’s Dev Direct with showcases that concentrate on particular person video games, simply to verify they get sufficient time in the highlight.
“It’s going to be a actual banner yr for the model and a banner yr for a few of our largest franchises to indicate up throughout the business,” Booty continued.
Maybe we’ll additionally hear extra on Microsoft’s {hardware} plans, which embrace a next-gen console that sounds a lot like a PC.
Make sure to take a look at every part introduced at The Game Awards 2025 for extra, in addition to the winners checklist in full.
Wesley is Director, Information at IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You possibly can attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.