Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Livestream How to Watch and What to Expect Xbox will host its fourth annual Developer Direct showcase later this month. The event is scheduled for January 22 at 1PM Eastern Time. Viewers will have multiple options to tune in, including on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Steam. The YouTube stream will be available in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second for the best viewing quality. Xbox will also provide streams with audio descriptions and American Sign Language on separate YouTube channels. For audiences in China, the presentation will be available on Bilibili starting on Friday, January 24. Microsoft has officially confirmed that three games will be featured during the showcase. All three titles are coming from prominent studios under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. First is the long-awaited reboot of Fable, developed by Playground Games. This new entry aims to revive the beloved fantasy role-playing series with a fresh take on its whimsical and often darkly humorous world. The Developer Direct will likely offer a deeper look at the gameplay and world-building that the studio has been crafting. Also from Playground Games is Forza Horizon 6. The open-world arcade racing series is known for its vibrant festival settings and extensive car lists. This new installment is expected to continue that tradition, and the showcase should reveal its new location and the next evolution of its driving mechanics. The third confirmed title is Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak, the studio famous for the Pokemon franchise. This project is a departure from their usual work, described as a one-person, one-dog role-playing game. The showcase will provide a first real look at its unique premise and gameplay style. The format of the Developer Direct typically involves in-depth segments for each game, featuring interviews with the development teams, new trailers, and extensive gameplay footage. It is also common for at least one of the featured games to receive a specific release date announcement during the show. While only three games have been announced, there is a possibility of surprise reveals. Past Developer Direct events have typically featured around five games. The very first showcase in 2023 famously concluded with the shadow-drop release of Hi-Fi Rush immediately after its announcement. While such a surprise launch is not guaranteed, the event has built a reputation for delivering unexpected news. The Developer Direct serves as a key part of Xboxs strategy to communicate directly with players about upcoming exclusive games, offering a focused look at the creative process behind them.
