Xbox’s first 2026 showcase will finally show more Fable, plus Forza and one very interesting-looking RPG from former Pokémon devs

The gaming year of 2026 begins in earnest in just a few weeks, Xbox announced today, confirming the date for its first Developer Direct showcase.

While today’s New Game+ Showcase will show off many games coming in 2026, Microsoft is bringing out its big guns for the first Developer Direct of 2026, including two of its “big four” for the year: Fable and Forza Horizon 6.

Image via Xbox

Fable has seemingly been in development for ages, and Forza will always bring in a lot of hype. But for me, the third game of the showcase is the one I’m most interested in learning more about. Beast of Reincarnation, the action RPG first revealed last year, will finally get some more of the spotlight.

Beast of Reincarnation is a new title from Game Freak, a studio synonymous with the Pokémon franchise. But this looks to be something entirely new and different, and I have high hopes for whatever there is to show in a couple weeks.

“In post-apocalyptic Japan, humanity’s last hope may rest with Emma and her loyal canine companion, Koo,” the game’s description says. “Explore what it means to be human in Beast of Reincarnation, an expansive one-person, one-dog action RPG built around demanding, technical combat. What awaits at journey’s end?”

Xbox teased that Game Freak will “reveal details of our protagonist Emma’s innovative plant manipulation actions and gameplay with her canine companion,” so we should have a more concrete idea of what the game truly is like and about ahead of its launch some time later this year.

A small peek at the game’s gameplay from last year showed a glimpse of action combat and some of the aforementioned flora changes, and it certainly looks gorgeous and potentially full of promise. Add it to the list of 2026 games we can look forward to.

The January 2026 Developer Direct takes place on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 12pm CT on all of Xbox’s channels.

Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy