Xbox Developer Direct Returns Jan 22 with First Extended Look at Fable – New Gameplay from Playground Games

Xbox kicks off 2026 with its fourth Developer_Direct on January 22 at 10:00 AM PT / 7:00 PM CET, promising the “first deep dive” into the long-awaited Fable reboot alongside gameplay for Forza Horizon 6 (set in Japan) and insights into Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation.

Playground Games – the Forza Horizon masters – will lead Fable’s segment with new gameplay footage and developer commentary, marking the biggest update yet for the rebooted RPG. Announced today via official Xbox channels, the 90-minute stream (available on Xbox channels, YouTube, and Twitch) teases “exclusive looks” to build hype for Xbox’s stacked 2026 lineup.

Fable’s Turbulent Road to Rebirth The series’ revival stems from tragedy: Lionhead Studios’ 2016 closure canceled Fable Legends, leaving fans in limbo. Playground Games stepped up in 2019, officially unveiling the project at Xbox’s 2020 showcase with a hilarious CGI trailer starring Richard Ayoade – promising a next-gen take on Albion’s moral-choice fantasy with British wit intact.

Development hit snags: a 2025 release slipped to 2026 in February (with pre-alpha gameplay shown), followed by near-total silence through the year amid Playground’s dual Forza duties and aid from Eidos-Montréal. Now “fully next-gen,” expect open-world antics, evolving heroes, and signature humor – no release date yet, but 2026 launch confirmed.

X is buzzing: fans hail it as a “HUGE W” after years of drought, with Playground “cooking” per hype posts. Watch live for potential surprises – could we see a date?