Xbox Developer Direct 2026: When It Happens, Where to Watch & What to Expect
Xbox is kicking off 2026 with its annual Developer Direct presentation — a livestreamed showcase focused on upcoming titles and in-depth looks at Xbox and PC games. The event is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, and promises gameplay, developer commentary, and news on some of the most anticipated games of the year.
📆 When and How to Watch Developer Direct
Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 will air Thursday, January 22, 2026, with a global livestream accessible across multiple platforms.
Global start times:
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10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern (US)
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6:00 PM UK / 7:00 PM CET
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For many regions outside the Americas and Europe, the stream will fall early on January 23, 2026 due to time differences.
Where you can watch live:
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Xbox’s official YouTube.com/Xbox channel
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Twitch.tv/Xbox and Twitch.tv/XboxASL
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Facebook.com/Xbox pages
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Some regional streams and platforms such as Steam also carry the broadcast.
The main YouTube feed will support 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with subtitle support in dozens of languages. Accessibility options may include audio descriptions and sign-language streams on select channels.
Confirmed Games & What’s Expected
Xbox’s Developer Direct is known for offering players a closer look at games in development: not just trailers, but extended gameplay, developer commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights.
So far, the following titles are confirmed to appear or are widely expected to receive coverage:
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Fable — A long-awaited return of the beloved RPG series, now developed by Playground Games.
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Forza Horizon 6 — The next chapter in Xbox’s popular open-world racing franchise, with first gameplay reveals likely focusing on its Japan setting.
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Beast of Reincarnation — An action RPG from Game Freak featuring dynamic gameplay and narrative elements.
Insider reports and fan discussions also suggest there could be a “one more thing” surprise announcement, following the showcase format established in previous Developer Directs.
Developer Direct: Why It Matters
Unlike larger gala events like Xbox’s Summer Game Showcase, January’s Developer Direct typically focuses on deeper dives into fewer games — offering extended gameplay segments and developer insights rather than just a long series of trailer drops.
Microsoft’s decision to expand coverage across multiple streaming platforms and support extensive language options highlights the company’s intention to reach global audiences and ensure fans worldwide can watch in real time.
For Xbox, this event also serves as one of the first major presentations of the year, setting expectations for what’s to come in 2026 across consoles and PC.