In its 25th anniversary year, Xbox has kicked off 2026 with a major Developer Direct showcase, offering extended gameplay reveals and firm launch timelines for some of its most anticipated titles. The broadcast also confirmed pricing details for the Indian market, underlining Microsoft’s growing focus on India’s console and subscription-based gaming audience.
From neon-lit cityscapes to storybook fantasy worlds, the showcase positioned 2026 as a pivotal year for Xbox’s first-party slate.
Forza Horizon 6 heads to Japan
The event opened with the long-rumoured announcement of Forza Horizon 6, officially set in Japan. Developed by Playground Games, the latest entry in the open-world racing franchise features the largest map in the series’ history, blending a detailed recreation of Tokyo with mountain drift roads, coastal highways and rural countryside.
In a notable design shift, Playground Games has removed the franchise’s “Superstar” and social media-driven progression systems. Players instead begin as an ordinary tourist, earning their place at the Horizon Festival through races and exploration rather than instant celebrity status.
In India, Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to launch on 19 May 2026. The Standard Edition is expected to be priced at Rs 5,999, in line with Microsoft’s move towards global pricing parity for AAA releases. The title will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
Fable returns with a next-gen Albion
Playground Games also shared an extended look at the long-awaited Fable reboot. The gameplay footage showcased a visually rich, next-generation Albion while retaining the series’ signature blend of dark fantasy, moral choice and British humour.
Developers highlighted a highly reactive world, featuring more than 1,000 unique NPCs whose dialogue and behaviour evolve based on the player’s decisions and reputation. Fable is slated for an Autumn 2026 release.
In a significant strategic shift, the game will launch simultaneously on Xbox, PC and PlayStation 5, marking one of Xbox’s highest-profile cross-platform releases and expanding its reach within India’s growing console ecosystem.
Updated Game Pass pricing for India
Microsoft also announced updated Xbox Game Pass pricing for the Indian market. Game Pass Essential will be priced at Rs 499 per month, offering access to a rotating game catalogue and online multiplayer. Game Pass Ultimate will cost Rs 1,389 per month, bundling day-one access to first-party titles, EA Play and cloud gaming.
New projects from Game Freak and Double Fine
Beyond its flagship franchises, Xbox revealed several new projects. Beast of Reincarnation, a new action-RPG from Pokémon developer Game Freak, is scheduled for release in Summer 2026.
Meanwhile, Double Fine Productions introduced Kiln, a quirky, pottery-themed brawler set to arrive in Spring 2026.
With multiple first-party releases, broader platform support and several day-one Game Pass launches, Xbox’s 2026 roadmap signals an aggressive push to strengthen its position in India and global markets alike.
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