Jagex lines up the first-ever RuneScape event outside of the UK for 2026, alongside new quests, PvP events… and the first raid for the game in four years.

Monday, 26th January 2026, Cambridge, UK –  Jagex, creator of the iconic RuneScape franchise, has today revealed a barrage of new content coming to Old School RuneScape in 2026, together with the game’s debut event to be held outside of the UK. Unveiled during today’s Old School RuneScape’s Winter Summit, players of the iconic, retro fantasy MMORPG can look forward to a whole slew of new, meaningful content over the weeks and months ahead.

Watch the Old School RuneScape Winter Summit on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/directory/category/old-school-runescape 

Old School RuneScape Winter Summit Highlights

• Expanded Sailing skill: Old School’s first new skill, Sailing, is set to be expanded upon in 2026 with a raft of additional content, including quests, a brand-new Barracuda Trial, and activities around the Red Reef.
• Blood Moon Rises: Players of a certain disposition can pack their garlic and prepare to overcome ‘Blood Moon Rises’, a blood-curdling Grandmaster-tier quest finale that will conclude The Myreque storyline: regularly voted one of the most popular storylines by the community.
• Raids IV: First revealed in front of a packed audience at RuneFest 2025, Old School RuneScape will be getting its first new raid in four years in 2026, The Fractured Archive.
• Leagues VI: A temporary game mode that’s proved so popular that it’s since migrated to RuneScape, Leagues is returning once more to Old School RuneScape this April. Featuring fast-paced gameplay filled with bonus XP drops, loot boosts, and power buffs, Demonic Pacts will also be bringing back combat masteries reimagines for Leagues VI. Expect all new relics, tasks and truly demonic reward. Find out more.
• Beware the Ides of Milk: The result of the most recent Game Jam, a new bovine boss is terrorising Lumbridge and all players (whether free-to-play or members) will be able take on Brutus the cow boss as they find out about the ongoing feud between Seth Groats and Cassius. 

Deadman, Deadman, Deadman

• Deadman: Allstars: This year will see Season 3 of Deadman: Allstars, Old School RuneScape’s premier PvP competition take place. Packed with some of the game’s biggest content creators and PK (player killer) veterans, the finals will see six teams battle it out in a live finale scheduled to take place at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago, Illinois on 20th June.
  • The Deadman: Allstars Live final will be the first time an Old School RuneScape event has taken place outside of the UK, underlining the continued expansion and success of the game, and will once again be hosted by creator, Solo Mission. Tickets will be released for sale on 21st February.
• Deadman: Annihilation: More Deadman action will be taking place soon with the launch of the high intensity, PvP everywhere (well, aside from scarce designated safe zones) Deadman: Annihilation. Starting this Friday, and running until the 21st February, this limited-time game mode – and successor to 2024’s Armageddon variant – once again shakes things up with new additions to Sigils and Breaches, and players earn points that can be used to acquire cosmetic rewards in the main game.

Finally, the team unveiled some additions to the merchandise range with new items from StarForge. This includes an Old School RuneScape-themed keyboard and keycap set, a 3D modelled and hand-painted TzKal-Zuk keycap and a new platelight and wall art featuring a lineup of iconic bosses created in collaboration with community artist BucketCultist. These new items join the RuneScape 25th Anniversary collection alongside the previously announced YouTooz Lumbridge Castle and RuneScape: 25 Years Deluxe Vinyl from Laced Records.

Today’s raft of announcements for Old School RuneScape forms part of the RuneScape franchise’s 25th anniversary, which will also see the biggest RuneFest ever take place this autumn in Birmingham, UK.

Old School RuneScape is available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, complete with cross-platform progression and play on PC and mobile.  

About Jagex

Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, Jagex: The RuneScape Company, is a leader in creating deep and engaging forever games that empower communities across PC and mobile. Our MMORPG franchise, RuneScape, is played around the world and has welcomed over 300 million player accounts. 

As RuneScape enters its 25th year in 2026, we are accelerating our strategy to expand RuneScape into a broader ecosystem of forever games and connected experiences, grounded in a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play. This includes the reduction of monetisation mechanics, as well as the launch of RuneScape: Dragonwilds into Steam Early Access in 2025, representing a major step in building a multi-genre future for the RuneScape universe. Jagex: The RuneScape Company remains focused on building enduring worlds, empowering player-led innovation, and laying the foundations for the boldest era in RuneScape’s history.

The Code Vein II Character Creator Demo is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. As the start of players’ time-travelling adventure approaches, the demo allows them to build and fully customise their own Revenant Hunter character with dozens of fun and creative options.

Even better, characters can be saved and transferred into the full game at launch on 30 January 2026. Players can also explore the MagMell Institute or strike a pose with their brand-new Revenant Hunter in Photo Mode.

You can watch the dedicated trailer via the link below and find more information about Code Vein II on the official website.

The cult classic returns with a definitive digital edition packed with haunting new content

London, UK – 23 January 2026. After two decades in the shadows, the spirits are stirring once again. Developer Mechano Story Studio today announces that digital wishlists are now live for Ghost Master: Resurrection Core Edition on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, ahead of the game’s full launch in March 2026.

The Core Edition serves as the ultimate way to experience the rebirth of the supernatural cult strategy classic, bundling the base game with two chilling DLC packs, expanding the haunting from the very first play session.

The PC version, published by Strategy First, is now available in Steam Early Access, with the full v1.0 release scheduled to arrive alongside the digital console launch this March.

What’s Included in the Core Edition

The digital Core Edition includes:

• Base Game – the fully remade supernatural strategy classic
• DLC 1: Until Dawn – Explore the brand-new Elm Street level in the Until Dawn game mode
• DLC 2: Ghosts Adrift – Haunt the eerie Neibolt Street in unpredictable Random mode

Players on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch will automatically receive both DLC packs as part of the Core Edition with no upgrades or add-ons required. 

A Classic, Resurrected for a New Generation. 

Beloved by fans worldwide, Ghost Master returns from the afterlife with a complete modern overhaul, delivering a faithful remake powered by an all-new engine, enhanced visuals, updated systems, and fresh narrative elements that honour the original while welcoming new players.

Command a mischievous cadre of spectres, banshees, and poltergeists through the eerie town of Gravenville, solving puzzles, uncovering dark secrets, and striking fear into the hearts of the living in this unique blend of tactics, puzzle-solving, and offbeat supernatural humour.

Key Features

• Command Your Army of Spirits – Control over a dozen ghost types, each with unique personalities, powers, and haunting styles.
• Terrorise Gravenville – Spread supernatural mayhem across 11 intricately reimagined locations, from asylums and sorority houses to secret labs and police stations.
• Strategise and Scare – Combine clever puzzle-solving with tactical haunting to complete multi-branching missions and uncover hidden content.
• Remade for Modern Platforms – Experience the haunting reborn with modern visuals, refined systems, and expanded narrative depth.

Wishlist and Pre-Order Now

Digital wishlists for Ghost Master: Resurrection Core Editionare now live on PC,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X|Sand Nintendo Switch, while physical editions forPlayStation 5 andNintendo Switch are available to pre-order now from local and online retailers. PC players eager to begin their haunting early can also jump in today via Steam Early Access, published by Strategy First.

Ghost Master: Resurrection launches in March 2026. 

About Strategy First

Strategy First Unc. is a worldwide publisher of entertainment software for the PC and emerging platforms. The company is known for its proprietary titles such as the award winning “Flatout Racing”™ ‘Ghost Master’™, “Space Empires”™ and critically acclaimed 3rd party games ‘S.C.S. Dangerous Waters” ™ The company provides unique opportunity for independent developers who would like to market and release their games to a worldwide audience. Opportunities include work for hire, financing of a product and general publishing opportunities.

Smuggle, fight, and scheme your way through an alternate decopunk 1930s New York City

Issaquah, WA, USA – January 23rd, 2026 – Seismic Squirrel is thrilled to announce that Aether & Iron will launch on PC (Steam) in Spring 2026. This narrative-driven RPG invites players to step into the shoes of Gia, a smuggler navigating the dangerous underworld of an alternate 1930s New York City, featuring turn-based vehicular combat and storytelling from writers with credits on Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate.   

Aether & Iron takes place in an alternate 1930s New York transformed into a vertical city after the discovery of “aether” – a key component to newfound anti-gravitational technology. Customize and upgrade your fleet of aether-powered vehicles with weapons and armor, and recruit unique companions to watch your back, each armed with talents that can make all the difference. Your choices shape not just your path, but the city’s fate as well. 

Level up your Hustle, Smarts, and Brass abilities to improve your chances in combat and social situations. As a simple job draws you into a conspiracy that threatens the whole city, you’ll reconnect with old friends, make new enemies, and determine whether New York’s citizens will find hope in this corrupt world. 

Aether & Iron will be available on Steam in Spring 2026, in English, Spanish (Spain & Latin America), French, German, Polish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese. Players can try a free demo now on Steam.  

Key Features

• Muster Your Crew: Recruit unique and resourceful companions to watch your back, and follow their stories. 
• Turn-Based Vehicular Combat: Assemble a wide range of incredible aether-powered vehicles and unlock new tactical options to try out in an interesting twist on strategic, turn-based vehicular battles.
• Dive into An Underground Life: Navigate secret paths, dodge enemies, hide contraband, and stay ahead of the big bosses out to get you.
• Your Choices Matter: Your decisions will shape the unfolding history of New York and the lives of its citizens, determining whether they will be able to find hope in a corrupt world of manipulation and violence.
• Grow your Talents: Level up your Hustle, Smarts, and Brass abilities to improve your chances in combat and social situations. But no matter how good you are, you’re always a dice roll away from success or failure.
• Drive in Style: Upgrade your aether-powered rides to suit your playstyle. Enhance your cars with every trick in the smuggler’s toolkit – hidden compartments, smoke dispensers, and flamethrowers of course.
• Fascinating Visuals: Inspired by 1930’s detective comics and the art deco period, Aether & Iron brings a unique visual identity to gameplay.
• Full Voice Acting: Experience an alt-history 1930s New York directly through the voices of its inhabitants. Learn their stories; sometimes funny, sometimes philosophical, usually tragic.

About Seismic Squirrel
Seismic Squirrel is a talented and passionate team of both industry veterans and enthusiastic newcomers. We share a strong desire to tell fascinating stories supporting engaging gameplay mechanics. 

Melbourne, Australia – World of Warcraft Midnight has officially moved into the heart of Melbourne, following the completion of the Midnight House & Lounge in Federation Square, marking the arrival of a slice of Azeroth to the city.  

This morning, Melbournians across the city, along with visitors en-route to major sporting events, crossed paths with World of Warcraft Cosplayers at various locations across the city. The characters were making their way home to the Midnight House & Lounge in Federation Square.  

Midnight, the epic second chapter of World of Warcraft’s Worldsoul Saga, launches globally on 3 March (AEDT/UTC+8). To celebrate the launch, and the highly anticipated introduction of player housing, Melbournians are invited to experience a home away from home for a limited time only. The Midnight House & Lounge is a sanctuary crafted for heroes of Azeroth to relax and unwind and explore what’s next for World of Warcraft. 

To mark the occasion, Paul Kubit, Associate Game Director for Midnight, will join the festivities to meet players and celebrate the next installment of this iconic franchise. 

“As we enter the home stretch before the launch of World of Warcraft Midnight, I’m excited to be here in Australia connecting with local fans and sharing insight into the exciting new features arriving in this next chapter of World of Warcraft” said Associate Game Director, Paul Kubit.  

“With fans already embracing the excitement of Housing Early Access, we’re thrilled to offer a first real‑world taste of this highly anticipated feature on Fed Square’s Top Court.” said Alexis Boulton, Blizzard VP, International Marketing.  

The Midnight House & Lounge is open from Friday 23 until Sunday 25 January, between 1:00pm-8:00pm daily (subject to weather adjustments). Stay tuned to @Blizzard_ANZ socials for any changes. 

Over the weekend, Melbourne fans will be able to make themselves feel right at home in Federation Square, exploring the world of World of Warcraft Midnight, experiencing the new housing features, and getting their hands on epic exclusive gifts (while stocks last) ahead of the game’s launch. 

With Azeroth arriving to the city in the height of summer, putting Melbourne’s gaming culture on full display, this weekend is set to be an unmissable moment for fans. 

LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 22, 2026 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, has released a new update for its collectible RPG Seven Knights Re:BIRTH. This update introduces two new Legendary heroes and other thrilling content for players to enjoy.

This update welcomes the Legendary Universal-type hero [Destroyed Glory] Pallanus, who is the leader of the Dark Knights from Telus. Pallanus served as the Commander-in-Chief when the monsters from the dimensional rift began their invasion. She successfully annihilated the enemy queen and their nest by using the dimensional vibration bomb, which eventually triggered further rifts that led to Telus’s downfall. Players have an increased chance to acquire Pallanus through the Pallanus Rate Up Summon Event and can earn various rewards by participating in the Pallanus Power-Up Event.

[Blushing Moon] Diaochan is a newly added Legendary Support-type hero from Aisha who is known for her stunning beauty that captivated many. She can be obtained through the Guild War Exchange Shop.

Additional content includes new costumes for Mercure, Branze & Bransel, and Pallanus, as well as the introduction of Area 23. Players can also receive a large amount of Keys via push messages daily until January 27. Running through February 5, the 2026 7K New Year Appreciation Festival offers valuable rewards, including a Special Legendary Hero Selector II, which can be obtained by using coupon codes found within the game and its communities.

Originally scheduled for January 22, the Epic Games Store release of Seven Knights Re:BIRTH has been rescheduled to February 5, 2026, to ensure a smoother onboarding experience for new players. The official game page remains live on the Epic Games Store, where players can still register to wishlist the title and contribute toward global milestone goals that unlock in-game rewards for all.

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH inherits the key elements of the original Seven Knights, Netmarble’s flagship IP that has surpassed 100 million cumulative downloads, including its story, characters, combat systems, and core mechanics while enhancing the gameplay experience with modern gameplay features and the latest trends. 

More details on Seven Knights Re:BIRTH are available on the official website and forum. Fans can also stay up-to-date with the latest information on the game by following official social channels on Facebook and YouTube. 

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Raven2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.

FINAL FANTASY VII Remake Series Expands to New Platforms as Development Continues on the Thrilling Conclusion to Critically Acclaimed, Award-Winning Trilogy

SYDNEY (Jan. 23, 2026) – FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, the expanded edition of 2020’s Best RPG of the Year FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, is now available on Nintendo Switch™ 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support and Xbox Cloud Gaming support.

Watch the new FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Launch Trailer below.

This release marks the continuation of SQUARE ENIX’s aim to deliver their games to more players worldwide. Starting with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, the entire FINAL FANTASY VII remake series will come to Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S in addition to PlayStation 5 and PC. The trilogy’s third and final entry—the culmination of everything—is currently in development.

An ideal entry point for newcomers, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is a stunning reimagining of one of the most beloved titles in the FINAL FANTASY franchise. Rebuilt from the ground up by today’s visionary creators, it blends cutting-edge technology with a fresh perspective to deliver a cinematic and emotionally resonant experience. With breathtaking visuals, intuitive gameplay, and rich, strategic combat, it welcomes both longtime fans and first-timers alike. Even those unfamiliar with the series will find themselves immersed in a timeless story that feels both epic and deeply personal—a true modern masterpiece.

A new “Streamlined Progression” feature will make it easier than ever for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox players to jump into the adventure. This optional feature (which is also available via a new patch for the PS5 and PC versions) introduces unlimited MP and HP at all times, unlimited limit and ATB gauge during battles, 9,999 damage, easier weapon ability acquisition, and more to streamline gameplay and allow players to focus on the story and hybrid combat. Those curious about starting their adventure in Midgar can also check out the free demo, available now for both platforms, and carry over their save data to the full game.

Players can still take advantage of a limited-time early purchase bonus, available until Jan. 31, 2026, whereby purchasing the game digitally for either Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC, players will receive the original FINAL FANTASY VII. Additionally, the physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE includes a Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Play Booster*, containing 15 randomly assorted cards.

In FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, players follow the story of ex-SOLDIER operative turned mercenary, Cloud Strife, as he lends his aid to the underground resistance group Avalanche in the mako-powered city of Midgar. In the fight against the shadowy Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict to determine the fate of the planet. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE comes bundled with FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, an exhilarating story arc which brings Wutai ninja Yuffie Kisaragi to the forefront as she infiltrates the city of Midgar during the events of the base game.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is now available for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5 and PC. A free demo with transferrable save data is available for download on all platforms. For more information, visit: https://ffvii-remake-intergrade.square-enix-games.com/en-us/.

* While supplies last

About FINAL FANTASY VII
First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game revolving around iconic hero, Cloud Strife and his pursuit of the antagonist Sephiroth has sold over 15.3 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films and merchandise.

Now, Square Enix’s FINAL FANTASY VII remake project created by a team of original and new developers, retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct, and standalone games. The first game of the trilogy, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, PS5® and PS4® consoles and PC. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy, has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 125 perfect scores from media and 40 Game of the Year awards, and is available now for PC and the PS5® console.

About FINAL FANTASY
For over 35 years, the FINAL FANTASY series has delighted generations of gamers and millions of players worldwide through beloved role-playing adventures that are built upon the benchmarks of spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds, rich stories, memorable characters, and technical and gameplay innovation leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from around the world. Each mainline game in the series is a completely new experience, and an ideal entry-point to the series. Titles of the series have sold over 207 million units worldwide.

About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX and TAITO branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 207 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 95 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE © SQUARE ENIX

LOGO ILLUSTRATION:© YOSHITAKA AMANO

CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA / ROBERTO FERRARI

Xbox Series X|S, the Games for Windows logo and Xbox logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license.

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Continue your journey through alternate dimensions in Digimon Story Time Stranger! This new DLC introduces fresh digivolution paths for Mega Digimon, including BanchoLillymon, BanchoStingmon, BanchoGolemon, BanchoMamemon, and Omnimon: Merciful Mode.

Picking up the mission assigned by Mirei to investigate the chaos caused by dimensional distortions, you will encounter BanchoLeomon and Hiroko Sagisaka, who have been trapped in another dimension by Parallelmon. Along the way, you will meet and recruit other “Bancho” Digimon—Mega Digimon who have earned this title by emerging victorious from extremely challenging battles while preserving their indomitable spirit.

Digimon Story Time Stranger is the latest RPG in the Digimon franchise, available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Travel across time and space, forge bonds with Digimon, and save both the human world and Iliad from destruction.

For more information about Digimon Story Time Stranger and other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.eu.

Developer_Direct kicked off 2026 with new gameplay and developer insights for four games coming to Xbox, all of which players can enjoy this year.

The development teams at Playground Games (who brought two games to the show), Game Freak and Double Fine showed off Fable, Forza Horizon 6, Beast of Reincarnation, and surprise announcement, Kiln. Each brought extended new footage, looks behind the development curtain and, of course, information on when you’ll be able to play the games yourselves.

All the games in our show are Xbox Play Anywhere titles, meaning when you buy them through the Xbox or Windows store, they’re yours to play on PC, Xbox console, or supported gaming handhelds at no additional cost – and you can pick up where you left off with all your saves, game add‑ons, and achievements.

Here’s a summary of everything we brought to Developer_Direct today:

Beast of Reincarnation – Launching Summer 2026

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, Handheld Optimized, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (see developer website for other platforms)

Launching this summer and available day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Beast of Reincarnation promises an unforgettable blend of action, strategy, and mystery. Game Freak gave us more details on Emma and her companion Koo’s adventure in a haunting, post-apocalyptic Japan.

We learned that Emma has been afflicted by “blight” – which has removed her memories and emotions, but given her the ability to manipulate plants – and led her to meet Koo, a dog that’s become a “malefact.” Emma’s role is to hunt down malefacts, but she forms an unusual bond with Koo, setting her off on a journey through Japan circa 4026 AD.

Game Freak call Beast of Reincarnation a “one-person, one-dog action RPG”, and have created a unique combat system to match – Emma provides classic, fast-paced action game attacks in real-time, but Koo offers added skills that can be used from a menu that slows time, more like a turn-based RPG. It makes for a game that offers a very different feeling to other action titles, adding tactical complexity to high-speed combat – which can be tweaked to your liking with three difficulty settings.

You can learn much more about the characters, combat, world, story and the game’s dynamic tempo in our Xbox Wire article, and wishlist the game now ahead of its launch this summer.

Fable – Launching Autumn 2026

Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, and launching day one with Game Pass Ultimate – also available on PlayStation 5 and Steam

The Fable team at Playground Games took us to the fairytale world of Albion, for the first in-depth look at the studio’s brand new open world action-RPG – and revealed that the game will be coming to players in Autumn 2026. Developed by a dedicated team at the UK-based studio, Fable is set to deliver everything players love about the original trilogy – choice and consequence, dry British wit and playful moral chaos – all reimagined for a new generation of players in an unmistakably Playground way.

During the show, we learned how your story in Albion begins, how character customization will work, learned more about the game’s new take on Fable’s morality system and saw brand-new gameplay that showcased combat – with enemies old and new – as well as the game’s unique living population of NPCs. Fable will be a fresh new beginning for this much-loved franchise and will be coming Autumn 2026 to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, PlayStation 5 and Game Pass Ultimate.

Check out our in-depth interview with Fable GM & Game Director, Ralph Fulton here.

Forza Horizon 6 – Launching May 19, 2026

Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, Xbox Play Anywhere, Handheld Optimized, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at launch – coming to PS5 later in 2026

Forza Horizon 6 is speeding towards players in 2026, with the announcement that the much-anticipated next instalment of the Horizon series will be landing on May 19 this year. As part of the Developer_Direct show,  the Forza team at Playground Games revealed first-ever gameplay showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Japan in all their glory, and lifted the curtain on the spectacular cars that will be gracing the cover of the game – the 2025 GR GT Prototype, which is making its video game debut in Forza Horizon 6, and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Forza Horizon 6 will feature the largest and densest map of any Horizon game to date, full of verticality, diverse biomes, seasonality and breathtaking driving experiences – all elevated by Japan’s unique car culture. And just when you thought things couldn’t get better, the team provided an overview of the new features players will enjoy as part of Forza Horizon 6 – including Customizable Garages and The Estate, an overhauled car roster (with 550 cars to collect and customize at launch) as well as new shared experiences, Drag Meets and Horizon Time Attack Circuits.

For an in-depth look at what’s new in Forza Horizon 6, check out our interview with Design Director, Torben Ellert here.

Kiln – Launching Spring 2026

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, Handheld Optimized, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – also available on PlayStation 5 and Steam

We joined Double Fine in their game-turned-ceramics studio in San Francisco, California to learn more about Kiln, an Online Multiplayer Pottery-Party Brawler (say that ten times fast!), arriving this spring.

Double Fine’s new foray into fun asks the question: what would it look like for a game to combine the beautiful expression of creation with all of the chaotic fun of destruction? Turns out it’s a team-based arena battle game which asks you to craft ceramic battle armor on a realistic pottery wheel, and where your abilities are determined by the kind of pot you make.

We took a turn on the clay-splatted wheel to learn all about the 4v4 action of Kiln, the wide variety of crafting tools at your disposal, and what each size and shape of crafted pot means for your combat abilities.

You can catch more of the action in their smashing Announce trailer now and get fired up for the ultimate throwdown by wishlisting Kiln today. Help the team sculpt the game before it launches this Spring by signing up for their upcoming closed beta test, and joining the Double Fine Action Insiders. Find out about the game’s story, mechanics, and more in our hands-on preview on Xbox Wire.

Looking Ahead

As with every Developer_Direct, today’s show marks just a selection of the games coming to Xbox this year. 2026 marks the 25^th anniversary of Xbox, and offers a moment to honor the games, creators, teams, and players that have inspired play for decades  – and we’ll be celebrating that all year long. With the likes of Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved still to come, we’ll be returning to some of our most beloved franchises, not to mention introducing new worlds of our own, and those from our incredible third-party partners. It’s going to be an incredible year – make sure to stay tuned to Xbox Wire and Xbox social channels to keep up to date with everything we have to show you.

On January 21, Exotica 2: Pet Shop Simulator will launch on PC. This relaxing simulator puts exotic animals in the spotlight, blending animal care and breeding with running a pet shop. Players can look forward to over 70 diverse animal species. Exotica 2: Pet Shop Simulator is also planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, though exact console release dates have not been announced.

Exotica 2: Pet Shop Simulator is developed by the independent Turkish studio Konrul Game. The publisher of the PC and console versions is Ultimate Games S.A.

The first installment, Exotica: Petshop Simulator, released in 2024, was well received by players and currently holds 83% positive reviews on Steam, based on approximately 500 user reviews.

Care for Animals and Grow Your Pet Shop Business

Exotica 2: Pet Shop Simulator is a relaxing single-player simulation game. Players become a pet shop owner, managing a store with both common and exotic animals. Gameplay focuses on animal care and the development and daily operation of the shop.

Steam Store – https://store.steampowered.com/app/2824380/Exotica_2_Pet_Shop_Simulator/

Players can choose from over 70 animal species, including cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, and fish. The ability to breed rare species further enriches the experience. Nearly complete freedom in customizing the shop encourages creativity and experimentation.

The developers have implemented realistic shop management mechanics. These go beyond selecting animals and planning breeding, and include maintaining customer relationships and expanding the business. Players can hire employees with distinct personalities and use automation systems to streamline operations.

Exotica 2: Pet Shop Simulator – Key Features:

• Pet shop simulator featuring exotic animals
• Calm and relaxing gameplay
• Over 70 animal species
• Animal care and breeding
• Extensive shop development options

Exotica 2: Pet Shop Simulator is scheduled to launch on PC (Steam) on January 21, 2026. The game will later arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.