Xbox is gearing up for a massive year in 2026 as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, and according to Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, fans have plenty to look forward to. During the latest Xbox Games Showcase, Spencer confirmed that four of the brand’s biggest franchises will return next year—marking a pivotal moment in Xbox history.
The showcase, which already thrilled fans with a wave of day-one Game Pass titles, concluded with Spencer’s announcement that Fable, Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and a mysterious “returning classic” will all launch in 2026.
Four Huge Xbox Franchises Confirmed for 2026
- Fable
- Forza
- Gears of War: E-Day
- Returning Classic (Possibly Halo)
The return of Fable, Forza, Gears of War, and possibly Halo in the same year is an enormous win for the brand. These four franchises are pillars of Xbox’s identity, and 2026 may be one of its strongest years yet.
What We Know So Far
- Fable is being developed by Playground Games and is expected to retain the charm and wit of the original series while modernizing its action-RPG systems.
- Gears of War: E-Day will serve as a prequel featuring beloved characters Dom and Marcus, exploring the early days of the Locust invasion.
- Forza remains somewhat of a mystery. While some speculate it could be Forza Horizon 6, others believe it may be a new Forza Motorsport—especially with Playground Games focused on Fable.
- The “returning classic” was not named outright, but fans are already speculating that this could mark the return of Halo. Leaks suggest a Halo: Combat Evolved remake is in development using Unreal Engine 5, though Xbox has yet to confirm this officially.
Game Pass Dominates the Showcase
The 2024 Xbox Games Showcase also placed a heavy focus on Xbox Game Pass, revealing a flurry of day-one releases coming to the service. Notable titles included the highly anticipated Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 and the surprise reveal of High on Life 2. Game Pass subscribers are in for a content-rich year even before the 2026 celebrations kick off.
Final Thoughts
While many questions remain—especially around the identity of the “returning classic”—the confirmation of these four massive franchises makes one thing clear: 2026 will be a defining year for Xbox. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a Game Pass newcomer, the road to Xbox’s 25th anniversary just got a whole lot more exciting.
