Microsoft to host a second Xbox Developer Direct this year according to insider

Xbox’s Developer Direct showcase is a somewhat unique platform within the industry, with the event focusing on offering deep-dives into a select number of upcoming games as opposed to an onslaught of trailers for titles which could be many years away. That said, 2026 looks to be a pretty big year for Microsoft when it comes to video game releases – necessitating a second Xbox Developer Direct according to one insider.

As reported by known Xbox insider Jez Corden, Microsoft is said to be “exploring doing another [Developer Direct] this year,” adding that “if there’s a year to do it, it’s this year…so like don’t be surprised if we get another [Dev Direct] at some point.”

In case you missed it, the recent Xbox Developer Direct focused on 4 titles in total:

• Kiln (Spring 2026)
• Forza Horizon 6 (May 2026)
• Beast of Reincarnation (Summer 2026)
• Fable (Autumn 2026)

That said, as a publisher Microsoft has tons of other games planned to release throughout 2026, and so it makes sense that they would host a second showcase some time later this year. As of now, just some of the first-party Xbox titles set to arrive in 2026 include:

• Call of Duty 2026 (likely Modern Warfare 4)
• Gears of War: E-Day
• Halo: Campaign Evolved

Other games which we know are in development but have yet to receive release windows include:

• State of Decay 3
• Clockwork Revolution
• Grounded 2 (available now in Early Access)

Additionally, 2026 marks a number of major anniversaries for Microsoft, with the Xbox itself celebrating 25 years, Blizzard hitting its 35th anniversary and Bethesda reaching its 40th. As such, it is expected that we will receive announcements related to all these major moments and more.

That said, Xbox has been rather fickle in recent years, and so their plans could change at the drop of a hat. We will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Xbox’s Developer Direct format? Do you prefer it over Nintendo’s Directs and PlayStation’s State of Play? What do you hope will be shown off at the next showcase? Let us know down below.

Become a Patron!