Microsoft confirms 2026 release windows for Gears of War: E-Day, a new Forza title, and the Fable reboot during Xbox Games Showcase 2025. Plus, hints at a Halo remake and more surprises for Xbox’s 25th anniversary.
During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft delivered exciting news for fans of its most iconic franchises, officially confirming that Gears of War: E-Day, a new Forza title, and the long-awaited Fable reboot will all release in 2026. This monumental lineup coincides with Xbox’s 25th anniversary, setting the stage for a historic year.
Gears of War: E-Day, developed by The Coalition, is a prequel to the original trilogy. Set 14 years before the events of the first Gears game, it explores the terrifying first emergence of the Locust Horde on the planet Sera. The story follows beloved protagonists Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago during the fateful “Emergence Day” that plunged humanity into chaos. This will be the franchise’s first new entry since Gears 5 in 2019 and promises to return the series to its gritty roots.
While no new gameplay or trailers were shown during the presentation, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the 2026 launch window, aligning it with the brand’s 25-year celebration. The announcement also arrives alongside the upcoming Gears of War: Reloaded, a remastered version of the original 2006 title, launching August 26, 2025. This remaster will support 4K resolution, 120fps, cross-play, and for the first time ever, will be available on PlayStation 5. With two-player campaign co-op and 8-player multiplayer, Reloaded sets the stage for new and old fans alike ahead of E-Day.
Also confirmed was the arrival of a new Forza title in 2026. Although Spencer did not specify whether it’s Forza Motorsport or Forza Horizon, fans are leaning toward Forza Horizon 6, given Playground Games’ long-standing tradition of alternating between the two series. With Forza Horizon 5 debuting in 2021, a five-year gap would mark the longest stretch between releases, heightening anticipation.
Spencer’s remarks hinted at even more nostalgic revivals, teasing “the return of a classic that’s been with Xbox since the beginning.” This has reignited speculation around a potential Halo:Combat Evolved remake, a project that has been rumored for months and could be part of Xbox’s broader anniversary celebration.
Adding to the buzz, Spencer also reaffirmed that the Fable reboot, developed by Playground Games, is locked in for a 2026 release. First teased years ago, the new Fable represents a bold reimagining of the beloved RPG franchise, with modern visuals and storytelling crafted for the current generation.
While several highly anticipated titles such as Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and Everwild were absent from the showcase, Spencer’s announcements confirm that 2026 will be a landmark year for Xbox fans. With Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, the next Forza, and possibly even a Halo remake on the horizon, the future of Xbox is shaping up to be one of its most thrilling chapters yet.
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