Xbox in 2026: A New Era Unfolds

2026 marks a significant shift for Xbox as the gaming giant embarks on a transformative journey. With long-time Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer retiring and Xbox President Sarah Bond exiting the company, the reins have now been handed to Asha Sharma. Currently the President of Microsoft’s CoreAI product, Sharma will oversee Xbox’s first-party developers and its continued expansion into multiplatform publishing.

The year 2025 set the stage for Xbox’s broader ambitions. Titles like *The Outer Worlds 2*, *Doom: The Dark Ages*, *Ninja Gaiden 4*, and *Gears of War: Reloaded* made their way to PS5 along with Xbox and PC. Meanwhile, Xbox exclusives like *Avowed*, *Keeper*, and *South of Midnight* bolstered the platform’s lineup. However, not all was rosy—*Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* underperformed critically and commercially.

Looking ahead, Xbox’s roadmap is packed with ambitious projects across its studios. Below is a comprehensive look at each studio’s current endeavors and future plans.

Playground Games

Playground Games is gearing up for a monumental 2026 with two highly anticipated releases:

• Forza Horizon 6: Set in Japan, this open-world driving game launches on Xbox Series X/S and PC on May 19, with a PS5 release later in the year. It promises another visually stunning entry in the franchise.
• Fable: The reboot of Lionhead’s classic RPG series is targeting a late 2026 release. With a simultaneous launch on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5, Fable aims to bring the magical world of Albion to a modern audience.

Bethesda Game Studios

Bethesda’s focus is firmly on The Elder Scrolls 6, which entered full production following the 2023 release of *Starfield* and its 2024 DLC, *Shattered Space*. In February 2026, Todd Howard confirmed that the majority of the studio is now working on the fantasy RPG, though its release remains far off.

Obsidian Entertainment

Obsidian had a stellar 2025, releasing *Avowed*, *The Outer Worlds 2*, and *Grounded 2* in early access. However, with *The Outer Worlds 2* underperforming, the studio has no plans for a third installment. Their next steps remain a mystery as the team regroups after a busy year.

Halo Studios

Formerly 343 Industries, Halo Studios is working on multiple projects, including Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original *Halo* story. This Unreal Engine 5-powered remake marks the first time *Halo* will be playable on PlayStation, alongside Xbox Series X/S and PC, targeting a late 2026 release.

The Coalition

The Coalition released *Gears of War: Reloaded* in 2025, a remaster of the original game. The studio is now focused on Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel exploring Emergence Day and the origins of the Locust invasion. The game is set for a 2026 release.

Blizzard Entertainment

• Overwatch: Rebranded from *Overwatch 2*, the game has refocused on story-driven content and new heroes, regaining some player momentum.
• Diablo 4: Scheduled for its next expansion, *Lord of Hatred*, in April 2026. This update introduces two new classes, including the Paladin.
• World of Warcraft: The *Midnight* expansion launches March 2, 2026, featuring three raids and eight dungeons. *WoW Classic* continues with *Mists of Pandaria Classic* slated for Spring 2026.

Arkane Studios

After the closure of their Austin branch in 2024, Arkane Lyon is now fully dedicated to *Marvel’s Blade*, a third-person action-adventure game announced at the 2023 Game Awards. The studio entered full production on the title by the end of 2025.

Id Software

*Doom: The Dark Ages* released in May 2025, delivering a slower-paced, dark fantasy take on the legendary shooter series. While no new projects have been announced, the game’s success has solidified Id’s reputation for innovation.

MachineGames

Following the success of *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* and its DLC, *The Order of Giants*, MachineGames is reportedly developing Wolfenstein 3, which could conclude the B.J. Blazkowicz trilogy.

Infinity Ward and Treyarch

Both studios remain integral to Activision’s annual *Call of Duty* releases. While Treyarch co-developed *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*, Infinity Ward’s next major project is likely the 2026 installment in the franchise.

Rare

Rare continues to support *Sea of Thieves*, but the studio faced setbacks with the cancellation of *Everwild* and significant layoffs in 2025. The studio’s next steps remain uncertain.

Compulsion Games

Following the release of *South of Midnight* in 2025, the studio’s future projects have not yet been announced.

Double Fine Productions

Double Fine released *Keeper* in late 2025 and announced their next project, *Kiln*, at the January 2026 Xbox Developer Direct. This pottery-based multiplayer brawler reflects the studio’s creative versatility.

Undead Labs

Development on *State of Decay 3* has been slow due to behind-the-scenes challenges, including leadership changes and investigations into workplace issues. No release window has been announced.

ZeniMax Online Studios

While *The Elder Scrolls Online* continues to thrive, the cancellation of their sci-fi MMO *Project Blackbird* and subsequent layoffs have left the studio’s future uncertain.

Mojang Studios

Mojang continues to expand the *Minecraft* universe with new updates and the success of *A Minecraft Movie*, which became the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2025.

Conclusion

Xbox’s diverse portfolio of studios showcases its commitment to delivering compelling experiences across genres and platforms. Despite challenges like layoffs and project cancellations, the roadmap for 2026 and beyond highlights the company’s ambition to redefine the gaming landscape.