Talking Point: What Do You Think Xbox's Release Schedule Looks Like For 2026?

Update []: Rockstar Games may have thrown another spanner in the works for Microsoft today, as GTA 6 has been delayed to November 2026!


Original Story: With Halo: Campaign Evolved having finally been announced after months of rumours, we now have four major locked-in releases from Xbox Game Studios for 2026 - a new Halo, a new Gears, a new Fable and a new Forza Horizon.

Next year looks set to be a massive one for Xbox, especially considering the brand will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, but it's also going to be busy for third-parties... particularly in the case of Rockstar Games' GTA 6.

As strong as Xbox's first-party lineup might be, Microsoft will surely want to avoid competing with the release of the next Grand Theft Auto, which is currently set for a May 2026 release. Of course, it could be delayed again though...

So, what's the plan if you're Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond here? It all depends on when each game will be ready, but you'd think that at least one of these titles (maybe Forza Horizon 6?) will have to land in the early part of the year, while the likes of Fable and Gears of War: E-Day may perhaps have to be held back until the busy holiday period.

If GTA 6 does end up getting delayed to October though, that might throw a spanner in the works. Xbox gave us three first-party titles in October 2025 alone, with Black Ops 7 following in early November, so it's clearly a time period that works well for Microsoft. November 15th of 2026 will mark the exact date of the brand's 25th anniversary too, so we wouldn't be surprised if they hold back a big release for then.

With all of this in mind, it makes sense that none of these big four games have been dated just yet, but that may change in January if the annual Xbox Developer Direct takes place as expected. Until then, we'd love to hear what you think Xbox should do in terms of scheduling for next year - which of these games should land in which months?

Which Game Will Be First To Release In 2026? (331 votes)

  1. Fable18%
  2. Forza Horizon 624%
  3. Gears of War: E-Day18%
  4. Halo: Campaign Evolved40%

Which Game Will Be Last To Release In 2026 (Or Delayed To 2027?) (306 votes)

  1. Fable53%
  2. Forza Horizon 614%
  3. Gears of War: E-Day18%
  4. Halo: Campaign Evolved14%

Let us know your thoughts on Xbox's 2026 release schedule down in the comments section below.