Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Fable reboot, shifting its release from 2025 to 2026. This news was shared during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, where Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, also provided fans with a first look at new gameplay footage.
Fable, a reboot of the beloved Xbox franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being crafted by the UK-based Playground Games. This studio is renowned for its critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, which has set high expectations for their take on the Fable universe.
During the podcast, Duncan expressed excitement about the progress of the game and reassured fans that the additional time would be beneficial. "We previously announced the date for Fable as 2025. We are actually going to give Fable more time, and it’s going to ship in 2026 now," he stated. He emphasized that this delay is in the best interest of the game and its community, promising a high-quality experience.
Duncan highlighted Playground's impressive track record, citing the Forza Horizon series' high Metacritic scores and awards. He praised the team's ability to blend stunning visuals with engaging gameplay, humor, and a unique interpretation of the Fable world, Albion. "Just think of the visuals of what you expect of Playground games plus amazing gameplay, British humor, Playground’s version of Albion," he added.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief clip showcased various elements of Fable, including combat with different weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. The footage also featured scenes of city walking, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic chicken-kicking moment.
A notable cutscene depicted a man setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, which the main character then battles. This glimpse into the gameplay offers a promising look at the visual fidelity and action that Duncan praised.
The Fable reboot, announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," has been gradually revealed to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase provided more details, featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd. Last year, during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, Microsoft showcased the game once more with a new trailer.
This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and stands as one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant upcoming projects. With the extra development time, fans can look forward to a polished and immersive experience when Fable finally launches in 2026.
