Fable Delayed to 2026, Microsoft Reveals Brand New Pre-Alpha Gameplay

Microsoft has pushed back the release of Fable, shifting it from its planned 2025 launch to sometime in 2026. This announcement coincided with the unveiling of new gameplay footage.

Fable, a reboot of the beloved Xbox franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being crafted by Playground Games, the UK studio behind the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, recently appeared on the Xbox Podcast to address the delay. He reassured fans, stating the extra development time will ensure the game is "definitely worth the wait." He highlighted Playground's track record, citing the critical and commercial success of the Forza Horizon series, and expressed unwavering confidence in their ability to deliver a high-quality Fable experience. He emphasized the game's stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, signature British humor, and a beautifully realized version of Albion, drawing inspiration from previous entries while offering a fresh perspective.

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The delay announcement was accompanied by a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay reveal. This showcased various aspects of Fable's combat system, featuring a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, a two-handed sword, and a fireball spell. City exploration and horseback riding through a fantastical forest were also featured, along with the classic Fable tradition of kicking a chicken. The footage provides a glimpse into Playground's vision and the visual fidelity Duncan mentioned. A brief cutscene even depicted a humorous trap involving sausages used to lure a werewolf-like creature.

Initially announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," the Fable reboot has been gradually unveiled through subsequent showcases. A 2023 Xbox Game Showcase offered a first look, and another trailer followed during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase event.

This marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming releases.