Microsoft has delayed the release of Fable from 2025 to 2026, but offered a first glimpse of new gameplay footage to soften the blow. This upcoming reboot of the beloved Xbox franchise, originally created by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being developed by Playground Games, the studio behind the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
In a recent Xbox Podcast episode, Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, reassured fans that the delay is worthwhile. He emphasized his confidence in Playground Games, highlighting their track record of creating critically acclaimed, visually stunning, and engaging games like Forza Horizon. He described the new Fable as a beautifully realized version of Albion, inspired by previous entries but distinctly Playground's own vision, blending impressive visuals, engaging gameplay, and signature British humor. He stressed that the delay prioritizes delivering the best possible game experience.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled approximately 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay. This brief but impactful footage showcased combat using various weapons (a one-handed sword, two-handed hammer, two-handed sword, and a fireball spell), city exploration, horseback riding through a fantastical forest, and the classic Fable tradition—kicking a chicken. A cutscene even depicted a rather unusual trap involving sausages and a werewolf-like creature.
Initially announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," Fable's development has been steadily progressing, with previous reveals at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase (hosted by Richard Ayoade) and the June 2024 Xbox Showcase. This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since 2010's Fable 3 and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming titles.
