Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This news comes alongside the first glimpse of new gameplay footage, offering fans a taste of what to expect from the upcoming title.
Fable, originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being revived by UK-based Playground Games, renowned for their successful Forza Horizon series. In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, the former head of Rare who now leads Xbox Game Studios, shared his enthusiasm for the project. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets high expectations. "While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want to assure people of is that it's definitely worth the wait," he added, expressing confidence in Playground's ability to deliver a remarkable game.
The delay aims to allow Playground Games to refine their vision for Fable, which Duncan describes as a blend of stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the signature British humor that the series is known for. He praised Playground's past successes with Forza Horizon, noting their ability to create critically acclaimed games with high Metacritic scores and numerous awards. Duncan highlighted the team's commitment to creating the "most beautifully realized version of Albion you've ever seen," promising a fresh yet respectful take on the beloved franchise.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft released 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage, showcasing various elements of Fable. The footage includes combat sequences with different weapons like one-handed swords, two-handed hammers, and magical fireball attacks. It also features scenes of city exploration, horseback riding through fantasy forests, and even the iconic chicken-kicking moment. A cutscene showed a trap being set with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, setting the stage for an exciting battle.
First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable has been gradually unveiled through various showcases. In 2023, Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd helped reveal more about the game during the Xbox Game Showcase. The following year, at the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, Microsoft provided another trailer, further building anticipation.
This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is one of the most significant upcoming releases for Xbox Game Studios. With the extended development time, fans can look forward to a polished and immersive experience that honors the legacy of the Fable series while introducing new elements that only Playground Games can deliver.
