Microsoft has delayed the release of Fable from 2025 to 2026, but offered a first glimpse of exciting 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 acclaimed studio behind the Forza Horizon series.
In a recent episode of the Xbox Podcast, 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 incorporating Playground's signature visual style, combined with compelling gameplay, British humor, and a breathtakingly realized version of Albion—inspired by previous iterations but distinctly their own. He stressed that the delay prioritizes delivering the best possible game experience.
A 50-second pre-alpha gameplay video accompanied the announcement. This brief but revealing clip showcased Fable's combat system, featuring 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, of course, the classic Fable tradition of kicking a chicken. A humorous cutscene even depicted the protagonist setting a trap using sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature into combat.
Initially announced in 2020 as a “new beginning,” Fable's development has been steadily progressing. Subsequent reveals at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase (hosted by Richard Ayoade) and the June 2024 Xbox Showcase offered further glimpses into the game's world and mechanics. This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since 2010's Fable 3 and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming titles.
