Microsoft Delays Fable to 2026, Unveils New Gameplay Footage
Microsoft has pushed back the release of the highly anticipated Fable reboot from 2025 to 2026. This news, however, comes alongside a first glimpse of brand-new gameplay footage.
Developed by Playground Games (creators of the Forza Horizon series), this Fable reboot aims to revitalize the beloved Xbox franchise originally crafted by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios.
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan, in a recent Xbox Podcast appearance, assured fans that the delay is justified. He emphasized the team's commitment to delivering a high-quality experience, citing Playground Games' proven track record with the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Duncan highlighted the game's stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, signature British humor, and a breathtakingly realized version of Albion, the game's fantasy world.
The announcement of the delay was accompanied by a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay trailer. This brief but revealing footage showcases Fable's combat system, featuring various weapons (one-handed sword, two-handed hammer, two-handed sword) and magic (fireball). The trailer also includes city exploration, horseback riding through a fantastical forest, and the classic Fable tradition of kicking a chicken. The visual fidelity is striking, aligning with Duncan's promises. One intriguing scene depicts the protagonist setting a trap baited with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature into combat.
Initially announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," the Fable reboot has been progressively unveiled through subsequent Xbox showcases. Richard Ayoade (known for The IT Crowd) featured in an earlier reveal, and a further trailer dropped during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase. This marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 (2010) and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming releases.
