Fable Release Pushed to 2026, New Pre-Alpha Gameplay Unveiled by Microsoft

Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, shifting its release from the initially planned 2025 to sometime in 2026. Alongside this news, fans were treated to a glimpse of brand new gameplay footage, showcasing what's to come from this exciting project.

Fable, a beloved franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being rebooted by the UK-based studio Playground Games. Known for their acclaimed Forza Horizon series, Playground is bringing their expertise to this fantasy RPG, promising a fresh take on the world of Albion.

In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from Rare studio head to head of Xbox Game Studios last fall, addressed the delay. Duncan emphasized the team's excitement and progress, stating, "Really excited about progress... We previously announced the date for Fable as 2025. We are actually going to give Fable more time, and it’s going to ship in 2026 now."

Acknowledging potential disappointment among fans, Duncan reassured them that the extra time is dedicated to ensuring the game meets high standards. He expressed unwavering confidence in Playground Games, citing their history with Forza Horizon and their ability to deliver critically acclaimed, visually stunning, and enjoyable games. Duncan highlighted the unique blend of Playground's visual prowess with the humor and charm that Fable is known for, promising "the most beautifully realized version of Albion you’ve ever seen."

Simultaneously, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief yet revealing clip included scenes of Fable's combat system, showcasing weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. The footage also featured the protagonist navigating a fantasy-styled forest on horseback and engaging in the series' trademark humor by kicking a chicken. Additionally, a cutscene depicted a character setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to an ensuing battle.

The Fable reboot, announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," has been gradually revealed through various showcases. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase introduced the game with a trailer featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, while the 2024 Xbox Showcase provided another look at the game's progress.

As the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010, this reboot represents one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant upcoming releases, and the delay underscores Microsoft's commitment to delivering a polished and exceptional gaming experience.