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 a first look at new gameplay footage, offering fans a glimpse into what they can expect from this revival of the beloved Xbox franchise, originally crafted by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios. The project is being spearheaded by UK's Playground Games, renowned for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
In a recent episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from being the head of Rare to leading Xbox Game Studios last fall, shared his enthusiasm about the game's progress. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the decision to give Fable more time to ensure its quality. "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 unwavering confidence in Playground Games. He highlighted their track record with Forza Horizon, which has consistently received high praise and awards, and promised that Fable would feature stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the signature British humor set in a beautifully realized version of Albion.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief yet revealing clip showcased various elements of Fable, including combat sequences with different 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 included scenes of city exploration, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic act of kicking a chicken. Additionally, a cutscene depicted a man setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to a subsequent battle.
First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable's revival has been gradually unveiled to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase provided a deeper look into the game, featuring a reveal by Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd. Last year, during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, Microsoft showcased another trailer, further building anticipation for this reboot. As the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010, this title is poised to be one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant releases.
