Microsoft has delayed the release of Fable from 2025 to 2026, but offered a first glimpse of 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 studio behind the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
In a recent Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, reassured fans that the delay is worthwhile. He emphasized the team's dedication, highlighting Playground Games' track record of critically acclaimed titles like Forza Horizon, boasting high Metacritic scores and numerous awards. Duncan stated the new Fable will leverage Playground's expertise to deliver stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and signature British humor, creating a beautifully realized version of Albion, inspired by but distinct from previous iterations. He assured fans the delay prioritizes the quality of the game for both the developers and players.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled approximately 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay. This brief but revealing footage showcased combat using various weapons (a one-handed sword, two-handed hammer, and two-handed sword), a fireball magic attack, city exploration, horseback riding through a fantastical forest, and the quintessential Fable activity: kicking a chicken. A cutscene even depicted the protagonist setting a trap using sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to a subsequent battle.
Initially announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," Fable's development has progressed through several reveals. A 2023 Xbox Game Showcase offered a first look, presented by Richard Ayoade, followed by another trailer during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase. This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since 2010's Fable 3 and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming releases.
