Fable Delayed to 2026, Microsoft Reveals Brand New Pre-Alpha Gameplay

Microsoft Delays Fable to 2026, Unveils New Gameplay Footage

Microsoft has pushed back the release of its highly anticipated Fable reboot from 2025 to 2026, but offered a glimpse of exciting new gameplay to soften the blow. Developed by Playground Games (creators of the Forza Horizon series), this Fable represents a fresh start for the beloved Xbox franchise, originally conceived by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios.

Xbox's Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, addressed the delay on the Xbox Podcast, assuring fans that the extra time is crucial: "It’s definitely worth the wait," he stated, emphasizing his confidence in Playground Games' ability to deliver a top-tier experience. He highlighted Playground's track record with the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, boasting its high Metacritic scores and awards, as a testament to their capabilities. Duncan promised a visually stunning Albion, inspired by previous Fable iterations but uniquely realized by Playground's vision.

Accompanying the delay announcement, Microsoft shared approximately 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief but impactful preview showcased Fable's combat system, featuring various weapons (one-handed sword, two-handed hammer, two-handed sword) and magic (fireball). City exploration, horseback riding through a fantastical forest, and the classic Fable tradition of kicking a chicken were also included. The footage aligns with Duncan's description of the game's visual fidelity. 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 seen several updates. A 2023 showcase provided early details, and a trailer followed during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase event. This marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 (2010) and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming releases.