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

Microsoft has announced a delay for the much-anticipated reboot of the Fable series, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This news came alongside a revealing first look at new gameplay footage during the latest Xbox Podcast episode. Fable, originally developed by the now-closed Lionhead Studios, is being revived by UK's Playground Games, renowned for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

Craig Duncan, who transitioned from Rare studio head to lead Xbox Game Studios last fall, used the podcast to address the delay. He expressed enthusiasm about the progress and the direction Playground is taking with Fable. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing that the additional time would ensure the game meets high expectations. He assured fans that the wait would be worthwhile, citing Playground's track record with Forza Horizon, which boasts a 92 Metacritic score and numerous awards.

Duncan highlighted the unique elements Playground is bringing to Fable, such as stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the signature British humor, all set within a beautifully crafted version of Albion. He stressed that this delay is in the best interest of both the game and its community, promising a superior gaming experience.

Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief glimpse showcased various aspects 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. A cutscene depicted a man setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, which the protagonist then battles.

The Fable reboot, announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," has been gradually revealed to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase featured a trailer introduced by Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, and last year's Xbox Showcase in June 2024 provided another look at the game. This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is one of the most significant upcoming titles for Xbox Game Studios.

For fans eagerly awaiting Fable, the delay might be disappointing, but Duncan's confidence in Playground Games and the promising gameplay footage suggest that the wait will indeed be worth it.