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

Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Fable reboot, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This news came alongside a first look at new gameplay footage, giving fans a glimpse into what to expect from the upcoming title.

Fable is a reboot of the beloved Xbox franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios. The project is being helmed by UK studio Playground, renowned for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, the former head of Rare who now leads Xbox Game Studios, expressed his enthusiasm and confidence in the project.

“I just want to start with, really excited about progress,” Duncan said. “Really excited about where Playground are. 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. 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.”

Duncan praised Playground's track record with Forza Horizon, highlighting their ability to create visually stunning and critically acclaimed games. He emphasized that the new Fable would blend Playground’s signature visuals with the franchise's traditional elements, such as British humor and the iconic world of Albion. “Just think of the visuals of what you expect of Playground games plus amazing gameplay, British humor, Playground’s version of Albion. So inspired by what’s gone before with the franchise but their take, in quite frankly the most beautifully realized version of Albion you’ve ever seen,” Duncan explained.

Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay trailer. This footage showcased various elements of Fable, including combat 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 trailer also featured scenes of city exploration, horseback riding through a fantasy-styled forest, and the iconic chicken-kicking moment. A cutscene revealed a trap set with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to a subsequent battle with the main character.

Playground's revival of the fantasy role-playing game series was first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning." Subsequent reveals, including one at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase with Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, and another during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, have built anticipation for this reboot. This new Fable is the first mainline entry since 2010's Fable 3 and stands as one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant upcoming releases.

Duncan concluded by reassuring fans that the extra time would ensure the best possible game for the community. “I want the community to understand that we do these things for the best of the games and the teams, and ultimately that results in the best game for the community.”