Microsoft has announced that the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable franchise, originally slated for a 2025 release, will now launch in 2026. This news came alongside a first glimpse at new pre-alpha gameplay footage during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, hosted by Craig Duncan, who transitioned from Rare studio head to head of Xbox Game Studios last fall.
Fable, a beloved series initially crafted by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being revitalized by the UK's Playground Games, renowned for their work on the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Duncan expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that the delay is to ensure the game meets the high expectations set by both the developers and the community.
"We are actually going to give Fable more time, and it’s going to ship in 2026 now," Duncan stated, acknowledging that while the delay might not be the news fans hoped for, the quality of the final product would justify the wait. He highlighted Playground's track record with the Forza Horizon series, which boasts a 92 Metacritic score and numerous awards, as a testament to their capability to deliver a visually stunning and engaging Fable experience.
The brief gameplay footage showcased various elements of the game, including combat with a range of weapons such as a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as magical attacks like fireballs. The video also featured scenes of city exploration, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic Fable moment of kicking a chicken. Additionally, a cutscene showed a character setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to an ensuing battle.
Since its announcement in 2020 as a "new beginning," the Fable reboot has been gradually revealed to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase provided a deeper look into the game, featuring a reveal by The IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade. Further details emerged during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, building anticipation for this significant title in Xbox Game Studios' lineup.
As the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010, this reboot promises to blend Playground's signature visual excellence with the humor and charm that the series is known for, set against the backdrop of a beautifully realized version of Albion. Duncan's confidence in the team and the project's future underscores Microsoft's commitment to delivering a game that honors the legacy of Fable while pushing the boundaries of what fans can expect from the franchise.
