Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This news comes alongside a first look at new gameplay footage, showcasing the efforts of UK studio Playground, renowned for their work on the Forza Horizon series.
In a recent episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from Rare studio head to head of Xbox Game Studios last fall, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets the high expectations set by fans and critics alike. "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," he added, highlighting his confidence in Playground's ability to deliver a top-tier gaming experience.
Playground's track record with the Forza Horizon series, which has consistently received high praise and scores around 92 on Metacritic, underpins Duncan's optimism. He described the upcoming Fable as a blend of stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the signature British humor that the franchise is known for. "Just think of the visuals of what you expect of Playground games plus amazing gameplay, British humor, Playground’s version of Albion," Duncan remarked, promising a beautifully realized version of the game's world.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief glimpse into Fable's world included scenes of combat with various weapons such as a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. The footage also featured city walking scenes, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic act of kicking a chicken. Additionally, a cutscene showed a character setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to a subsequent battle.
The Fable reboot, announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," has been gradually revealed to the public through various showcases. In 2023, the Xbox Game Showcase provided a deeper look into the game, featuring a reveal by Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd. Last year, during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, Microsoft showcased another trailer, further building anticipation for this significant title.
As the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010, this reboot is poised to be one of Xbox Game Studios' most important releases. With the additional development time, fans can look forward to a game that not only honors the legacy of the series but also pushes the boundaries of what a modern Fable game can be.
