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, previously helmed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios.

In a recent Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, reassured fans that the delay is in the game's best interest. He emphasized his complete confidence in Playground Games, highlighting their track record of critical acclaim and award-winning titles like Forza Horizon. Duncan described the upcoming Fable as a visually stunning and engaging experience, boasting "British humor" and a breathtakingly realized version of Albion.

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The delay announcement was accompanied by a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay trailer. 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). The trailer also included city exploration, horseback riding through a fantastical forest, and the classic Fable tradition: kicking a chicken. The visual fidelity is impressive, aligning with Duncan's promises. One intriguing scene depicted the protagonist setting a sausage trap to lure and subsequently battle a werewolf-like creature.

Initially announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," the Fable reboot has been steadily unveiled through subsequent showcases. Richard Ayoade (of "The IT Crowd" fame) previously presented the game, and a trailer was released during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase. This marks the first mainline Fable entry since Fable 3 (2010) and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming releases.