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 pre-alpha gameplay footage, showcasing the game's combat, city scenes, and the iconic chicken-kicking moment.
Fable, a beloved Xbox franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being rebooted by UK-based Playground Games. Known for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, Playground is bringing their expertise to the fantasy RPG genre.
In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, the former head of Rare who now leads Xbox Game Studios, expressed his excitement about the game's progress. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets high expectations. "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 stunning version of Albion.
The new gameplay footage, though brief, offers a glimpse into what fans can expect. It features combat sequences with various weapons, including a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. Additionally, there are scenes of the main character navigating a fantasy-styled forest on horseback and engaging in a battle with a werewolf-like creature lured by sausages.
Playground's take on Fable was first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning." Subsequent reveals, including a trailer featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase, and another trailer at the 2024 Xbox Showcase, have built anticipation for this reboot. This new Fable game marks the first mainline entry since Fable 3 in 2010 and is one of the most significant upcoming titles for Xbox Game Studios.
Duncan's comments and the new gameplay footage underscore Microsoft's commitment to delivering a high-quality experience, blending Playground's visual prowess with the humor and charm that Fable fans have come to love.
