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

Microsoft has announced a delay for the much-anticipated reboot of the Fable series, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This update came alongside a first look at new pre-alpha gameplay footage, showcasing the progress made by UK studio Playground, known for their acclaimed 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 excitement and confidence in the project. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the decision to give Fable more time to ensure a high-quality release. "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 reassured fans.

Playground's dedication to the Fable franchise is evident in the new gameplay footage, which includes scenes of combat using various weapons such as one-handed swords, two-handed hammers, and even magical fireball attacks. The footage also captures the main character navigating through a fantasy-styled forest on horseback and engaging in humorous interactions, such as kicking a chicken—a nod to the series' signature British humor.

The gameplay also hints at deeper narrative elements, with a cutscene showing a character setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, which sets the stage for an ensuing battle. This blend of action, humor, and storytelling reflects Playground's vision for a beautifully realized version of Albion, the game's fictional world.

Fable, first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, has been gradually revealed to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase provided an initial glimpse, featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd. Subsequent updates, including a trailer at the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, have continued to build anticipation.

This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is poised to be one of Xbox Game Studios' flagship titles. Duncan's confidence in Playground's ability to deliver a game that combines stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the charm of the original series suggests that the wait until 2026 will indeed be worthwhile for fans of the franchise.