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. The announcement, made during the latest Xbox Podcast, coincided with the release of a brief, but exciting, gameplay preview.

Developed by Playground Games (creators of the Forza Horizon series), this Fable reboot marks a fresh start for the beloved Xbox franchise, originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios. Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan assured fans that the delay is necessary to ensure the game lives up to its potential. He highlighted Playground's track record of critically acclaimed titles, emphasizing the team's commitment to delivering a visually stunning and engaging experience. Duncan specifically praised the game's visuals, describing Albion as "the most beautifully realized version you've ever seen," and promised a blend of impressive visuals, compelling gameplay, and signature British humor.

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The 50-second gameplay snippet showcased various aspects of the game, including combat using a range of weapons (one-handed sword, two-handed hammer, two-handed sword) and magic (fireball). The footage also featured city exploration, horseback riding through a fantastical forest, and the classic Fable tradition of kicking a chicken. A particularly intriguing scene showed the protagonist setting a trap baited with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature.

Initially announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," the Fable reboot has been steadily unveiled through subsequent showcases. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase offered a first glimpse, and a further trailer was released during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase event. This marks the first mainline Fable title since Fable 3 in 2010, and remains one of Xbox Game Studios' most anticipated upcoming releases. The delay, while disappointing for some, promises a more polished and refined final product.