Following the announcement of Fable's delay until 2026, numerous reports from industry insiders paint a concerning picture of the game's development. These reports suggest the delay stems not from the need for additional polish, as officially stated, but from far more serious underlying issues.
Insider Extas1s alleges that Playground Games is grappling with significant challenges using the ForzaTech engine. Originally designed for racing titles, this engine is reportedly ill-suited for the demands of an open-world RPG. Furthermore, Extas1s claims initial gameplay was underwhelming, necessitating extensive overhauls to core mechanics and pacing.
HeisenbergFX4 echoes these concerns, suggesting Fable's development is so far behind schedule that completion by 2026 remains uncertain. With Microsoft's plans to release Fable on PlayStation, the game's quality must meet Sony's stringent standards. HeisenbergFX4 emphasizes that following the reception of Starfield and the divisive Avowed, another poorly-received title would be a significant blow to Microsoft's reputation.