Microsoft has recently announced that the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable franchise, now being developed by UK studio Playground Games, will be delayed from its initial 2025 release window to 2026. This news came alongside a first look at brand new pre-alpha gameplay footage, providing fans with a glimpse into what they can expect from the game.
Fable, originally made famous by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being given new life by Playground Games, the studio renowned for its critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from being the head of Rare to leading Xbox Game Studios last fall, shared his enthusiasm and confidence in the project.
Duncan emphasized the progress and quality of the game, stating, "Really excited about progress... Really excited about where Playground are." He acknowledged the disappointment that might come with the delay but reassured fans that "it’s definitely worth the wait." He highlighted Playground's track record with the Forza Horizon series, which has consistently achieved high acclaim and awards, and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a stunning and engaging Fable experience.
The new gameplay footage, although brief, showcased various elements of the game, including combat scenes with different weapons such as a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. Other scenes included city walking, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and a humorous moment involving kicking a chicken. A cutscene also revealed a trap set with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, adding to the game's rich narrative and gameplay variety.
Playground's vision for Fable is to create a "new beginning" for the franchise, blending the studio's signature visual quality with the beloved elements of the original series, including British humor and the fantastical world of Albion. The game was first announced in 2020, with subsequent reveals at the Xbox Game Showcase in 2023 and 2024, each time building anticipation and excitement among fans.
This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is poised to be one of the most significant releases for Xbox Game Studios. Duncan's assurance that the delay will result in a superior game underscores Microsoft's commitment to delivering a high-quality experience that honors the legacy of the Fable series while pushing the boundaries of what fans can expect from modern gaming.
