"Fable Game Delayed to 2026, New Pre-Alpha Gameplay Unveiled by Microsoft"

Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Fable reboot, moving its release from 2025 to sometime in 2026. This news came alongside the reveal of brand new pre-alpha gameplay footage during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast.

Fable, originally created by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being rebooted by UK's Playground Games, renowned for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. In the podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from being the head of Rare to leading Xbox Game Studios last fall, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He emphasized that the additional time will ensure the game meets the high expectations set by fans and critics alike.

"We are actually going to give Fable more time, and it’s going to ship in 2026 now," Duncan stated, acknowledging that while delays are often disappointing, this one is in the best interest of delivering a top-quality product. He praised Playground Games' track record with Forza Horizon, which has consistently received high praise, including a 92 Metacritic score, and assured fans that Fable will be a stunning addition to the franchise.

The new gameplay footage, though brief at 50 seconds, showcased various elements of Fable. Viewers were treated to scenes of combat using a variety of weapons, including a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as magical attacks like fireballs. Additionally, there were glimpses of city walking scenes, a character riding a horse through a fantasy-styled forest, and the iconic Fable moment of kicking a chicken. One notable sequence showed a character setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to an ensuing battle.

Since its announcement in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable has been gradually unveiled to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase featured a reveal with Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, and last year's Xbox Showcase in June 2024 provided another trailer. 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 Games stems from their ability to blend stunning visuals with engaging gameplay, all while infusing the game with the signature British humor that the Fable series is known for. He described the upcoming game as featuring "the most beautifully realized version of Albion you’ve ever seen," promising a fresh yet respectful take on the beloved franchise.

For fans eager to dive back into the world of Fable, the wait until 2026 will be challenging, but Duncan's reassurances and the tantalizing glimpse of gameplay suggest that the delay will be well worth it.