"Fable's Release Pushed to 2026, Microsoft Unveils Pre-Alpha Gameplay"

Microsoft has announced that the highly anticipated reboot of the beloved Xbox franchise, Fable, originally slated for a 2025 release, will now launch in 2026. This news comes alongside a first look at brand new gameplay footage, providing fans with a tantalizing glimpse into the world being crafted by UK studio Playground Games, known for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

During the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from head of Rare to head of Xbox Game Studios last fall, shared his enthusiasm about the project. "I just want to start with, really excited about progress," Duncan stated. "Really excited about where Playground are. We previously announced the date for Fable as 2025. We are actually going to give Fable more time, and it’s going to ship in 2026 now."

Understanding the potential disappointment among fans, Duncan reassured them, saying, "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. I have unequivocal confidence in the Playground team." He praised the studio's history with Forza Horizon, highlighting their ability to create visually stunning and critically acclaimed games.

Duncan elaborated on what fans can expect from Fable, noting, "Just what they’re bringing to Fable as a franchise, just think of the visuals of what you expect of Playground games plus amazing gameplay, British humor, Playground’s version of Albion. So inspired by what’s gone before with the franchise but their take, in quite frankly the most beautifully realized version of Albion you’ve ever seen."

Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay footage. This brief clip showcased various elements, including combat with different weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. The footage also featured scenes of city walking, a main character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic Fable tradition of kicking a chicken. A cutscene revealed a unique moment where sausages are used to lure a werewolf-like creature into a trap, setting the stage for an ensuing battle.

First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable has been gradually revealed to the public through various showcases. In 2023, the Xbox Game Showcase introduced the game with a trailer featuring The IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade. Last year, during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, Microsoft presented another trailer, further building anticipation for this reboot.

This upcoming Fable game marks the first mainline entry in the series since Fable 3 in 2010 and is poised to be one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant releases. As fans eagerly await its 2026 launch, the promise of Playground Games' touch on the fantasy role-playing genre continues to generate excitement and high expectations.