Fable Release Pushed to 2026, New Pre-Alpha Gameplay Unveiled by Microsoft

Microsoft has announced that the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, initially slated for a 2025 release, will now launch in 2026. This news came alongside the unveiling of new pre-alpha gameplay footage during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, hosted by Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios.

Fable, a beloved franchise first popularized by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being revitalized by UK-based Playground Games, renowned for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Duncan expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that the additional time would ensure a game that is "definitely worth the wait."

In the podcast, Duncan highlighted Playground's impressive track record with the Forza Horizon series, which has consistently achieved high acclaim with scores around 92 on Metacritic. He promised that Fable would blend Playground's signature stunning visuals with engaging gameplay, infused with the British humor characteristic of the series. Duncan also teased a beautifully realized version of Albion, the fantasy world central to the Fable universe.

The newly released gameplay footage, though brief at 50 seconds, provided a glimpse into what players can expect. It showcased various combat styles using weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as magical fireball attacks. The footage also included scenes of city exploration, horseback riding through a fantasy forest, and, in true Fable fashion, an interaction with a chicken. Additionally, a cutscene depicted the protagonist setting a trap with sausages to lure and then battle a werewolf-like creature.

First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable has been gradually revealed to the public over the years. In 2023, the Xbox Game Showcase featured a trailer introduced by Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, providing further insight into the game's direction. Last year, during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, another trailer was showcased, 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. Despite the delay, the promise of a refined and enhanced gaming experience has fans eagerly awaiting its arrival in 2026.