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

Microsoft has announced that the release of Fable, the highly anticipated reboot of the Xbox franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, has been delayed from its planned 2025 release to sometime in 2026. The game is being crafted by UK studio Playground, renowned for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

In a recent episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from being the head of Rare to leading Xbox Game Studios, shared insights on the delay. He emphasized the importance of giving the game more time, stating, "We are actually going to give Fable more time, and it’s going to ship in 2026 now." Duncan reassured fans by expressing his unwavering confidence in Playground's capabilities, citing their track record with the Forza Horizon series, which has consistently received high praise and awards.

Duncan highlighted what fans can expect from the new Fable: stunning visuals characteristic of Playground's work, engaging gameplay, and a touch of British humor set in a beautifully reimagined version of Albion. He stressed that this delay is in the best interest of both the game's development team and the gaming community, aiming to deliver a superior gaming experience.

Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay teaser. The footage showcased various elements of Fable, including combat sequences with different weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as magical attacks such as fireballs. The teaser also featured scenes of the protagonist navigating a fantasy-styled forest on horseback and interacting with the environment in humorous ways, such as kicking a chicken. A notable cutscene depicted a character setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to an ensuing battle.

The Fable reboot, announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," has been gradually revealed to the public through various showcases, including a notable appearance by Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase. The latest trailer, shown during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, further built anticipation for this title, marking it as the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant upcoming projects.