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

Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Fable reboot, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This news came alongside a first look at new pre-alpha gameplay footage, showcasing the game's combat, city scenes, and the iconic chicken-kicking moment.

Fable, a beloved Xbox franchise originally developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being rebooted by UK-based Playground Games. Known for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, Playground is bringing their expertise to the fantasy RPG genre.

In the latest Xbox Podcast episode, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from Rare studio head to head of Xbox Game Studios last fall, expressed his excitement about the game's progress. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets high expectations. "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," he added, highlighting his confidence in Playground's ability to deliver a stunning rendition of Albion.

The newly released gameplay footage, though brief, offers a glimpse into what fans can expect. It features various combat styles, including swordplay and magic attacks, as well as scenes of the protagonist navigating a fantasy forest on horseback. A particularly intriguing sequence involves setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to an intense battle.

Playground's take on Fable was first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series. Subsequent reveals, including a trailer featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase, and another at the 2024 Xbox Showcase, have kept fans engaged and eager for more.

This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is poised to be one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant releases. With its blend of Playground's visual prowess, engaging gameplay, and the signature British humor of the Fable series, the new Fable promises to be a beautifully realized version of Albion that fans have been waiting for.