Playground Games' highly anticipated role-playing game Fable has been delayed. Previously slated to release this year, Microsoft announced that it will now launch in 2026.
“I just want to start with, really excited about progress,” said Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, while on the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast. “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."
“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 continued. "I have unequivocal confidence in the Playground team. If you think about their history and legacy for Forza Horizon, the last few games, critically acclaimed, 92 Metacritic, award-winning, beautiful, play great."
Duncan went on to praise the studio for its humor and gameplay, and what they will bring to the Fable franchise. Fable represents the first new installment in the franchise since Lionhead Studios' 2012 title Fable: The Journey.
"And 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," Duncan said.
"So really excited about the plans, and really excited about the future. I want the community to understand that we do these things for the best of the games and the teams, and ultimately that results in the best game for the community," Duncan concluded.
To sort of offset the bad news, Duncan did share some new footage of Fable. The pre-alpha footage shows off the beautiful variety of the game, including many different environments. There are multiple clips of the character walking through gorgeous cities and breathtaking forests, as well as engaging in combat with various creatures. The character is seen wielding all sorts of different weapons, including a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and two-handed sword. We also see some sort of magical fireball attack. There's also a cutscene that sees a man laying a trap to entice a werewolf-like creature that ultimately results in a fight sequence. Overall, the footage provides a decent idea of what to expect when Fable does arrive next year.
What does it mean to be a Hero? Well, in the fairytale land of Albion, that is entirely up to you. With a dark threat looming, and in a world where your reputation precedes you, your choices will change Albion forever.
Fable was first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the beloved fantasy role-playing series. The reboot is the first mainline Fable game since 2010's Fable 3.