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

Microsoft has announced that the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, originally slated for a 2025 release, will now launch in 2026. This decision was shared during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, where Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, expressed his excitement about the progress being made by UK studio Playground, known for their acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

Duncan reassured fans that the delay is in the best interest of the game's quality, stating, "It's definitely worth the wait." He praised Playground's track record with Forza Horizon, highlighting their ability to create critically acclaimed, visually stunning games. Duncan emphasized that Playground's approach to Fable will bring a beautifully realized version of Albion, complete with the series' signature British humor and engaging gameplay.

Alongside the announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of new pre-alpha gameplay footage. The clip showcased various aspects of Fable, including combat sequences with different weapons like one-handed swords, two-handed hammers, and magic attacks, as well as scenes of city exploration and a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest. The gameplay also featured a humorous moment with the iconic chicken-kicking scene, a nod to the original Fable games.

The gameplay footage also included a cutscene where the protagonist sets a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to a subsequent battle. This brief glimpse into the game's world and mechanics gives fans a promising look at what Playground is aiming to achieve with their revival of the fantasy RPG series.

First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the franchise, Fable's development has been showcased progressively. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase featured a reveal with Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, and last year's Xbox Showcase in June 2024 provided another trailer. This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is one of the most anticipated titles from Xbox Game Studios.

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