Fable Release Pushed to 2026, Microsoft Unveils Pre-Alpha Gameplay

Microsoft has announced that the much-anticipated reboot of the Fable series, originally set for a 2025 release, will now launch in 2026. This news came alongside a first glimpse at new gameplay footage during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast. Fable, developed by UK studio Playground Games, known for their critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, promises to be a worthy successor to the beloved franchise first popularized by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios.

Craig Duncan, who transitioned from leading Rare to heading Xbox Game Studios last fall, shared his enthusiasm for the project. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the confidence in Playground's capabilities. He highlighted the studio's track record with Forza Horizon, which has consistently received high praise and scores around 92 on Metacritic. Duncan assured fans that the delay would ensure a game that lives up to expectations, combining stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and the signature British humor that Fable is known for. He described the upcoming game as featuring "the most beautifully realized version of Albion you've ever seen."

Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled 50 seconds of pre-alpha gameplay. The footage showcased various elements, including combat sequences with different weapons such as a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. Other scenes depicted the main character navigating city streets and riding a horse through a fantasy forest. A humorous nod to the series' tradition was also included, with the character kicking a chicken. A cutscene showed a man setting a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to a subsequent battle.

Fable's revival was first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the franchise. Subsequent reveals, including one at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, and another during 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' flagship titles.

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