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

Microsoft has announced that the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable franchise, originally slated for a 2025 release, will now be delayed until 2026. This news comes directly from the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, where Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, shared insights into the development progress and the reasons behind the delay.

Fable, a beloved series that originated from the now-defunct Lionhead Studios, is being meticulously crafted by the UK's Playground Games. Known for their acclaimed Forza Horizon series, Playground is bringing their expertise to this new iteration of Fable. Duncan expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that the extra time will ensure the game meets high expectations. "It's definitely worth the wait," he assured fans, highlighting Playground's track record of delivering critically acclaimed games with a Metacritic score of 92 and numerous awards.

The delay, though disappointing to some, is intended to refine the game further, promising an enhanced visual and gameplay experience. Duncan praised the team's vision for Fable, describing a beautifully realized version of Albion infused with British humor and innovative gameplay elements. He stressed that this decision is made in the best interest of the game and its community, aiming to deliver a top-quality product.

Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft released a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay snippet, offering fans a glimpse into what they can expect. The footage showcased various combat styles, including sword fighting and magical attacks, as well as scenes of city exploration and a character riding through a fantasy forest. Notably, the classic Fable humor was evident with a scene featuring the main character kicking a chicken.

The Fable reboot, first announced in 2020 as a "new beginning," has been gradually unveiled through subsequent Xbox Game Showcases. In 2023, Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd helped reveal more about the game, and last year's showcase in June 2024 provided another trailer. 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.