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

Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This news comes alongside the unveiling of new pre-alpha gameplay footage, giving fans a glimpse into what they can expect from the game developed by the UK's Playground Games, known for their acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the dedication of the Playground team. He reassured fans that the additional time would ensure a game that lives up to the legacy of the Fable franchise. "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," Duncan explained, highlighting the team's track record with the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, which boasts a 92 Metacritic score and numerous awards.

Duncan praised Playground's approach to Fable, promising stunning visuals and engaging gameplay infused with British humor, all set in a beautifully realized version of Albion. "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," he added, ensuring fans that the delay would result in a superior gaming experience.

The newly released gameplay footage, though brief at 50 seconds, showcases various elements of Fable's world. It includes combat scenes 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. Additionally, the footage features city walking scenes, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic Fable moment of kicking a chicken. A cutscene also reveals a trap set with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, which the protagonist then battles.

First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable's development has been closely followed by fans. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase provided further insight with a reveal featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd. Last year, during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024, Microsoft showcased another trailer, building anticipation for this reboot, which marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and stands as one of Xbox Game Studios' most significant upcoming titles.

For the latest updates and more detailed information on Fable, fans are encouraged to join discussions on the Xbox community platforms and keep an eye on official Xbox channels.