Fable's highly anticipated release has been pushed back from 2025 to 2026, as confirmed by Craig Duncan, Head of Xbox Game Studios, during a recent Xbox Podcast.

Duncan reassured fans about the game's quality, emphasizing that Playground Games is crafting an impressive version of Albion, complete with British humor and enhanced visuals.

This reboot of the beloved franchise, originally developed by Lionhead Studios, is now being brought to life by Playground Games, known for their success with the Forza Horizon series.

New pre-alpha gameplay footage has been revealed, showcasing a variety of environments, combat scenes, and city exploration that highlight the game's visual appeal.

The combat system appears robust, featuring an array of weapons including swords and magic spells, along with humorous moments like a trap for a werewolf.

Duncan shared that the gameplay footage includes mechanics reminiscent of The Witcher 3, indicating a methodical approach to third-person action RPG combat.

Speculation suggests that the delay may be aimed at polishing the game and coordinating a simultaneous launch across multiple platforms.

This delay has sparked discussions about the competitive landscape between Microsoft and Sony, particularly regarding exclusive game releases.

Fable is being developed by Playground Games in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, following the closure of Lionhead Studios in 2016.

The last mainline entry in the series, Fable 3, was released in 2010, making the wait for this reboot particularly long for fans.

Despite the disappointment surrounding the delay, Duncan emphasized that it is necessary to ensure the best possible gaming experience for the community.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates, which are expected to come during summer events or The Game Awards.