Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, shifting its release from 2025 to 2026. This news was shared during the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, where Craig Duncan, former Rare studio head and current head of Xbox Game Studios, emphasized the importance of giving the game additional development time. Developed by UK studio Playground, known for the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, this new Fable game promises to be a significant addition to the Xbox franchise originally created by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios.
Duncan expressed enthusiasm about the progress at Playground, highlighting their history of delivering high-quality games. He assured fans that the delay would result in a superior product, stating, "It’s definitely worth the wait." He praised Playground's ability to combine stunning visuals with engaging gameplay, infused with the British humor that the Fable series is known for. Duncan's confidence in the team stems from their track record with Forza Horizon, which has consistently received high praise and awards.
Alongside the delay announcement, Microsoft unveiled a 50-second pre-alpha gameplay trailer, providing a glimpse into what players can expect. The footage showcased various combat scenarios, including the use of different weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as magical abilities such as fireball attacks. Additionally, the trailer featured scenes of the protagonist navigating through a city and riding a horse through a fantasy forest, not forgetting the iconic chicken-kicking moment that nods to the series' playful nature.
The gameplay also included a cutscene where the main character sets a trap with sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature, leading to an ensuing battle. This brief look into the game's world and mechanics hints at the visual fidelity and immersive experience that Duncan mentioned.
First announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the franchise, Fable's reboot has been gradually revealed to the public. The 2023 Xbox Game Showcase introduced the game with a trailer featuring Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd, and another trailer was shown during the Xbox Showcase event in June 2024. This reboot marks the first mainline Fable game since Fable 3 in 2010 and is one of the most significant upcoming titles for Xbox Game Studios.
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