Xbox postpones Fable reboot to allow for additional development time.

Microsoft has announced that it will be postponing the release of the much-anticipated Fable reboot, which was initially set to come out this year. The new launch date is now planned for 2026. The decision was made in order to give the development team, Playground Games, more time to enhance the game.

Craig Duncan, who heads Xbox Game Studios, shared this information during a recent episode of the Official Xbox Podcast. He acknowledged that this news might not be what fans wanted to hear, but he reassured everyone that the delay is worthwhile. Duncan expressed his complete confidence in the Playground team and their vision for the new Fable game. He emphasized that fans can expect impressive gameplay, the classic British humor that the series is known for, and a new take on the in-game world of Albion, which he believes will be the most stunning version of Albion that players have ever experienced.

Duncan also wanted the gaming community to understand that these delays are in the best interest of the games and teams working on them. He believes that taking extra time ultimately leads to a better gaming experience for everyone involved.

During the podcast, Duncan also showcased some early footage from the game, revealing the progress that Playground Games has made on the Fable reboot. The clips featured stunning environments and provided a sneak peek at the combat mechanics in the game. While presenting the footage, Duncan mentioned that he had been able to enjoy some parts of the game, like exploring city areas, completing quests, and engaging in combat, including a boss battle that involved using magic. He said it felt fantastic and he thoroughly enjoyed his time playing.

The journey for this new Fable began back in July 2020 when Microsoft first announced the reboot. Playground Games, known for their successful Forza Horizon series, was chosen to lead this project. Since then, fans have mostly seen the game through cinematic trailers. One trailer released in 2023 featured Richard Ayoade, famous for his role in The IT Crowd, while another released the previous year highlighted Matt King, better known as Super Hans from Peep Show.

In summary, while fans may be disappointed by the extended wait for the Fable reboot, the assurance from Craig Duncan and the glimpses of progress shown in the podcast seem to promise an exciting new chapter for the franchise. The development team is eager to deliver a game that meets the high expectations of the community and honors the legacy of the beloved Fable series.