"Fable's Release Pushed to 2026, Microsoft Unveils Early Gameplay"

Microsoft has announced a delay for the highly anticipated reboot of the Fable series, shifting its release from 2025 to 2026. This news came alongside a first look at new pre-alpha gameplay, giving fans a glimpse into what to expect from the game developed by UK studio Playground, renowned for their work on the Forza Horizon series.

In the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, Craig Duncan, who transitioned from head of Rare to head of Xbox Game Studios last fall, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's progress. "Really excited about progress," Duncan stated, emphasizing the decision to give Fable more time. "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," he added, expressing confidence in Playground's capabilities.

Duncan highlighted Playground's track record with the Forza Horizon series, which has been critically acclaimed and award-winning, boasting an impressive 92 Metacritic score. He described the upcoming Fable as a blend of Playground's visual excellence and the classic British humor and charm of the Fable franchise, set in a beautifully realized version of Albion.

The newly revealed gameplay footage, though brief at 50 seconds, showcased various elements including combat with different weapons like a one-handed sword, a two-handed hammer, and a two-handed sword, as well as a fireball magic attack. The video also included scenes of city walking, a character riding a horse through a fantasy forest, and the iconic Fable moment of kicking a chicken. Additionally, a cutscene featured a trap set with sausages to lure a werewolf-type creature, leading to a subsequent fight.

Originally announced in 2020 as a "new beginning" for the series, Fable has been progressively unveiled through various showcases, including a notable reveal by Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd in 2023's Xbox Game Showcase. Last year, 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 stands as one of Xbox Game Studios' most eagerly awaited titles. Duncan's reassurances and the tantalizing glimpses of gameplay suggest that the wait for Fable's 2026 release will indeed be rewarded with a game that honors its legacy while pushing new boundaries.

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