Microsoft has announced a new timeline for the anticipated Fable video game, now slated for release in 2026. Initially, the gaming giant revealed that Fable would debut sometime in 2025; however, during a recent discussion on the official Xbox podcast, Xbox Game Studios leader Craig Duncan shared the updated schedule.

Duncan stated, “We originally announced Fable for a 2025 release, but we are going to allow the team more time, so it will now launch in 2026. I understand this isn’t the news everyone was hoping for, but I assure you, it will be worth the wait. I have complete faith in the Playground team.”

Last year, we were treated to a glimpse of Fable during the Xbox summer showcase, where the focus was primarily on its characters and narrative. The game follows a hero named Humphry, who must return from retirement when a mysterious adversary from his past threatens the realm of Albion. Today, Microsoft also revealed additional gameplay footage.

This new chapter of Fable is developed by Playground Games, renowned for their work on the Forza Horizon franchise. Duncan elaborated, “The visuals that Playground Games brings to the Fable series are remarkable, enhanced by engaging gameplay, a touch of British humor, and an overall stunning representation of Albion that you’ve never seen before.”

Despite the delay for Fable, Microsoft still has a packed schedule of Xbox titles for the year ahead, featuring releases like South of Midnight, id Software’s Doom: The Dark Ages, The Outer Worlds 2, and possibly Gears of War: E-Day.