The reboot of the Fable franchise faces the possibility of a delay until 2027, a news that is likely to disappoint many fans. This concern arises shortly after the game was previously delayed, heightening the anxiety surrounding its release. The fourth installment was first announced in July 2020 with a cinematic trailer revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase. Three years later, a trailer showcasing the game’s ForzaTech engine followed.
In June 2024, Playground Games initially set a release window for 2025, but this was later adjusted to 2026. According to Nick “Shpeshal Nick” Baker, co-founder of XboxEra, there may be further delays. During a podcast episode on July 19, he shared insights from sources familiar with the game’s development, suggesting that Fable could slip to 2027. Baker reassured listeners that this potential delay does not signify underlying issues with the game, but is rather reflective of the complexities involved in software development.
He stated, “It’s taking a bit longer than they expected.” If these rumors hold true, Playground Games might have aimed for a 2025 holiday season launch—a period typically lucrative for the gaming industry. However, if a second delay occurs, it’s likely that meeting this holiday timeframe might become increasingly difficult. Fans have been waiting for more than six years since the game was announced, and impatience among the gaming community continues to grow.
Since the reboot’s unveiling, Microsoft’s strategy has shifted as they adapt to changing market conditions. Once focused primarily on leveraging first-party titles to enhance hardware sales, they’ve embraced a role typical of a third-party publisher. This opens up the possibility for Fable 4 to potentially release on the PlayStation 5, either on launch day or later. Once the game is finally released, Playground Games may redirect its focus back to the Forza Horizon series, which has seen no new mainline entries since 2021.