Fable May Miss 2026 Launch Window, Insider Claims Delay to 2027 Is Possible
Microsoft’s highly anticipated Fable reboot, in development at Playground Games, may be facing yet another delay—this time potentially slipping beyond its 2026 target. While the game was officially pushed out of its 2025 window earlier this year, fresh rumors from industry insider Shpeshal Nick suggest that the title may not arrive until 2027.
In the latest episode of the XboxEra podcast, Shpeshal Nick shared that two separate sources, one of whom is not affiliated with Microsoft, indicated the project is taking longer than anticipated:
"I don't think Fable's next year. My information is that it's not going to be 2026. I've heard it from two different people now that Fable may slip to 2027. And that's not doom and gloom... just hearing that it's taking a little bit longer than they expected."
The rumor remains unconfirmed, and Shpeshal Nick himself acknowledged the likelihood of Microsoft attempting to downplay the speculation publicly. Though he has a track record of correctly predicting Xbox-related news, his predictions have not always been consistent, so this latest claim should be taken with caution.
Earlier this year in February, Xbox Studios head Craig Duncan attempted to reassure fans during an update that featured Pre-Alpha gameplay footage, stating the team simply needed more time for polish and refinement. Despite this effort to maintain confidence, continued delays have increasingly tested the patience of longtime fans and cast uncertainty on the reboot’s development timeline.
Fable has been in development for approximately eight years. While some delays are understandable—particularly as Playground Games transitions from racing titles like Forza Horizon into the action RPG genre—extending the timeline to a full decade would mark a significant lapse in delivery. Playground received assistance from Eidos Montréal in mid-2024, but a more recent update from the Canadian studio suggests that their role in the project may have already concluded.
The timing of this rumored delay is particularly sensitive, as Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had promised that the upcoming 25th anniversary of Xbox, set for next year, would be marked by the return of several beloved franchises. Fable, alongside Forza, Gears of War, and potentially Halo, was a centerpiece of that promise. Missing the mark could further damage Microsoft’s image, already weakened by high-profile cancellations such as the Perfect Dark reboot and the ZeniMax Online MMORPG, as well as rounds of layoffs across Xbox studios.
Still, the broader 2026 first-party lineup might help cushion the blow. Titles like Clockwork Revolution, a new Forza installment, Gears of War: E-Day, and the rumored Halo: Combat Evolved remake are all expected to release next year. Additionally, Activision Blizzard and Bethesda may contribute surprises to fill any potential void left by Fable's delay.
As of now, there has been no official comment from Playground Games or Microsoft on these new claims. Should either party issue a statement, we will update this report accordingly.
What are your thoughts on Fable potentially being pushed to 2027? Do you prefer a polished release, or is the wait becoming excessive? Let us know in the comments.
