When is the Fable release date? The Fable reboot was announced during the Xbox Games Showcase back in 2020 with a cinematic teaser ahead of the launch of the Xbox Series X|S. Since then, fans of Lionhead Studio’s original fantasy franchise have waited with bated breath for a new Fable game, which is being developed by Playground Games this time around.
When you look at Microsoft’s lineup of upcoming Xbox exclusives, Fable is certainly one of the most important and hotly-anticipated. Given the pedigree of the series, and the talent on show at Playground, it has the potential to join the likes of Elden Ring and Dragon’s Dogma 2 as one of the best RPGs of this console generation. So, when will Fable finally arrive, and what do we know about it so far?
Fable release date estimate
Fable currently has no official release date or window, however we expect to get this information during Xbox’s June Summer Showcase. When that news does arrive, we estimate that the Fable release date will be in the first half of 2025.
Fable will be launching on Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC only. Because it is a first-party Xbox game, it won’t be coming to PS5 – not straight away, at least. Like all other first-party titles, it will join the ranks of the best Xbox Game Pass games on day one.
While we haven’t seen any gameplay yet, you get the sense that Fable is a considerable way through its development. While it was officially revealed for the first time in 2020, Playground’s work on the Fable reboot started in 2018, according to various media reports. While it’s no-doubt an ambitious game, it’s clear that at has been worked on for a very long time.
In February 2023, it was confirmed that Fable is in a playable state according to former producer Vijay Gill on LinkedIn.
While some are predicting a late 2024 release window for Fable, we think this may be too soon given we haven’t been shown any gameplay footage yet and considering Xbox’s slate of new console exclusives. Unless any of these games suffer delays, the final half of 2024 should already be taken up by Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Stalker 2, Ark 2, and another big fantasy-style RPG in Avowed. We think that Microsoft would want to give both of these big, ambitious RPGs some breathing room away from each other, hence our prediction of a first half of 2025 release date.
It seems almost certain that more information about Fable will be shared at Xbox’s big Summer Showcase in June. We think its highly likely that we’ll get a first look at gameplay, potentially with an extended developer deep dive too (similar to the treatment Avowed and Hellblade 2 received in Xbox’s January 2024 Developer Direct show). We’re also confident that Playground and Microsoft will finally reveal an official release date or window.
Fable gameplay
While gameplay details are limited, we do know that the game is a reboot focusing on the RPG elements of the original Fable series. Playground Games is also using the same engine that powers its beautiful open world racing game, Forza Horizon 5. It’s proven that this tech can create stunning environments and is very versatile, and that bodes well for an open-world game like Fable.
While it mostly contains cinematics, everything seen in Fable’s 2023 Xbox Showcase trailer below is captured in-engine. And yes, that giant is being portrayed by Richard Ayoade of IT Crowd fame. There also appears to be a few extremely brief snippets of third-person gamelpay, including a shot of the female character running and jumping through some flames. However, it’s not much to go on right now.
Fable latest news
In February 2024, it was revealed that Playground Games had teamed up with a new co-developer to help get Fable over the line. Third Kind Games, the studio behind Blankos Block Party, has worked with Playground before, lending assistance on the development of Forza Horizon 4.
While we wait for an official Fable release date and more news on the ambitious RPG, consider checking out our best Xbox games list to find something excellent to play in the meantime. You can also check out our list of all the new Xbox games that are set to arrive in the near and far future.