Microsoft has officially delayed the release of its highly-anticipated Fable game, pushing the launch window to 2026. The news was announced by Xbox Game Studios chief Craig Duncan during an appearance on the official Xbox podcast, where he revealed that the company is giving developer Playground Games more time to work on the project.

The delay comes as a surprise, given that Microsoft had initially announced a 2025 release window for the game. However, Duncan assured fans that the extra time will be worth the wait, expressing his "unequivocal confidence" in the Playground team. This confidence is likely rooted in the developer's impressive track record, having previously worked on the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.

Fable, a fantasy game centered around a hero named Humphry, was first showcased at last year's Xbox summer showcase, where early gameplay footage revealed a focus on characters and story. Duncan praised the game's visuals, gameplay, and British humor, promising that Playground's take on the franchise will result in the "most beautifully realized version of Albion that you've ever seen."

The delay may come as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting the game's release, but it's worth noting that Microsoft still has a busy year of Xbox games ahead, including South of Midnight, id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages, The Outer Worlds 2, and potentially even Gears of War: E-Day. While Fable may not be arriving as soon as expected, the Xbox ecosystem remains poised for a strong 2025.

The decision to delay Fable's release highlights Microsoft's commitment to quality and its willingness to give developers the time they need to create exceptional gaming experiences. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's clear that Microsoft is prioritizing substance over speed, a move that will likely pay off in the long run.

With the new release window set for 2026, fans can expect more updates and information about Fable in the coming months. As more details emerge, it's clear that the wait will be worth it, and that Playground Games is working tirelessly to deliver a Fable game that will exceed expectations.