For years, theFablefranchise has faced numerous obstacles in development that restricted the fantasy action RPG from expanding like its fellow Xbox-exclusive franchises,Halo,Forza, andGears of War. Following the release ofFable 3, originalFabledeveloper Lionhead Studios was forced by Microsoft to develop a spin-off game utilizing the Kinect, which became the poorly receivedFable: The Journey.
Lionhead then proposed a traditionalFable 4project to Microsoft, but instead was tasked to work on the live-service, multiplayer-focusedFable Legends, which itself was later canceled. Now, new rumors suggest that Playground Games may be facing similar issues with their ownFabletitle’s development, which could set the game to conflict with another upcoming fantasy game:The Elder Scrolls 6.
Playground Games’ Fable Delay Rumors Explained
While it’s currently unknown when exactly Playground Games began developing theirFablegame, this expected reboot of theFableseries was first officially announced at the 2020 Xbox Games Showcase. By 2023,Fablehad reportedly entered full production and, since the game’s initial announcement,Fablehas received three trailers showing some of the game’s characters and gameplay.
In 2024,Fablewas originally announced to launch in 2025, but this release window was later delayed to 2026, as confirmed by Head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan.Fable’s absence at the 2025 Xbox Games Showcasebegan to make some fans concerned aboutFable’s development, with CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer only claiming thatFablewould debut sometime in 2026 during the Showcase.
Some of these fears were seemingly confirmed when the XboxEra Podcast co-founder Nick “Shpeshal Nick” Baker claimed that, according to anonymous sources,Fablemay be delayed again to 2027. Baker clarified that nothing is supposedly going wrong withFable’s development; it’s just thatFableis “taking a little bit longer than they expected.”Fableis Playground Games’ first title that’s not centered around Forza Horizon, so reports of the developer having difficulties working onFableare understandable.
If this rumor turns out to be true, it could help explain whyFablewas absent from the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase in the first place. Still, XboxEra Podcast co-host Jesse Norris did note that Baker’s Xbox information is “always wrong,” so this rumor could turn out to be false.
Fable’s Potential Conflict With The Elder Scrolls 6
2026 is already slated to be a busy year for Xbox titles, withGears of War: E-Dayexpected to release in 2026to coincide withGears’ 20th anniversary and rumors suggesting a possibleHalo 7orHalo: Combat Evolvedremake release to coincide withHalo’s 25th anniversary. With an additionalCall of Dutygame practically guaranteed to release in 2026 as well, it could be understandable for Xbox and Playground Games to want to delayFableto 2027, especially if Playground is facing unexpected production issues.
Based on priorFablegame releases, this newFablecould have launched in Fall 2026, but depending on whether the rumor is true and the obstacles Playground may be facing,Fablecould launch in early 2027 or mid-2027.
These potential new release windows for Playground Games’Fablecould possibly cause the title to come into conflict with Bethesda’s upcomingThe Elder Scrolls 6. Despite being initially announced at E3 2018, little is currently known about the setting, narrative, or gameplay ofThe Elder Scrolls 6. It reportedly entered full production following the release of 2023’sStarfield, and in 2024, amidThe Elder Scrolls’ 30th anniversary, Bethesda did confirm thatThe Elder Scrolls 6is still in development with playable early builds.
Rumors and leaks later suggested thatThe Elder Scrolls 6could launch in 2026 at the earliest. But, the game’s absence at the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase makes that release window highly unlikely, unless Bethesda shadow-drops it, similar toThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered’s shadow drop.
Fable and The Elder Scrolls VI’s Potential Release Dates
IfFableis delayed to 2027, it could possibly be released early in the year or near the fall season to mirror the release ofFable 1. Both of these release windows could conflict withThe Elder Scrolls 6’s launch, as most prior mainlineElder Scrollsgames were additionally released in the spring or fall seasons.
WithThe Elder Scrolls 6being a similar fantasy RPG toFableand being one of the most anticipated games in modern gaming following the monumental success ofSkyrim,The Elder Scrolls 6could potentially steal most ofFable’s audience and lead to poor sales. However, withStarfieldhaving a roughly five-year-long development,The Elder Scrolls 6could possibly launch in 2028, allowingFableto briefly shine in the fantasy spotlight.
