Microsoft delays Fable out of 2026 to give it a dedicated "moment to shine" and avoid GTA VI

Microsoft wants to get Fable out of 2026 to avoid all of the other major releases, like GTA VI and Call of Duty, that will be happening this year.

Fable fans have been looking forward to the new reboot from Playground Games since its original announcement in 2020. However, that wait has just gotten longer, as another delay has now hit the long-awaited fantasy RPG. Microsoft said that this is because it wants to give the game's launch more breathing room, which is becoming difficult in 2026 with all the upcoming major releases, including Grand Theft Auto VI.

Following previous delays, Fable's most recent release window had it landing in autumn 2026. Today, Microsoft attached a different release window to the game. The Forza studio will now be releasing Fable in February 2027, getting out of the way of some of the biggest games this year.

"In order to plan our game launches through the holidays, in a way that works best for players, we’re moving Fable to February 2027 so it can have the dedicated moment it deserves," said the company in a social media post. It name-dropped titles like Halo Campaign Evolved, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4, and Grand Theft Auto VI as just some of the releases players will still be able to enjoy on Xbox consoles this year.

At the same time, Xbox's chief content officer, Matt Booty, added some extra information about the game's status in the new Xbox Podcast today as well. He said Fable is currently in great shape and that the Playground development team and Microsoft are feeling good about it. He also reiterated the original message, adding that the goal is to give the highly-anticipated RPG its "own moment to shine."

We will be seeing more of it in Showcase," says Booty, confirming a new Xbox Games Showcase appearance for Fable. "So we're going to have plenty for people to see. It really is coming together well, exciting stuff."

The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 and the Gears of War E-Day deep dive events are slated to kick off on Sunday, June 7.

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Posted Saturday 30 May 2026 at 7:51 am AEST (my time).

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