What Happened to Fable (video game series)?
The Fable video game series, known for its action RPG gameplay and morality system, originated with Lionhead Studios and gained popularity with its first three main installments. After a period of decline and the closure of Lionhead Studios in 2016, the franchise was rebooted by Playground Games, with a new installment now scheduled for release in February 2027.
Quick Answer
The Fable video game series, initially developed by Lionhead Studios, saw its original run conclude with the studio's closure in 2016. The intellectual property was later revived by Microsoft, with Playground Games taking the helm for a new, rebooted Fable title. This highly anticipated open-world action RPG, simply titled 'Fable', was recently delayed from its Autumn 2026 window and is now slated for a February 2027 release on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and, for the first time, PlayStation 5.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Fable Teased by Lionhead Studios
The first Fable game, initially known as 'Project Ego' and 'Wishworld', was teased by Lionhead Studios, promising a revolutionary RPG experience.
Original Fable Released
The first 'Fable' game launched for the original Xbox, quickly becoming a commercial and critical success, praised for its choice-driven gameplay and unique world.
Microsoft Acquires Lionhead Studios
Microsoft Studios acquired Lionhead Studios, bringing the Fable intellectual property under Microsoft's ownership.
Fable II Released
The critically acclaimed sequel, 'Fable II', was released exclusively for Xbox 360, further expanding the world of Albion and its gameplay mechanics.
Fable III Released
The third main installment, 'Fable III', launched, continuing the series' narrative into an industrial age and introducing new leadership mechanics.
Peter Molyneux Departs Lionhead Studios
Fable creator Peter Molyneux left Lionhead Studios and Microsoft to found a new company, 22cans, marking a significant shift for the studio.
Lionhead Studios Closed, Fable Legends Canceled
Microsoft announced the cancellation of the in-development 'Fable Legends' and the closure of Lionhead Studios, leaving the Fable series' future uncertain.
New Fable Game Announced by Playground Games
During the Xbox Games Showcase, a new 'Fable' game, a reboot of the series, was officially announced to be in development by Playground Games.
Microsoft Admits Lionhead Closure Was a 'Misstep'
Microsoft acknowledged that its handling of Lionhead Studios and the Fable series, particularly the push for Kinect and 'games as a service', was one of its 'biggest missteps'.
First In-Game Trailer for New Fable Revealed
Playground Games unveiled the first in-game trailer for the new Fable at the Xbox Games Showcase, featuring actor Richard Ayoade.
Fable Delayed to 2026
Head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan announced that the launch of the new Fable game was moved from its original 2025 target to 2026.
Gameplay Deep Dive and Autumn 2026 Release Confirmed
Xbox Developer Direct featured a deep dive into Fable's gameplay, confirming an Autumn 2026 release window and, for the first time, a launch on PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox and PC.
Fable Delayed to February 2027
Xbox announced a further delay for the new Fable game, pushing its release to February 2027 to avoid a crowded holiday 2026 release schedule, including titles like GTA 6.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Fable series began its journey in 2004 with the release of the original 'Fable' for the Xbox, developed by Lionhead Studios and led by industry veteran Peter Molyneux. The game quickly garnered critical acclaim for its innovative morality system, player choice, and charming, satirical take on British folklore within the fantastical land of Albion. This success led to two highly anticipated sequels, 'Fable II' in 2008 and 'Fable III' in 2010, both expanding on the series' core mechanics and evolving Albion through different historical periods, from medieval to industrial.
However, the series began to face challenges. Peter Molyneux, a key creative force, departed Lionhead Studios in 2012, coinciding with the release of 'Fable: The Journey', a Kinect-focused spin-off that was met with a largely negative reception. Microsoft, which had acquired Lionhead Studios in 2006, reportedly pushed the studio towards a 'games as a service' model, leading to the development of 'Fable Legends', a free-to-play multiplayer title that deviated significantly from the series' single-player RPG roots.
The shift in direction and perceived mismanagement ultimately led to a tragic turning point. On March 7, 2016, Microsoft announced the cancellation of 'Fable Legends' and the subsequent closure of Lionhead Studios, leaving the future of the beloved Fable IP uncertain. Microsoft later admitted in December 2021 that the handling of Lionhead Studios was one of its 'biggest missteps', acknowledging that the push for Kinect integration and the 'games as a service' model had moved the studio away from what made Fable 1 and 2 so popular.
After several years of dormancy, speculation about a new Fable game began to circulate, culminating in an official announcement during the Xbox Games Showcase in July 2020. The new title, simply called 'Fable', is being developed by Playground Games, known for the 'Forza Horizon' series, marking a fresh start for the franchise. The developers aim to capture the heart and humor of the original trilogy while introducing a modern open-world design and enhanced player agency.
As of May 29, 2026, the new 'Fable' has seen further developments and a significant delay. Initially slated for a 2025 release, it was pushed to Autumn 2026. However, on May 29, 2026, Xbox announced another delay, moving the release to February 2027. This decision was made to ensure the game has a 'dedicated moment' to shine, avoiding a crowded holiday 2026 release schedule packed with other major titles like 'Grand Theft Auto VI'. The game is confirmed for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and, notably, PlayStation 5, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Fable (video game series) made different choices?