Shortly after the announcement that Fable's release has been pushed back to 2026, a series of insider reports have surfaced, painting a troubling picture of the game's development. Contrary to the official statement citing the need for additional polish, these reports suggest that the game's delay stems from more severe issues. Insider Extas1s claims that the developers at Playground Games are grappling with the ForzaTech engine, which was initially designed for racing games and is reportedly ill-suited for an open-world RPG like Fable. Extas1s also mentions that early gameplay versions were "not particularly engaging," leading to significant reworks of game mechanics and adjustments to the game's pacing.
Another insider, HeisenbergFX4, echoes these concerns, stating that Fable is far from complete, raising doubts about whether it will even meet the 2026 deadline. With Microsoft planning to release Fable on PlayStation as well, the game must meet the high standards expected by Sony's audience. HeisenbergFX4 points out that following the lukewarm reception of Starfield and the mixed reviews of Avowed, Microsoft cannot afford another disappointing release. These insider insights highlight the challenges facing Fable's development team and underscore the pressure to deliver a high-quality gaming experience.