Fable Reboot Reveals Heartless Landlord Gameplay

After half a decade of waiting, Microsoft finally offered an extended preview of its long-awaited reboot of the beloved Fable RPG franchise. During the company’s recent Developer Direct showcase, Playground Games shared nearly 11 minutes of gameplay footage and commentary related to the upcoming title.

The new game will feature a fully open world for players to explore, with locations from previous Fable games like Bowerstone making a return. Playground didn’t say exactly where the new game takes place in the Fable timeline, but the footage suggests a return to the series' classic medieval roots.

The story begins with the player character as the first hero born in Albion in a generation. Like previous entries, the narrative kicks off during childhood, specifically in the village of Briar Hill. The protagonist's journey begins after a mysterious stranger turns all the inhabitants of their home into stone.

Before setting off on the adventure, players can customize their hero with a variety of options. The customization suite includes different skin tones, head shapes, tattoos, and scars, offering standard but flexible character creation tools.

While the original Lionhead entry, Fable 3, explored a version of Albion thrown into the tumult of an industrial revolution, this new game appears to offer a more traditional Medieval fantasy setting. The timeline placement remains a mystery, but the visual style is distinctly classic.

Gameplay footage reveals a combat system that combines melee, ranged weapons, and magic. Enemies possess a health bar alongside a posture meter, which players can break through using light and heavy attacks to execute stylish finishers.

However, the combat mechanics don't appear to be groundbreaking. Judging from the shared footage, the system lacks the kinetic feel of titles from studios like FromSoftware. It seems to be a more traditional action-RPG experience rather than a technical evolution of the genre.

Exploration is central to the experience, with the entire world of Albion open to the player. The return of iconic locations promises nostalgia for long-time fans, while the open-world structure suggests a vast landscape to traverse and conquer.

Beyond combat, Playground Games is leaning heavily into the series' signature social simulation. Players can ask villagers out on dates, eventually marry them, and have children. Notably, the game supports non-monogamous relationships, effectively functioning as a modern polycule simulator.

The economic system allows players to purchase every house and business in Albion. This introduces a landlord mechanic where players can control the housing market across the entire realm.

NPCs will develop opinions based on your actions. If you evict an artist from a property you own, you may encounter them later on the street, where they will confront you about your behavior. This dynamic reaction system adds depth to the moral choices inherent in the game.

From a technical perspective, the footage shared appeared somewhat rough. Observers noted that the frame rate and frame pacing were not smooth, and there were instances of ghosting in some animations. Hopefully, the studio has enough time to polish the presentation before release.

The game is scheduled to arrive sometime this autumn. When it launches, it will be available on a wide array of platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PC (via Xbox and Steam), and PlayStation 5. It will also be available on Game Pass Ultimate at launch.

Microsoft first announced the Fable reboot was in development back in 2020. After three years without a preview, the game was originally slated for a 2025 release before being delayed to this year in February.

The return of Fable marks a significant moment for RPG fans, blending nostalgic locations with modern social mechanics. The ability to shape the world through property ownership and complex relationships offers a fresh take on the classic formula.

While the visual polish needs refinement, the core gameplay loop of exploration, combat, and social simulation looks promising. The shift to a Medieval fantasy setting suggests a return to the series' origins, distinct from the industrial era of Fable 3.

As the fall 2026 release window approaches, all eyes will be on Playground Games to see if they can deliver a polished experience that lives up to the legacy of the beloved franchise.