Xbox Sets 2026 Release Windows for Fable and Forza Horizon 6

Xbox has locked release windows for two of its most anticipated first-party titles of 2026: Playground Games’ reboot version of Fable and Forza Horizon 6. Xbox confirmed, on Jan 22, 2026, during the Xbox Developer Direct presentation, that the Fable reboot will release in fall 2026, while Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

They also confirmed that the specific release date for Fable will be announced later, with both Fable and Forza Horizon 6 positioned as cross-platform releases. Fable, the action-driven open-world RPG title, is likely to release in the same window as Rockstar’s GTA VI, which is reported to release on Nov 19.

Both titles will be included in Xbox Game Pass at launch, providing cross-progression access across Xbox consoles, Xbox Cloud, and Xbox on PC.

With such an ambitious bet, Xbox is clearly positioning the upcoming Fable reboot as a marquee release. It will also mark the first reboot since the original developer, Lionhead Studios, dissolved in 2016, and the game director, Ralph Fulton, thinks the game they are creating “is really faithful to the spirit of the classic Lionhead trilogy that we all love.”

A New Beginning for the Fable Franchise

The next Fable game, developed by Playground Games, is being positioned by Xbox as “a new beginning for the legendary franchise.” First announced in 2020, the reboot marks the series’ return after more than a decade, as a “Fairytale, not Fantasy – which is just super neat,” according to Fulton’s exclusive interview with Xbox Wire.

As already mentioned, unlike previous iterations that were Xbox exclusives, the Fable 2026 will launch across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, marking a strategic shift toward broader platform availability.

Fable is set in the fairytale realm of Albion, with over 1000 NPCs, or “a Living Population” consisting of in-game characters. The game features a deeply reactive morality system and social systems where NPC interactions dynamically shift based on player reputation and actions.

Fulton described, “different people will view that reputation in different ways,” with an example of a player “kicking chickens,” and eventually being reputed as a “Chicken Chaser.” He stated that different characters will respond differently to this reputation, stating, “it comes down to the unique worldview of the NPC, what they think of you because of it.”

Forza Horizon 6 Brings its Largest Racing Region to Japan

Forza Horizon 6 takes the long-running open-world racing game to Japan, featuring its most expansive map, reported as five times larger than previous maps created by Playground Games, in the Tokyo region. Before the initial launch on May 19, 2026, a Premium Edition will offer early access from May 15.

Unlike previous Forza titles, in Forza Horizon 6, a player will start gameplay as a tourist in Japan and will need to qualify to take part in the Horizon Festival. Gameplay innovations include new Touge-type races across mountain regions, and expanded social features like the Car Meets system, where players can showcase and buy custom vehicles.

At the launch, the game will have more than 550 cars, with others following as DLCs later. A feature has also been included for quicker access to new cars; players can find and buy aftermarket cars, parked on driveways across the game world.

As announced in September 2025, the game will launch first on Xbox and PC, and during Xbox Developer Direct, the company confirmed that the PS5 version will be coming later in 2026.

Together, Fable and Forza Horizon 6 represent two of Xbox’s biggest bets for 2026, spanning RPG and racing audiences with globally recognized franchises. With both releases scheduled at different times, Xbox is strategically aiming at sustaining engagement throughout 2026.