It’s possible that Playground is working slowly because it already has a release window in mind. While Playground Games hasn’t said anything to this effect, it might intend to release Fable in 2024. That would be awhile away, but it would still be a clever move because 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Fable franchise. Behind closed doors, Playground and Microsoft could be planning an elaborate Fable anniversary celebration to bring the series to its former glory. Neither Microsoft nor Playground has confirmed an event like that, but it would be an excellent surprise to plan in secret.
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2024’s Potential Fable Content
Playground’s silence on Fable 4 so far would make a lot of sense if the studio is playing the long game by saving information for 2024. Once the year rolls around, it might become eager to talk, discussing Fable’s overall journey and how the Fable series will change in Fable 4 as part of the anniversary celebration. Whether it’s a reboot or just a new chapter in the saga, Fable 4 needs some kind of relationship with the rest of the franchise. Releasing during a major anniversary would help reinforce that relationship.
Fable 4 doesn’t have to be the only way that Fable celebrates its 20th birthday. While Playground develops the new game, Microsoft might quietly assign remasters of the original Fable trilogy to another studio. If the previous core Fable games get new releases worthy of the Xbox Series X, interest in the franchise could skyrocket while new players work through the trilogy for the first time. Releasing remasters of the original Fable games during this anniversary would be another valuable step toward bringing Fable into the modern age after many years of absence.
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A 2024 Fable Release is Plausible
Playground and Microsoft haven’t described any plans for a Fable 20th anniversary celebration, but a 2024 release for the upcoming game would still make sense based on Playground’s recent hirings. Even though Fable 4 has seemingly been in development for several years, Playground keeps hiring new Fable developers for all kinds of positions. If Playground is still expanding its team, Fable may still be in relatively early stages. With the help of Playground’s new talent, Fable 4 should be able to move comfortably toward a 2024 release, taking plenty of time to become a worthy revival.
Fable’s revival is a victory in itself, but Playground Games still needs to deliver a game worthy of the influential trilogy that came before it. A 2024 release would certainly be the mark of a long development cycle, but ideally that will result in Fable 4 being truly worth celebrating. Since 2022 is still young, it will probably be a long time before Fable fans hear anything about theoretical anniversary plans from Playground and Microsoft. Hopefully, the companies have something in mind. Depending on how much Microsoft decides to invest in the franchise, Fable fans could have a lot to celebrate in 2024.
Fable 4 is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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