Jez Corden from Windows Central has provided updates on Fable 4’s development by PlayGround Games, hinting at a potential 2025 release. While Microsoft keeps details confidential, reports suggest the game may take cues from The Witcher 3. Corden indicated a shift in Xbox’s exclusivity strategy, stating that Fable 4 could eventually be available on PS5, reflecting the high development costs. Meanwhile, other major titles may remain Xbox-exclusive, raising questions about their market viability.
Recently, the well-informed Jez Corden from Windows Central shared some intriguing insights regarding the highly anticipated Fable 4. This aligns with a change noted last August about the game’s development. The current buzz surrounding this title, which is being developed by PlayGround Games, seems to be in line with Xbox’s evolving strategy. Is it a mere rumor or a glimpse of reality? Let’s delve deeper.
Will Fable 4 Leave a Lasting Legacy?
Currently, Microsoft is keeping the details of Fable 4 under wraps, but reports suggest that development is moving along smoothly. The upcoming chapter in this franchise, which has historically been exclusive to Xbox and once led by Peter Molyneux, is now in the capable hands of PlayGround Games (known for Forza Horizon). Sources suggest that the gameplay may draw inspiration from The Witcher 3, featuring a mature artistic direction and a diverse bestiary. With the development reportedly in a refined state, a release in 2025 seems plausible, as per Jez Corden’s observations of an alpha version of the game.
Furthermore, Corden has shared more insights about Fable 4. On X.com, he remarked that “Xbox will no longer have total exclusives in the future, only temporary ones.” This statement sparked skepticism from users, with one suggesting that such a strategy could be detrimental to the brand. In response, Jez Corden emphasized, “Fable 4 was monstrously expensive to develop. It may not launch on the same day on PS5, but it will eventually.” Notably, it was revealed last August that the game is also being developed in collaboration with Third Kind Games, a studio known for its work on the PS5 port of Sea of Thieves, further supporting Corden’s claims.
An Evolving Strategy for Xbox’s Future?
It is becoming increasingly clear that Xbox’s approach to exclusivity is shifting. Following initial titles like Hi-Fi RUSH, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves, prominent games are set to make their way to PS5, including Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle, which is slated for release next spring. In 2025, titles like DOOM The Dark Ages and the recently announced The Outer Worlds 2 will be available on PC, Xbox Series, and Game Pass, as well as PS5, either on release day or shortly after. Fable 4 is likely to follow this trend, possibly to ensure the financial viability of its high development costs. However, we will need to await an official confirmation for clarity.
Conversely, several titles such as Avowed, Hellblade 2, and South of Midnight (all anticipated in 2025) are expected to remain exclusive to Xbox consoles. This may be due to their licenses not being strong enough to compete in the broader market. Jez Corden hinted that Microsoft may view the exclusivity of Hellblade 2 as a misstep, perhaps due to its substantial costs and the possibility that Ninja Theory and Xbox Games Studios did not achieve profitability. If this is the case, it will be interesting to see if Fable 4 performs better by eventually being accessible on PlayStation.
Source: Jez Corden on X.com