Fable Release Delayed to 2027, Microsoft Cites Grand Theft Auto VI Competition

Microsoft has confirmed a new release date for its upcoming fantasy role-playing game, Fable, pushing it from its initial fall launch to February 2027. The company's decision appears to be driven by a strategy to avoid direct competition with the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is slated for November 19.

Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty addressed the delay on the Xbox Podcast, explaining, "we want to make sure that the game has a window of its own, so we are going to move it from this fall to February." This aligns with a prevalent belief within the gaming industry that Grand Theft Auto VI's launch will significantly overshadow other titles released around the same period.

Industry figures have reportedly expressed similar views regarding Grand Theft Auto VI's market impact. Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Shams Jorjani, known for Helldivers 2, believes the title will "blot out the sun" for other releases. A developer involved with Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight reportedly welcomed the fact that their game would not have to contend with Grand Theft Auto VI. Legendary developer Hideo Kojima has also reportedly suggested that strategic scheduling to avoid Grand Theft Auto VI is a prudent approach.

Despite the delay, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to launch exclusively on consoles in November, leaving the PC gaming market open for other titles, including Fable, which would have had the PC marketplace to itself had it launched earlier. (Source: GameSpot)