News - Fable Set for Day-One Release on PS5 as Forza Horizon 6 Awaits Completion

The latest buzz in the gaming industry arises as Xbox's Developer_Direct event approaches, scheduled for January 22nd, featuring key updates from Playground Games. The focus is predominantly on two major titles: Forza Horizon 6 and Fable. While both titles promise captivating features, rumors suggest they've taken different paths in terms of release strategy. Fable is reportedly set for a day-and-date release on multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 5, marking an expansion from the typical Xbox exclusive releases. This report first surfaced through VGC’s Andy Robinson, implying that Fable has been on track to be a cross-platform phenomenon for a considerable period. The game is expected to offer an immersive dive into its enchanting fantasy universe, despite previous developmental hurdles. On the other hand, Forza Horizon 6, despite its massive following and the success of its predecessor, appears to be facing delays. Slated to present its first gameplay reveal during the Developer_Direct, Forza Horizon 6 will be exploring new terrains in its latest edition set in Japan. Although a future PS5 release is anticipated, current insiders claim the game isn’t ready for a simultaneous launch on all platforms. Robinson's insights also highlight the internal deliberations at Playground Games, where strategic release decisions weigh heavily. With Forza Horizon 6 aiming for grandness with its largest map and enhanced seasonal gameplay, developers seem to require additional time to fine-tune the game's vast open-world environment. However, the development team is committed to delivering a comprehensive gaming experience across platforms, eventually aligning it with Fable's launch strategy. Fable's journey, since its announcement in 2020, has been fraught with speculations of development issues, yet Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan assures that the final product will 'be worth the wait.' Meanwhile, Forza Horizon 6’s venture into Japan is ambitious, with expectations of rich cultural integration into its gameplay mechanics. The game is poised for a release in the first half of 2026, hinting at a potential window for announcements later at the Developer_Direct. In essence, while Forza Horizon 6 takes a step back to ensure readiness, Fable is geared up to bridge gaming communities across platforms. This strategic diversification by Playground Games could significantly impact future release paradigms within the gaming industry.