Yesterday, Microsoft used the fourth edition of its regular Developer_Direct showcase to promote Fable’s path to release. The comedy-heavy fantasy open world experience is projected to launch this autumn on PC platforms, as well as Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles. Certain industry observers have questioned the validity of this broad (Q3/Q4) timetable—weighing in with theories of Playground Games’ PS5 port arriving at a later date. A simultaneous launch across multiple rival hardware systems is a tall task, especially for a studio more accustomed to making racing games on primary Xbox and PC platforms. A first try—2021’s Forza Horizon 5—successfully headed over to PlayStation 5, last year. Instead of opting into using Epic’s popular Unreal Engine 5, the British development outfit’s Fable team has stuck with in-house ForzaTech engine tech. This week, senior Playground Games staffers have engaged with members of the press—many journalists have asked about the UK-based team’s approach to getting Fable ported over to PS5.
Bravely, a select few interviewers have broached the subject of a possible Switch 2 version. Late last night, Jez Corden disclosed that he was informed about a potential conversion onto Nintendo’s latest hybrid console, but this future prospect: “isn’t 100% definite for now, but under consideration for the future.” The Windows Central scribe/executive editor elaborated further in social media exchanges—he mentioned that “decision-making” was in the hands of “logistics,” as of January 22. Corden believes that development of a speculative Switch 2 port has not started yet, but rates its chances of approval in the near future. A small selection of former Xbox exclusives have turned up on Switch 1 in the recent past. Last October, Phil Spencer—Microsoft Gaming’s CEO—mentioned that Nintendo had provided “excellent support” of in-progress Xbox-to-Switch 2 titles. Weeks later, former NoA boss—the ever-dynamic Reggie Fils-Aimé—expressed surprise about the current lack of first-party Xbox games on Switch 2.