Fable Leak Teases Massive Open World, Dark Dungeons, and Key Story Locations

The long-awaited revival of the Fable franchise continues to draw attention ahead of its next official showcase. Originally created by Lionhead Studios, the fantasy action-RPG was officially re-announced in July 2020, though rumors of its return began circulating as early as 2018, when Eurogamer reported that Playground Games—best known for the Forza Horizon series—had been assigned to reboot the franchise.

The most recent official appearance of Playground’s Fable came during the 2024 Xbox Showcase, where the game was given a 2025 release window. That timeline was later adjusted, with Head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan confirming that the release had been pushed back, fueling further speculation about the project’s scope and development progress.

Leaked Concept Art Surfaces Ahead of Xbox Developer Direct 🎨

With Fable officially confirmed for the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, fans are set to receive the game’s first extended look in just a matter of days. However, anticipation has now been amplified by a major leak that surfaced ahead of the event.

A new report from MP1st has revealed nearly 30 pieces of leaked concept art, allegedly sourced from the online portfolio of an artist who previously worked on Fable. While the illustrations showcase a variety of locations that have not yet been fully revealed, MP1st notes that it was unable to verify the exact creation dates of the images. As a result, the artwork may not accurately reflect the final version of the game, and fans are advised to treat the leak with caution.

Despite this uncertainty, the images offer a compelling glimpse into the potential scale and atmosphere of Playground’s take on Fable.

Bloodstone Appears to Be a Major Open-World Location 🏰

The majority of the leaked concept art appears to center around a location believed to be called Bloodstone, based on what looks like an in-universe signpost visible in one of the images. If accurate, Bloodstone could serve as a major hub in Fable’s world.

Based on the illustrations, Bloodstone is depicted as:

• A large city built into a surrounding valley
• Featuring a massive central castle
• A distinct market district
• Numerous homes and structures layered across the terrain

Longtime fans of the series will recognize the name Bloodstone from Fable 2, where it functioned as a pirate-controlled harbor town and served as the introduction to Reaver, voiced by Stephen Fry. However, Playground Games has previously suggested that the upcoming Fable is a full reboot, meaning this version of Bloodstone would not be a direct recreation of its Fable 2 counterpart—though it may fulfill a similar narrative role.

The Hamlet Could Serve as the Story’s Emotional Anchor 🌿

Another recurring setting in the leaked illustrations is a location referred to as the Hamlet. This area is portrayed as a small settlement of wooden shacks, perched atop a grassy hill overlooking the surrounding landscape.

According to MP1st’s analysis:

• The Hamlet may function as the protagonist’s home village
• The game’s antagonist could eventually flood or destroy the settlement
• The location may act as an emotional catalyst for the story

Such a narrative direction would be consistent with the franchise’s roots. All three mainline Fable games begin with a dramatic disruption to the hero’s home life, often serving as the inciting incident that propels the story forward. A natural disaster or deliberate act of destruction would fit neatly within the series’ established storytelling tradition.

Dark Underground Dungeons and Monster Encounters Teased 🕯️

The final major theme explored in the leaked concept art revolves around underground dungeon environments. Several images depict the protagonist navigating a crumbling stone structure filled with:

• Metallic cages
• Scattered debris
• Sparse torch lighting
• Shafts of sunlight piercing through collapsed ceilings

One illustration specifically hints at a werewolf encounter within this subterranean space, suggesting that classic Fable creatures may be returning. Additional images also showcase multiple treasure chest designs, including one that directly references the iconic chest model from the original Fable.

These dungeon visuals reinforce the darker, more atmospheric tone that Playground Games appears to be pursuing with the reboot.

Official Reveal May Confirm What Makes the Final Cut ⏳

With the Xbox Developer Direct just days away, fans may not have to wait long to find out how much of this leaked material will appear in the finished game. If locations such as Bloodstone, the Hamlet, and the underground dungeons are indeed central to Fable’s structure, they are strong candidates to be showcased during the upcoming presentation.

Until then, the leaked concept art offers a tantalizing glimpse at what could be a vast open world, rich with lore, danger, and the signature charm that has long defined the Fable series.