GTA 6 Might Have More Competition Than We First Thought, Hear Me Out On This

Last night saw fans finally receive an extended look at the upcoming Fable and with it boasting its first ever open-world, players will be able to embark on a true roleplaying adventure.

So much so, that many now believe that Fable could pip Grand Theft Auto VI to the post as Game of the Year.

Courtesy of Xbox’s January 2026 Developer Direct, fans received their first in-depth look at Fable, marking the first time we have seen this much detail since the game was first announced back in 2020.

With Playground Games’ Fable getting delayed back in 2025, many of us thought that this day would never come but it is finally here with the gameplay overview showing us all of the features that this new Fable instalment will include.

After all, it has some big shoes to fill with the Fable franchise being one of the most noteworthy in gaming history.

Originally released way back in 2004, it was followed by two sequels in 2008 and 2010 respectively but this upcoming game will serve as a reboot thanks to the work of Playground Games which is best known for its work on Forza Horizon.

Now thanks to this Developer Direct, we now know that the Fable reboot will be packed to the brim with new and exciting features, such as the ability to fully customise your character, buy houses and businesses, romance villagers, marry, have children, gain or lose reputation, diverse combat, and much more.

Fable Is Set To Push The Boundaries Of NPC AI

However, it is the NPCs that have caught fan’s attention at Fable will reportedly feature 1,000 handcrafted characters, each of which are available to romance and even marry if you are into bigamy.

Xbox Game Studios

Additionally, these NPCs will have names and schedules, allowing you to track them throughout the day and they will even comment on your actions, especially if you have a low or high reputation.

In one hilarious scene, we can see that some NPCs can label you a “rich t**t” if you happen to have a lot of gold on you.

The lives of NPCs can also be directly affected by you.

For example, if you become a landlord and evict them, they will understandably hate you and you will see them become homeless.

It is hard to believe that this level of detail is possible, especially with over 1,000 individually crafted NPCs but it seems as though Playground Games has managed it.

Hopefully we will find out if this has paid off when Fable launches in Fall 2026.

Could it really overtake GTA VI in the battle of GOTY?