Big Xbox game delayed to 2026 amid strong 2024 lineup

Between Doom: The Dark Ages and Fable, the latter seems more likely to have been pushed to 2026

Tech Desk - Dec 17, 2024

An undated image of an Xbox console. — Canva

Rumours are circulating that one of Xbox's highly anticipated first-party games slated for 2025 may be delayed to 2026. This comes after a strong 2024 lineup featuring titles like Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which received high praise from critics and gamers alike.

Xbox's 2025 lineup was showcased during the Summer Game Fest in June, revealing release windows for games like Playground Games' Fable reboot, Compulsion Games' South of Midnight, and Bethesda's Doom: The Dark Ages.

Additionally, Gears of War: E-Day and inXile's Clockwork Revolution were also part of the 2025 rumour mill.

The Outer Worlds 2

In a surprising move, Obsidian Entertainment's The Outer Worlds 2, initially announced in 2021, has been given a 2025 release window.

This change was revealed during The Game Awards 2024 with a new gameplay trailer. The Outer Worlds 2 is expected to fill the gap left by the delayed game.

During Giant Bomb's 2024 Game Awards livestream, industry insider Jeff Grubb mentioned that one of Xbox's 2025 games has been delayed to 2026.

While the exact title is unknown, Grubb speculated it could be The Initiative's Perfect Dark reboot, which has faced development challenges.

Other potential candidates for the delay include Playground Games' Fable, which was rumoured for a late 2025 release, and Gears of War: E-Day. The delay could impact Xbox's plans for its 2025 lineup, but fans are hopeful for more clarity in upcoming events.

Xbox fans are eagerly awaiting more information on the delayed game and the rest of the 2025 lineup. The strong 2024 releases have set high expectations, and the addition of The Outer Worlds 2 to the 2025 schedule is a positive development. Keep an eye out for updates as Xbox navigates these changes.