Is Fable Back From the Dead?
Works is underway on a new title and revival of the Fable Franchise. Someone close to the project definitively stated that Microsoft has tasked Forza developer Playground Games with the new installment, and it will be an open-world RPG.
In a statement to Eurogamer, the source claimed that the new Fable will be a character-focused RPG, and it will be handled by Playground’s newly established office in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Apparently, that’s about 200 people that will be working on the project, with what will be, allegedly, a huge financial investment on Microsoft’s part. However, Microsoft refused to comment on the project since it officially falls under rumor and speculation. As I always say, nothing is confirmed until it is confirmed, so take anything and everything with a small grain of salt. That said, the sources close to the project seem to be trusted.
There are plenty of factors that could have influenced Microsoft’s decision to bring back the Fable franchise. One is that they witnessed the success of Guerrilla Games’ Horizon: Zero Dawn and realized the success an open-world IP can bring. Furthermore, there’s simply no denying that fans have wanted to resurrect the franchise for a long time now. Understandably, some fans may have speculated that Fable died along with developer Lionhead, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Ex-Lionhead devs recently commented on the new Fable by Playground Studios. While they rejoice over the game’s revival, their reaction is bitter-sweet since Microsoft shut down their studio even as they worked on Fable Legends.
“I have slightly mixed feelings,” Fable co-creator Simon Carter told Eurogamer.
“On the one hand it’s great for the UK games industry, and very pleasing that Fable isn’t dead; indeed, it will be lovely to play one as a punter, without coming out in hives.
“On the other hand it is a little curious to get rid of the team that is uniquely expert in making Fable, and then try and make Fable. Fable is a weird game, and a tough one to deconstruct for a new team. That said, the team in question is very talented, and I’m sure they’ll do a fantastic job.”
“On the other hand it is a little curious to get rid of the team that is uniquely expert in making Fable, and then try and make Fable. Fable is a weird game, and a tough one to deconstruct for a new team. That said, the team in question is very talented, and I’m sure they’ll do a fantastic job.”
Perhaps Microsoft has opened their eyes to the benefits of a single-player experience; perhaps the resurrection of Fable is part of how the company’s “fundamentally rethinking” AAA Xbox One exclusives. If so, we may owe the return of Fable to Xbox chief Phil Spencer. Sure, it’s not the traditional developer at the helm, but Playground Games have proven themselves as a capable studio.
Keep in mind: any Fable game in development would still be in its early stages, so don’t expect to play the title anytime soon. But, you can check back for updates in 2018 and beyond.
Happy gaming.