After months ofrumors, leaks, and denialsby Microsoft, the July 23 Xbox Games Showcase finally confirmed what most fans were hoping to see: the return of Microsoft’s RPG franchise,Fable. Fans have remained hopeful that the franchise would return, even though Lionhead Studios is no more. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire as the highly anticipated RPGFableis indeed on its way back to Xbox.
Closing the Xbox Games Showcase event, a new trailer for the simply namedFablefinally confirmed what fans were hoping to see leading up to the show. The reveal trailer, while fully CG, showed of a beautiful and lush land, with the narrator confirming stories of heroes, villains, creatures, and the combination of nature and magic. As a fairy whirled and twirled around, the trailer quickly revealed that the trademark humor the series is known for will also be incorporated as the flying pixie was suddenly eaten by a nearby toad.
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While the trailer didn’t reveal much about the upcoming game, any specific gameplay, or features that the game would have, it did confirm thatForza Horizondeveloper Playground Games has stepped in as the lead development studio on the latestFable, taking over for Lionhead Studios. The studio officially closed down back in 2016, leaving what was thenFable 4on the cutting room floor.
Playground games, although they’ve only produced racing titles to this point, are more than likely up to the task of taking on this beloved Xbox franchise. The studio is made up of numerousformer developers of Lionhead Studiosas well as the nearby Rockstar UK branch. Even a few former Massive Entertainment developers have joined on, bringing their third person experience fromThe Division 2over to this new Fable project.
While many fans weren’t likely sure which direction Microsoft would take the franchise, the team at Xbox confirms that thisFableis actually a new beginning fro the franchise. Those hoping for a continuation of the narrative will likely be disappointed, though this is achance for Microsoft to elevate the franchisebeyond what has already been established. Unfortunately, it may be a bit of a wait as Microsoft has not provided a release window for the game, though it is set for release on the Xbox Series X and PC. Game Pass owners will also be able to pick up and play the game as soon as it launches.
Fableis in development for PC and Xbox Series X.
