After months of rumors, leaks, and denials by 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 RPG Fable is indeed on its way back to Xbox.
Closing the Xbox Games Showcase event, a new trailer for the simply named Fable finally 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.
While the trailer didn't reveal much about the upcoming game, any specific gameplay, or features that the game would have, it did confirm that Forza Horizon developer Playground Games has stepped in as the lead development studio on the latest Fable, taking over for Lionhead Studios. The studio officially closed down back in 2016, leaving what was then Fable 4 on 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 numerous former developers of Lionhead Studios as well as the nearby Rockstar UK branch. Even a few former Massive Entertainment developers have joined on, bringing their third person experience from The Division 2 over 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 this Fable is actually a new beginning fro the franchise. Those hoping for a continuation of the narrative will likely be disappointed, though this is a chance for Microsoft to elevate the franchise beyond 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.
Fable is in development for PC and Xbox Series X.