Lionhead Studios, known for the Fable series of games, along with Black and White are facing some tough times today. In a post on the Xbox Newswire, it was announced that not only was Microsoft ceasing development of Fable Legends, the multiplayer installment of the Fable Series, they may also be closing Lionhead Studios.
Since the launch of the Xbox One, the release of Fable Legends was one of the highlight of the Microsoft Lineup. It brought a multiplayer aspect to a series that is believed by many people, even people that do not enjoy standard RPGs. It gave people the concept of a world where you could do anything, and be as evil or good as you chose. From what was shown of Fable Legends, it focused more on the combat than the interpersonal relationships, yet it still showed real promise for the future of the franchise.
Today may be the end of an era. Since 2001, Lionhead Studios has been building engaging and unique experiences for the PC and eventually the Xbox platform. Previously with Peter Molyneux at the helm, they promised new impossible worlds. Even with many of the concepts not living up to all the promises, they still managed to captivate audiences young and old.
It was also announced today that Press Play Studios, known for Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba, would also close. A studio that worked to build unique indie experience.
In the post on the Xbox NewsWire, Hanno Lemke, General Manager, Microsoft Studios Europe stated that “After much consideration we have decided to cease development on Fable Legends, and are in discussions with employees about the proposed closure of Lionhead Studios in the UK. Additionally, we will close Press Play Studios in Denmark, and sunset development on Project Knoxville.”
It is sad to see such influential and creative studios close their doors. We hope everyone that is affected by these closures will find work within Xbox or the greater gaming community as a whole. No word as of yet to why these studios have closed, we will update the story as it develops.
