Some time ago, Microsoft cancelled Fable Legends, the Xbox One and Windows 10 game that they had been hyping up for years now, before it even got a chance to release; they also announced that Lionhead, one of their core studios, and one of the hallmarks of British game development, would be getting closed down. It was a big deal all around, on all fronts- the studio was one of Britain’s most prestigious, and so many people would be losing jobs. Meanwhile, Fable Legends had allegedly been a part of the ‘greatest Xbox lineup in history.’ How could this have happened?
If a new report on MCV UK is to be believed, it has not- it seems like Microsoft is looking at retaining core Lionhead team members, and trying to continue development of the title. Three separate sources within Microsoft have allegedly confirmed this. Essentially, it seems like core Lionhead members may form an independent studio, that would then be contracted to continue development of Fable Legends.
Microsoft themselves have refused to comment on the veracity of this story. “We aren’t sharing additional details beyond that we have ceased development on Fable Legends, and are in discussions with employees at Lionhead about our proposed closure of the studio as well,” they said. Still, if you end up seeing Fable Legends at Microsoft’s E3 or Gamescom this year after all, don’t be too surprised.
