Back in 2013, Microsoft introduced us to Lionhead Studios’ new entry into the Fable series: Fable Legends. It was going to be a F2P, cross-platform, asymmetrical versus game, where four players were heroes, and one was the villain. What about this sounded like a bad idea?
Well, apparently things were not going great, because in the past three years, we have heard little about the game, and sadly today, just a couple months before the public Beta was expected to release, Microsoft has announced the game is now cancelled. Even worse, Microsoft is in talks with employees in regards to the closure of Lionhead studios. Yeah, the closure of the studio as a whole. Worse still, Press Play Studios is being closed as well. What in the world is going on over seas?
Lionhead studios brought us many beloved games, including Black & White, Fable, Fable II, Fable III, Black & White 2, so it is with a heavy heart that we bring this news to you all. I have put a lot of time into the Fable series, with its good and bad qualities both. Microsoft acquired Lionhead in 2006. While there is no official closure, Microsoft is in talks to close the studio in the near future.
Now onto the third dose of sadness, Press Play Studios of Denmark is to be closed as well. In the statement, which can be fully read here, GM of Microsoft Studios Europe studios Hanno Lemke didn’t mention a “proposed closure” of Press Play, but a definite “we will close Press Play Studios.” Press Play Studios is well known for their titles Kalimba as well as Max: The Curse of Brotherhood. This also sunsets development on Project Knowville, a hunger-games-esque survival title.
Yeah, bummer. I know. I loved the Fable series, as well as thoroughly enjoyed Max: TCoB, and it is a shame that Microsoft has chosen to no longer continue working with them. Here’s to hoping they can get back into the industry and get those stories told else where. There are no further announcements of relocations, or if Lionhead is officially closed quite yet. We will keep you up to date.
