Microsoft have announced the rather shocking news that development of Fable Legends is ending and that they are to close Lionhead Studios. Mandatory discussion with employees about the closure signal that the end is nigh for the studio, which was created and formerly run by Peter Molyneux and has been one of the biggest names in the UK games industry.
Their first game, Black & White, was a groundbreaking god game in 2001, thanks in part to the learning AI of the Creature that you trained and moulded in your image. This was followed in 2004 by the first Fable game, which led to Microsoft acquiring the studio in 2006 and a continued focus on the Fable series of games. Fable Legends was their latest foray with the series, but struggled with delays prior to today’s cancellation.
Microsoft are also closing Press Play Studios in Denmark, with titles like Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba to their name. Most recently, they were working on Project Knoxville.
We would like to wish those facing redundacies all the best in finding new employment over the coming weeks and months.
The statement released by Microsoft in full follows:
Today, I have some difficult changes to announce that affect some of our Microsoft Studios teams and projects in the UK and Denmark.
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.
These have been tough decisions and we have not made them lightly, nor are they a reflection on these development teams – we are incredibly fortunate to have the talent, creativity and commitment of the people at these studios. The Lionhead Studios team has delighted millions of fans with the Fable series over the past decade. Press Play imbued the industry with a unique creative spirit behind games like Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba, which both captured passionate fans. These changes are taking effect as Microsoft Studios continues to focus its investment and development on the games and franchises that fans find most exciting and want to play.
I speak for all of Xbox when I say that despite this news, we remain committed to the development communities in the UK and Europe, and Xbox will continue to support new IP and originality in the games we offer on our platforms, whether they’re AAA blockbusters like Quantum Break from Remedy, adventurous new IPs like Sea of Thieves from Rare, or unique new creations from independent developers like Moon Studios with Ori.
We have nothing but heart-felt thanks for the members of Lionhead and Press Play for their contributions to Xbox and gaming. We are committed to working closely with those affected by today’s news to find them new opportunities at Xbox, or partnering with the broader development community to help place them in jobs elsewhere in the games industry should they desire.
UPDATE: The Fable Legends beta will ends at 3pm on Wednesday, 13th April, anyone who has purchased in-game gold will get a refund and will be notified via email from Microsoft.
Source: Microsoft
Starman
Didn’t see that coming. Somewhat contradictory to say fable has delighted millions then say they continue their focus on games people find exciting and want to play.
Never really played the fable games but legends looked good and they were hyping it as the first dx12 game too.
MrYd
They’re closing studios, releasing all the XBone exclusives on PC now, and making comments about upgradeable hardware for the XBox.
Sounds like they’re running away from the XBox business in a big way and the next “XBox” will just be a list of minimum specs and let everyone else do the hardware and software.
Avenger
I do hope you never get into the stock market.
stefhutch20
Bit of a shocker. I’m currently playing (and really enjoying) Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, and Kalimba is on my to-play list too; to be honest, I didn’t even realise Microsoft owned Press Play. Lionhead’s closure is arguably less surprising to me, given the ongoing delay of Fable Legends, and the fact that the franchise has taken some wrong turns in the last few years.
monkeyspoon
With Microsoft shutting down studios and also announcing they aren’t going to secure 3rd party exclusives anymore, what am I supposed to play on XBox 1 now. Multiplatform games look and run better on PS4 so soon there won’t be any reason to play XB1 at all. Especially if you are bored of the same Halo, Gears and Forza games.
Kennykazey
I hope everyone who’s lost their job will be alright.
danny_ken
I guess I will never get Black and White on the PS1 then? I`ve been waiting for that game since FFVIII was released!
TSBonyman
That is a shame, hopefully those losing their jobs are able to get back on their feet again quickly.
Avenger
I hope they all find a new job as soon as. Sad news when this type of thing happens.
The Lone Steven
Tis always sad to see a studio close down but they were on limited time since Fable 3 thanks to Peter Monolyeux overselling, overhyping and flat out lying to everyone about what the game had to offer. What we got was a bit crap and immature.
Hopefully, the staff will have no issues finding a new job. :) Fable was a badly handled franchise.
TheShepanator
Sad to see Lionhead close, though I must say: Fable Legends must have been in some state if even Microsoft weren’t prepared to rush it to release, wasn’t it supposed to be released 1st or 2nd quarter this year after it’s delay?