There has been some bad news for Fable fans coming from across the pond. It looks like Microsoft is planning to shut down the iconic Lionhead Studios and has cancelled their recent title Fable: Legends, which had recently entered an open beta. Microsoft said this in a recent press release.
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.
In the United Kingdom, a company cannot close a business without first attempting to find employment for the staff. Lionhead Studios will remain open for approximately 45 more days so that Microsoft can search for other developers within the studio to employ those affected. While this announcement saddens me greatly, I do like the fact that Microsoft is responsible for finding future employment for these people. It also saddens me that they’re closing a studio that has been around since 1996 because of the amazing mind of Peter Molyneux. The games that came from Lionhead Studios — Black and White, Fable, and The Movies — will all be remembered as classics.
Hopefully, Microsoft will not abandon its 4 player co-op jaunt with Fable Legends and simply pass it onto another development team. Personally, I enjoyed what I got out of the beta, albeit I wasn’t a fan of the multiplayer. I loved the world that Molyneux had created, and I always want to spend as much time in it as possible. The cancellation of Fable Legends is a huge blow to Fable fans and western role playing games in general.
Source: Microsoft Press Release