New Open-World Fable Game Reportedly Being Developed By Forza Horizon Creators

The Fable franchise is one of those properties that had an amazing start but slowly fizzled out with the later iterations. Now, reports are going around that Microsoft intends to revive the series by giving it to Playground, the same studios that made Forza Horizon. If successful, this would certainly breathe some life into the Xbox One’s exclusive library, which has been lacking, of late.

For those who haven’t really been following this series of events, it’s worth giving some background. The Fable series has been exclusive to the Xbox console ecosystem, with the last main game being Fable III. That title did not receive the same accolades and love from gamers that the first did. A fourth game called Fable Legends was supposed to be in the works, but it was canceled, Forbes reports.

According to a report by Eurogamer, however, it seems the franchise is set for a comeback and this time, it’s going to be at the hands of a studio with fresh eyes. Fans of the racing game Forza Horizon will already know Playground for the excellent development company that it is. However, it doesn’t really have many other titles in its portfolio that didn’t involve cars.

What’s more, it would seem that the new Fable that the studio will be working on is intended to be an open-world, story-driven, and character-focused title. Microsoft has refused to comment on the matter and it seems that development is still in its early stages.

While the company remains tight-lipped about this development, Fable co-creator Simon Carter did give his two-cents to the publication, saying that he has mixed feelings on the matter. Carter says that he is pleased that the franchise is being revived, but he also expressed confusion as to why the property was given to another developer.

"On the one hand it's great for the UK games industry, and very pleasing that Fable isn't dead; indeed, it will be lovely to play one as a punter, without coming out in hives,” Carter said.

"On the other hand it is a little curious to get rid of the team that is uniquely expert in making Fable, and then try and make Fable. Fable is a weird game, and a tough one to deconstruct for a new team. That said, the team in question is very talented, and I'm sure they'll do a fantastic job."