After years of development, the 4vs1 multiplayer game based on the Fable universe has been canceled and the studio’s employees are in talks with Microsoft about a possivle closure of the studio. Press Play, the studio behind games such as Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba has already been closed. Press Play was working on Project Knoxville, a game developed with help from the Xbox player community.
“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,” said a Microsoft spokesperson.
It appears that at least one Hololens Studio, [Fun]ction, may also have been closed.
When questioned about Microsoft’s commitment to game development studios in the United Kingdom and Europe, the spokesperson pointed to the upcoming Quantum Break, Sea of Thieves and Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition.
The cancelation of Fable Legends is not entirely surprising. The game has never been well received by players. We can only hope that Microsoft will not let the Fable IP lay dormant.
We at The Inner Circle wish all of the best for those employees who have been impacted by these developments.
