The most ambitious and bold step Microsoft took back in 2015 was to bring all of their platform under one roof and introducing Windows 10. The long awaited cross platform play between Windows 10 pc and xbox one was also announced and showcased in the event. Do you still remember what game Xbox head Phill Spencer showed as a first cross-platform title ? if not let me help you out with that, it was Fable Legends by Lionhead Studios. Sad news is today Hanno Lemke, general manager of Microsoft Studios Europe officially announced that after almost 7 months of NDA closed beta they are finally canceling Fable Legends, also Lionhead studios may face a closure due to this. Not only that the critically acclaimed indie title “Max The curse of Brotherhood” developers are also on the tip of the axe right now.
Hanno Lemke said and we quote,
” 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.”
Microsoft announced Fable legends back in 2013 during the xbox launch first as a AAA title but later changed to a “Free-to-Play” title. The game was under closed beta during the development period and reported slated to release later this year. After the acquisition by Microsoft back in 2006 Lionhead studios solely worked on Fable games. Fable Legends was about be the first cross platform title between Xbox one and Windows 10 pc as Microsoft recently on a roll to blur the line between console gaming and Pc gaming, but this cancellation of Fable Legends will surely give a blow to that vision.
Another Microsoft acquired studio Press Play is also on the verge of closure. The Copenhagen-based studio came to limelight with release of an indie title “Max the Curse of Brotherhood” and was working on a title tentatively named as “Knoxville”. Keep following Techarx for latest news and views.
