Fable remains “part of the DNA of Xbox” - the head explained why the project went through difficult years

New Fable survived a very long development, a pandemic, restructuring within Xbox and several waves of layoffs in the Microsoft gaming group.Project manager Ralph Fulton believes that one of the reasons why the game reached the final stage of production is the special significance of the series itself for the Xbox brand.

For Xbox this is not just another RPG

According to Fulton, Fable is seen internally as part of the "Xbox DNA" in much the same way that Halo or Gears of War are associated with the brand.This status did not guarantee the project smooth development, but it helped preserve it during the years when Microsoft canceled other games and closed teams.

However, Playground Games is not trying to make a museum copy of Lionhead.The team retains British humor, moral decisions and a recognizable fairy-tale feel, but rebuilds the combat system and open world structure for a modern RPG.

The main task is to be recognizable without copying the past

This is especially difficult for a series that hasn't had a proper new installment in a long time.Some players are waiting for the most familiar Fable, while others are waiting for a big technical leap.Playground has to explain every change in terms of what it brings to Albion, and not just another open world.

We have already discussed in detail How the new Fable mixes sword, magic and ranged combat without rigid classes.Now the project has an exact date: February 23, 2027.The game will be released on Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5.