Lionhead Studios
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Human: Fall Flat veterans launch new UK studio Pretty Cool Games with funding from Arknights developer Hypergraph
Human: Fall Flat veterans Sitara Shefta and Will Dudley have launched a new UK-based studio, Pretty Cool Games, with undisclosed funding from Arknights developer Hypergryph. The studio aims to build a sustainable and fair environment for employees, drawing inspiration from Nintendo, Hazelight, Disney theme parks, and The Pink Panther for its debut title. Pretty Cool Games is currently a team of four and plans to expand, with a focus on rewarding employees through share schemes.
How Two Point Studios Repaid Sega in 60 Hours — and Stayed 10 Years
Two Point Studios achieved remarkable financial success with Two Point Hospital, repaying Sega's advance in just two and a half days, far exceeding the initial 18-month projection. The studio, founded by veterans of Lionhead Studios, focused on creating simulation games with charm and depth, a genre they believed was underserved. This success led to a long-term partnership with Sega, with Two Point Studios remaining a valuable first-party developer.
Kynseed Finally Plants Its Roots On Console As Fable Veterans Bring Their Acclaimed Life Sim To Consoles
The acclaimed life simulation game Kynseed, developed by PixelCount Studios, has launched on consoles including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The game, which features generational gameplay and a blend of farming, business management, and combat, includes years of major updates from its PC release. PixelCount Studios, founded by veterans of the Fable series, aims to capture a similar spirit of creativity and humor in Kynseed.
After 15 years, I've got Microsoft's shunned Fable 3 port to work on PC – and it feels like a new RPG
Despite being 16 years old, the PC version of Fable 3 offers a surprisingly fresh RPG experience, especially when run at 4K resolution. The author argues that this version surpasses the current Xbox Game Pass streaming option and advocates for its preservation, suggesting it could serve as a suitable replacement for fans awaiting Fable 4.
No RPG Lets Players Be As Evil As Fable 2
Fable 2 is highlighted as an RPG that uniquely allows players to embody extreme evil, not just through traditional means but by exploiting its in-game capitalism and real-estate systems. Unlike other games with binary morality, Fable 2's mechanics, such as monopolizing housing and charging rent, subtly earn the player evil karma, emphasizing housing as a right. The Fable series, including Fable III and the upcoming Fable by Playground Games, is praised for its innovative and thoughtful approaches to player choice and morality.
Fable's Genius Is Rooted In The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion's Ground-breaking NPCs
The upcoming Fable game draws inspiration from the groundbreaking NPC AI systems seen in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This focus on reactive world elements echoes the design principles of the original Lionhead Studios Fable titles.
Ex-Fable devs' Stardew Valley-like is coming to consoles in August
Kynseed, a life simulation game developed by PixelCount Studios, featuring former Fable developers, is launching on consoles including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on August 4. The game, often compared to Stardew Valley, will include a new tavern management system, a feature highly requested by the PC community.
Kynseed heading to Nintendo Switch, from Fable veterans
Kynseed, a life simulation sandbox RPG developed by PixelCount Studios veterans of the Fable series, is launching on Nintendo Switch on August 4, 2026. The console version will include all previous PC updates and feature a newly optimized UI and controls. The game allows players to raise a family, farm, run businesses, and explore a world where choices impact generations.
Microsoft Apparently Already Knew It Would Be Closing Ninja Theory When It Announced Senua
Microsoft reportedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory before the studio announced its new game, Senua, at the Xbox Games Showcase. This decision was part of a broader strategy following a "reset" memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, citing declining revenues despite significant investments. While Microsoft is reportedly exploring buyouts for Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, the future of these studios and their franchises remains uncertain.
Fable drops the original games' good and evil binary for a "subjective and multifaceted" reputation system, which is why you don't have horns or halos
The upcoming Fable game from Playground Games will replace the traditional good versus evil binary with a multifaceted reputation system. Associate game director Craig Littler explained that settlements will react to a player's wealth, shrewdness, or actions, leading to subjective judgments from NPCs rather than physical character morphing like horns or halos seen in previous Lionhead titles. This new system aims to create a more nuanced player identity that reflects how morality is perceived in the real world.
Fable Lets You Live A Second Life, Not Just Save The World
Playground Games' upcoming Fable title, set to release on February 23, 2027, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, will heavily feature life-simulation elements. Players can pursue romance by building businesses and improving their social standing, with hundreds of NPCs each possessing unique personalities and preferences for their ideal partner. The game will also receive its first story expansion, Order of the Hero, featuring Isabel played by Hayley Atwell.
Fable pre-orders are live, and the Collector's Edition includes a Jack of Blades statue for die-hard fans
Pre-orders for the upcoming game Fable are now available, with a planned release date of February 23, 2027. Multiple editions are offered, including a Standard Edition, a Premium Edition with digital extras and early access, and a Collector's Edition featuring a Jack of Blades statue. Fable will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on its release date.
Fable delayed to February 2027
Xbox has delayed the upcoming Fable reboot, developed by Playground Games, to February 2027. This decision aims to give the game its own dedicated release window, avoiding a conflict with the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 in Autumn 2026. Xbox CCO Matt Booty emphasized that the delay is to ensure Fable has a moment to shine and will be a focus of the upcoming Xbox Showcase.
'If engineers are becoming three or four times more productive, then we just [want to] do three or four times more stuff': Google DeepMind CEO reckons AI-induced job cuts aren't inevitable
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes that AI-induced job cuts are not inevitable, arguing that increased engineer productivity should lead to more ambitious projects rather than workforce reductions. He suggests that companies replacing engineers with AI lack imagination and understanding of future possibilities. Hassabis also reflected on his past in the game industry and the current limitations of AI in creating compelling game experiences.
Hello from Eurogamer's new editor-in-chief
Chris Tapsell has been appointed the new editor-in-chief of Eurogamer, expressing his honor and commitment to the website's future. He reflects on the site's history, its unique culture, and outlines his vision for its news, reviews, guides, features, and opinion sections, emphasizing quality journalism and reader engagement.
'90s virtual reality, Battlefield 2142, and Total War: This month in PC Gamer 10, 20, and 30 years ago
This article looks back at PC Gamer magazine issues from May 1996, May 2006, and May 2016, highlighting cover stories and notable news from those periods. It revisits predictions about virtual reality and online gaming, discusses sequels like Battlefield 2142, and covers the launch of Total War: Warhammer and the early days of VR technology.
"We were children" says Fable creator who admits that the fact it ended well "is a miracle"
Fable creator Peter Molyneux reflects on the development of the original game, admitting that its successful outcome was a miracle given the team's ambitious and sometimes unrealistic early visions. He credits the team at Lionhead Studios for bringing the RPG to life despite initial overhyping of certain features. Molyneux also acknowledges Fable as a beloved Xbox series despite a long drought of new entries.
Exploring the Future of RPGs: How Rebel Wolves is striving to raise the bar with The Blood of Dawnwalker
Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by former CD Projekt RED veterans, aims to elevate the RPG genre with their upcoming game, The Blood of Dawnwalker. The title emphasizes player agency and meaningful choices within a narrative sandbox, featuring a day/night cycle that impacts the protagonist's abilities and motivations. The Blood of Dawnwalker is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X on September 3, 2026.
The Legend of Zelda and World of Warcraft shaped Fable 2's no-death system, but Peter Molyneux had to fight for it
The unique no-death system in Fable 2 was influenced by player experiences with The Legend of Zelda and World of Warcraft, according to creator Peter Molyneux. Instead of traditional death and reloading, Fable 2's characters recover from near-fatal damage with new scars, a design choice Molyneux had to advocate for.
Fable Lacking the Classic Morality System is a “Real Shame,” Says Peter Molyneux
Peter Molyneux, former head of Lionhead Studios, expressed disappointment that the upcoming Fable reboot will not feature the classic morality system that affected character appearance. Instead, the game will use a region-based reputation system. Molyneux hopes some form of good and evil alignment will still be present, acknowledging the technical challenges of implementing such a system in modern high-definition graphics.
