Fable
News, coverage and analysis tracking Fable across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons developers hope to set aside the Baldur's Gate 3 comparisons and build their own kind of open world
Invoke Studios aims to differentiate Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons from titles like Baldur's Gate 3 by focusing on a reactive open world driven by its magic system. Players will use synergistic spells for combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, with a dense world designed for discovery rather than following strict waypoints. The game emphasizes player creativity and exploration over dialogue choices or party-based gameplay.
"Why should we just give up the entire month of November?" – The indie games going head to head with GTA 6
Several indie games, including Flame, Forest and Flood and Volvy's Adventure: Reslimed, are set to launch on November 19, directly competing with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. While analysts caution against this strategy due to GTA 6's massive marketing pull, developers like Fairy Mount Games and Devolver Digital see it as an opportunity to stand out by offering distinct experiences, particularly on PC where GTA 6 will not initially release.
Featuring a host of our favorite games from this year and 2 of our favorite gaming devices, you can now place your votes for the best in gaming in the Golden Joystick Awards 2026
The nominations for the 44th annual Golden Joystick Awards 2026 have been announced, with games like Resident Evil Requiem, Big Walk, and 007 First Light receiving multiple nods across 21 categories. Voting is open until October 23, and the winners will be revealed on November 11. This year's nominations are noted for their diversity, featuring both indie hits and AAA blockbusters.
'We've steered away from anything that's too crude' — Fable associate game director says the series' staple British humour was 'crucial' and 'the real test for Fable when it comes to the tone is that it does just have to be funny'
Associate game directors for the upcoming Fable reboot, Craig Littler and Will Kennedy, emphasized that the series' signature British humour is a crucial element that will be integrated across all game systems. They stated that while the humour is present in dialogue, story, and even combat, the team has deliberately steered away from anything too crude to ensure it lands well with a modern audience. The developers highlighted the importance of great writing and talented actors, including British comedians, to achieve the desired tone.
Fable Won’t Need Several Playthroughs to Unlock All Achievements/Trophies
Playground Games has confirmed that Fable will not require multiple playthroughs to unlock all achievements and trophies. Associate game directors Craig Littler and Will Kennedy discussed the game's trophy design, noting that while they won't reveal specifics, they aim for a fulfilling experience. The studio, comprised of Fable fans, is leveraging its open-world experience from the Forza Horizon series.
Xbox is reportedly paying a "fraction" of the $400 million Kojima quoted Sony for Physint
Reports indicate that Xbox is paying significantly less than the rumored $400 million for Hideo Kojima's upcoming stealth game, Physint. Sony reportedly withdrew funding after budget and deadline issues, leading Kojima Productions to secure a deal with Xbox, which includes movie and TV licensing rights.
Fable associate game director confirms 'you won't need to do 'thousands' of playthroughs' to achieve 100% completion or the Platinum trophy — 'We have the list, but we're not going to spoil the surprise'
Playground Games associate game directors Craig Littler and Will Kennedy have confirmed that achieving 100% completion or the Platinum Trophy in Fable will not require thousands of playthroughs. While the full achievement list remains a surprise, they assured players that it is doable within a reasonable number of playthroughs. The game is set to launch on February 23, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with the Xbox Series X version featuring a 60fps performance mode.
"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.
Games Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?
Readers discuss the upcoming console generation, with skepticism regarding the PlayStation 6's 2027 release due to cost and component shortages, suggesting a delay to 2028. There's also commentary on Xbox's strategic shifts, potential studio closures, and the future of the Xbox brand as a more PC-centric platform. Additionally, discussions touch on game design choices in Fire Emblem and the importance of character design in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Fable preview - bringing back the dog is still a ‘future possibility’ says dev
Playground Games director Ralph Fulton confirmed that the beloved dog companion from previous Fable titles was cut from the upcoming reboot due to resource constraints but remains a possibility for future updates. The developer also detailed the complex NPC routines designed for the game's characters, explaining the decision to prioritize these systems over the dog mechanic. Fable is set to release on February 23, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Xbox lays off Gears of War: E-Day's story director barely two weeks before the game's launch
Xbox has conducted significant layoffs, impacting the story director of the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, just weeks before its October 6th release. This news comes amidst broader restructuring within Xbox, affecting studios like Rare, World's Edge, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and 343 Industries, with Ninja Theory reportedly heading towards closure.
Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs
Microsoft has confirmed another 268 layoffs across Xbox, impacting Halo Studios and other first-party teams, as part of a significant reorganization. Development of the next Halo game will move to Activision, while studios like Rare and World's Edge will now fall under Activision's remit. Ninja Theory is facing proposed closure.
Games Inbox: Are you still an Xbox fan?
Readers express deep concern over recent layoffs at Xbox and the perceived decline of the brand's relevance and developer support. While some praise Capcom's successful year and positive employee treatment, others question Microsoft's strategy and the future of its studios.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?
Microsoft's recent wave of job cuts within Xbox, affecting hundreds of developers, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to its gaming division. The article suggests these layoffs, coupled with studio restructuring and a lack of clear hardware strategy, indicate a potential winding down of Xbox's ambitions, possibly leading to its eventual sale as a third-party publisher.
Xbox lays off more jobs and consolidates its studios in massive restructure
Xbox announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and significantly restructuring its studios. Key developers like Bethesda and Activision will expand their remits, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. A dedicated team within Activision will now develop the next Halo game, and the futures of Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios remain uncertain.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
