Fable development protected amid Xbox layoffs
The upcoming RPG Fable has been protected from Xbox's mass layoffs and studio closures due to its perceived importance to the platform's identity. Game director Ralph Fulton stated that the title is considered vital to the DNA of Xbox and gaming as a whole, which safeguarded its long development cycle. Retro Gamer first reported this on September 15.
Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series, is developing Fable to prove their capability in a different genre, leveraging transferable skills from their open-world racing game experience. The team's passion for the Fable franchise was a significant factor in their decision to take on the project. The game is slated for release on February 23, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Coverage across 3 outlets
Fable “Was All We Could Think About,” Says Playground Co-Founder After Xbox Proposed New Title
Playground Games co-founder Ralph Fulton explains the studio's decision to develop Fable, a fantasy action RPG, despite their success with the racing series Forza Horizon. Fulton states that the opportunity to work on Fable was compelling and that the team leveraged transferable skills from open-world design. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
After Forza Horizon, Fable devs wanted to prove "we could cut it in a different genre," lead says: "There…
Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series, is developing the upcoming Fable title, aiming to prove their capability in a different genre. Studio co-founder Ralph Fulton highlighted that the open-world nature of Fable allows them to leverage transferable skills from their racing game experience. The team's passion for the Fable franchise was a significant factor in their decision to take on the project.
Fable “Protected” From Xbox’s Mass Layoffs Because It’s “Vital to the Platform’s DNA”
Playground Games' Fable has been protected from Xbox's mass layoffs due to its perceived importance to the platform's identity. Game director Ralph Fulton stated that the long-anticipated title is considered vital to the DNA of Xbox and gaming as a whole. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Fable Developer Explains Why Xbox 'Protected' the Project Over Its Long Development Cycle, Amid Layoffs and Studio Closures Elsewhere
Playground Games, the developer of the upcoming Fable RPG, has explained how the project was protected during its decade-long development cycle, especially in light of recent layoffs and studio closures within Xbox. The studio highlighted the importance of this protection for the game's long-term survival.
Amid relentless layoffs at Xbox, Fable lead says "so many people" at the company see the RPG as "vital to the DNA of the platform," which "protected us over a long development cycle"
Despite significant layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of other projects, the upcoming RPG Fable is considered vital to the platform's identity, which has protected its long development cycle. Director Ralph Fulton believes the game is important to video games as a whole, offering a unique combination of elements. Fable is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
