In what might be another proof of Xbox One’s underwhelming sales, Fable Legends has been cancelled, Microsoft has announced. The company said the decision was done after “much consideration.”
Lionhead Studios, Peter Molyneux’s former home, developers of the Fable series, will also be shut down. The sudden announcement also revealed that Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba developers Press Play, is also closing down.
Fable Legends was announced in early 2014. Lionhead said at the time it marks the start of a new games-as-a-service model.
The game was due for release in 2015, but kept getting pushed. Its beta also suffered numerous delays.
Earlier this year, Microsoft named it as one of its Windows and Xbox One titles due in 2016. Legends featured asymmetrical, 4v1 multiplayer and cross-platform play between PC and Xbox One.
Find the full statement below:
“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.”
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