Following all of the rumors/leaks surrounding an upcoming Fable game, we now know that the title is indeed in the works. Despite the fact that the game is already in development, there was nothing on it during Microsoft’s E3 2019 presentation and it did not tell us why.
Fans had probably given up on the Fable series and that was probably fair as it did seem dead. In the run-up to E3, though, rumors began swirling, with Fable 4 being talked up as leaks emerged. Naturally, there was an expectation, especially with the Microsoft crew informing us beforehand that they would have lots in store at the event. They were certainly telling the truth about that, but we imagine lots of Fable fans were let down by the complete blank.
Fable’s Complicated History And Leaks
Fable became one of the top Xbox exclusives after being firstly developed by Lionhead Studios. Of course, it still didn’t live up to expectations but was definitely a favorite among Xbox owners.
Unfortunately, Lionhead closed down, taking many hearts along with it. However, prior to the culmination of business, the cancellation of the asymmetrical multiplayer title Fable Legends saw to the loss of popularity to some degree. Last year, rumors of Forza devs Playground Games taking over surfaced, possibly leading to the loss of lots of sleep ahead of E3.
Other leaks spoke to a first/third-person perspective, which seemed pretty exciting - there was a reveal on a completely open world and a fresh multiplayer too. The game is also said to run on Unreal Engine, while players will be able to grow their hero status without paying attention to the main quest, although the building of towns could impact it in some way. Rather not so excitingly, it was also claimed that there would be no firearms whatsoever, but that’s hardly supposed to be an issue.
All of these details came up in a video that showed up on Reddit. Microsoft did not want any of us seeing it, so it was promptly removed but not before mirrors went up on Streamable (those were also taken down, by the way).
There were also a few details as it pertains to the story, with Albion and Aurora understood to be completely destroyed following the Mad King causing an asteroid to hit the planet by rebuilding the Spire. A world rebuild is necessary but there is another asteroid on the way, sadly. However, Fable’s Theresa and the Heroes Guild managed to survive by going through a demon door, while Jack Blades is set to make a return.
New Information, But No Announcements
Despite all of this information being out there, Playground Games made no announcements over a new Fable. Xbox’s press conference featured some top news as it relates to the Gears of War and Halo franchises, which seemed like the perfect lead up to a Fable announcement. There was also an opportunity to score some major points given that Sony skipped the event altogether.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer had promised 14 exclusives prior to the event, leaving owners of the console piqued.
“Just finishing our final E3 rehearsal here with the team in Redmond. Feel really good about the briefing. Lots to show. We have 14 Xbox Game Studios games in the show this year, more first party games than we’ve ever had in the show,” he’d tweeted ahead of E3. “Fun times.”
Microsoft still stole the show with its briefing, though. The Halo and Gears announcements were well received, among others, but none as much as the upcoming console now going by the name Project Scarlett.
PlayStation’s absence did leave Microsoft with an advantageous opportunity and we’d have to say that they grabbed it with both hands. But their skipping on a Fable announcement still begs an answer.
There has been no official word from Microsoft on their reason for not making mention of the title, despite the knowledge all over that it is indeed in the works. But what we can deduce for now is that they simply weren’t ready.
There’s probably not enough content to show off just yet and they could be waiting for the moment when there is.
So, Where Is Fable 4?
So, maybe Fable is being kept under wraps for now but a mere comment from Spencer would have been enough to calm concerns over whether or not the game is in development. Of course, enough reputable sources have reported that it is, which is enough to go on, but hearing confirmation from the man himself would have left fans of the franchise more than pleased.
It’s also worth noting that Playground is still in the process of hiring more staff and building a team so a close launch date is certainly out of the question, lest another studio is secretly working on the project. It’s also very possible that Fable 4 is being held back so it could launch for the company’s next-gen console.
There was nothing over a new Forza game either but Forza Horizon 4 has been given an expansion. Playground’s rumored to be working on another big project outside of the racing genre so you could well imagine what that is.
So, while the lack of official news on Fable lingers, there’s still quite a lot to get excited about. Gears of War 5, for one, will be launching on September 10 this year along with a novel multiplayer mode called Escape. Fans with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will get to play the game four days earlier, as well as those who purchase the ultimate edition.
Escape does seem pretty intriguing as it isn’t your regular multiplayer. Players are to form up in teams of three, infiltrate a hive, plant a bomb and then try to get the hell out of there in one piece.
Meanwhile, Halo Infinite will have a longer wait and will launch for Scarlett, as well as Xbox One, during the holiday season next year.
We can only hope that we’ll hear more about Fable 4 soon.
