Fable 4 rumors and ’leaks’ have lingered for the greater part of the last decade, ever since Fable 3 launched back in 2010 (and ignoring the spin-offs). The franchise is beloved by fans the world over, as it was one of Microsoft’s biggest IPs. In many ways, it’s even a console seller, which is why many believes these rumors and leaks will come to fruition in the next generation.
In fact, it makes more sense than anything else. E3 after E3, there were rumors about its appearance that never came true, yet even if they did, it may not have been enough to save the Xbox One generation. The simple fact is the PS4 outpaced the Xbox One, but it may not be so clear-cut with the PS5 and XSX generation. Microsoft has made a ton of moves and has been incredibly forthcoming with the Xbox Series X, even purchasing a ton of studios to create more exclusive games, a department in which it lacked before.
New IP, new exclusives, and simply more in the game department will be a literal game-changer, but sometimes, the best way to do that is to look back, not forward. Fable 4 seems like a shoe-in for the Xbox Series X for this reason, and one tactic could really help cement it.
Fable 1 -3
Fable has always been a story about heroes, but heroes in a world that is ever-changing. The first game was a simple hero’s tale, complete with fantasy without industry, and one that was innocent in so many ways. Fable 2 saw this move forward with industry, introducing more Steampunk elements into the game with firearms and the like. Fable 3 took this further and put players into the role of a rebel-turned-king-turned-tyrant/benevolent ruler, and this is all ignoring spin-offs like Fable: The Journey.
These tonal changes are noticeable in each game, but they were well woven into the art and identity of Fable. While some disliked the move, it made a lot of sense in terms of worldbuilding. One key consistent element throughout each was the first Hero’s sister Theresa, a strand tying everything together and making the world of Albion seem like a growing, changing world. But Fable 4 cannot rely on that; not only has it been a decade since a numbered, mainline entry released, Theresa dies in a later novel. That key element is gone, and while it’s not the end-all for Fable, it suggests Fable should do a simple reboot.
Fable 4: A Reboot
The Xbox Series X has thus far seemingly breathed new life into the Microsoft-owned brand, and Fable could do the exact same. A reboot of Fable, taking players back to the early days of Albion with a new hero would be taking the old and making it new. This tactic could bring in old players, introduce new ones, and leave behind the baggage of a franchise that has been MIA for the most part. This way, even if a new Seer, Oracle, or guide is introduced instead of Theresa, players aren’t suddenly going to feel like she’s missing.
If rumors are true, then Fable 4 is already in development. Expectations are out the window as the gaming industry continues its shift, but with potential Fable 4 images out in the wild, the rumor mill constantly churning, and official information being non-existent, a reboot seems like the best bet.
Fable 4 is rumored to be in development.
