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Fable 4 release date 2013?

Will be "proper, controller-based" sequel.

Fable developer Lionhead is apparently working on a fourth incarnation of the role-playing series.

That's according to US Official Xbox Magazine, which published the news in its rumours section (spotted by CVG).

"Look for the Fable cycle to continue with a proper, controller-based Fable 4 in 2013," the publication promised.

OXM also suggested Duke Nukem Forever developer Gearbox is working on Duke Begins, a reboot to go into production once "Aliens: Colonial Marines is done". It will run "at 30fps but with graphics that put id's own Rage to shame".

Microsoft-owned Lionhead took four years to turn around a sequel to the original Xbox's Fable, while the gap between Fable 2 and 3 was just two years.

A 2013 launch for Fable 4 allows time for the studio to squeeze out Kinect-enhanced Fable: The Journey, expected sometime next year.

Lionhead has already stated The Journey isn't Fable 4 - it's a more light-hearted, family orientated take on the fantasy series instead.

Eurogamer has been told the next Xbox will likely debut at E3 next year. Is Microsoft lining up Fable 4 as a launch title for its new console?

Fable: The Journey, out next year.