Spotlight
VideoWatch: The worst jobs we've had in games
Start > Options > Quit.
FeatureMaking a Better Fable III for PC
Lionhead on Xbox 360 version criticism.
VideoFable III: Traitor's Keep trailer
DLC missions available now.
VideoFable III - 15 minutes of gameplay
Medi-evil?
Key events
18th January 2014
21st June 2013
3rd June 2013
5th April 2012
22nd August 2011
21st April 2011
1st March 2011
24th February 2011
6th January 2011
1st December 2010
23rd November 2010
26th October 2010
26th October 2010
25th October 2010
21st October 2010
13th October 2010
4th October 2010
13th August 2010
12th August 2010
5th July 2010
14th June 2010
21st May 2010
14th May 2010
12th February 2010
22nd October 2009
19th August 2009
30th June 2009
11th March 2009
FeatureCreating a utopia in Fable 3
Generation rent.
I decided to create a communist utopia in Fable 3. Actually, I probably shouldn't use the word utopia as it suggests that I think it would be good, when in reality I have no idea, as I've never lived in one. Or a dystopia of any kind. (I don't think.)
FeatureWhat's Fable really all about?
With a new game in development with a new team, what truly drives this fascinating series?
Good and evil is barely the start of it, frankly. Fable is one of those rare, fascinating game series upon which nobody can really seem to agree about anything for very long. It's a shallow RPG, or maybe it's a canny and satirical examination of RPGs in general. It's hilarious - oh, the burping! Or maybe it's just juvenile. Let's face it: Fable's easy to the point of being obsequious, isn't it? Or maybe it's choosing to measure itself in ways that go beyond mere difficulty? It's no surprise, then, that with all this discussion churning around it, the world of Albion is so often defined by a mechanic that it doesn't even contain.
FeatureLionhead: The inside story
Hear me roar.
In October 2008, Microsoft released Lionhead's Fable 2 to critical and commercial acclaim. At a launch party an emotional Peter Molyneux held aloft glowing reviews and praised the exhausted team of developers who had spent the previous four years pouring everything they had into the game. Fable 2 would go on to win a BAFTA and become the best-selling role-playing game for the Xbox 360. Lionhead was on top of the world.
FeatureA celebration of Lionhead's finest games
One of Albion's greatest legends.
The best games create stories as well as telling them, and when you ask people about a Lionhead game there's usually a good one. A friend told me how, when playing Black & White, he'd found his inscrutable cow-god familiar taking a dump in the village's food supply. He went to punish it, mis-clicked, and instead petted the beast. From then on the cow went out of its way to poo on food, and no amount of beatings would dissuade it. My friend persevered with his save for days before, finally, admitting defeat and starting over - left only with the memory of handing out monotonous beatings to a bewildered, unhappy, constantly-befouled creature.
Fable developer Lionhead Studios to shut down
UPDATE: Fable Legends beta ends mid-April. Refunds to be issued.
UPDATE: Fable Legends ends at 3pm on Wednesday, 13th April 2016, Lionhead has said.
VideoWatch: The worst jobs we've had in games
Start > Options > Quit.
Sometimes video game characters fall on hard times and, despite being the hero / heroine of the kingdom / world, they have to take a part-time job. These jobs (much like some of the part-time ones I've had in the past) are frequently mind numbing and occasionally demeaning.
FeatureDefinitely not on rails
Post-Molyneux, Fable and Lionhead enter the next generation.
It's a grey January morning and the rain batters the windows of the taxi taking me from Guildford train station to Surrey Research Park. Typical English weather, then, as I head to the home of a developer which has been making typically English video games for a decade.
Fable Trilogy confirmed for February
Includes Fables 2, 3 and Anniversary "at a discounted rate."
Fable Trilogy - a collection that includes Fable 2, Fable 3, and the upcoming remake of the first game, Fable Anniversary - has been confirmed for a 7th February release.
This is the same day as Fable Anniversary standalone.
The listing appeared on the Xbox Marketplace, where it noted that it "offers these games together at a discounted rate over individual purchases." Furthermore, it added that this collection won't receive any enhancements to the earlier releases of Fables 2 and 3. "The games in this bundle are available as individual downloads in the Xbox Games marketplace and are exactly the same," Microsoft stated.
Microsoft details its Games With Gold initiative
A new free game added the 1st and 16th of every month.
Microsoft has detailed its two-free-games-a-month initiative for Xbox Live Gold members by clarifying that a new title will be added on the 1st and 16th of every month.
Only one game will be available at a time, but once you download a title it will stay connected to your account as a past purchase, meaning it will be retrievable at a later date should you decide to delete it.
"Each specially selected, fan-favorite game will be available to download only for a limited time, so grab them before they're gone and keep them no matter what," noted Microsoft on its official site.
Fable 3 is free from Xbox.com right now
UPDATE: It's part of Microsoft's new Plus-like initiative.
Update #2: The Fable 3 giveaway was intended by Microsoft. It's part of a new two-free-games-a-month deal that will, at some point, include Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed 2.
Lionhead launches new Fable forums
Suggesting Molyneux's legacy is about to make a comeback.
It's been two and a half years since Fable 3 and in that time we've had a couple of series spin-offs, like the Kinect-based Fable: The Journey and the co-op beat-'em-up Fable: Heroes, but the next numbered entry in the prime series has remained elusive. While a formal announcement is yet to be made, it's suggested that it won't be long now as series developer Lionhead has launched a new forum dedicated to the franchise.
One does not typically do this just for older titles, leading one to believe a Fable 4 announcement is imminent. This would corroborate earlier reports that Fable 4 would be due in 2013, and it could very well be one of the 15 first-year exclusives Microsoft hinted at during its Xbox One reveal.
While series co-creator Peter Molyneux left Lionhead to start up 22 Cans, his Fable co-creators Dene and Simon Carter spoke highly of his Lionhead underlings, stating that the series was "in safe hands."
Fable developer Lionhead has a new boss - and he's an MMO specialist
Former Cryptic CEO John Needham joins the fold.
Fable developer Lionhead has a new boss.
Exhibition auctions off spectacular game art for SpecialEffect charity
Dishonored, Arkham City, Fable, more.
A new art exhibition is today auctioning off game pictures for charity SpecialEffect.
Eurogamer investigates the complex world of companion AI.
Games used to be such hostile places. Dropped behind enemy lines or sneaking through monster-infested caverns, everyone you'd meet on your journey seemed to want to kill you. Over the last ten years or so, there's been a gentle rebalancing, however. From Pey'j to Yorda to Alyx Vance, designers have started giving you friends as well as enemies.
2K Games boss says photorealism aids diversity, Notch disagrees
Can games do nuanced emotion like Brokeback Mountain yet?
2K Games boss Christoph Hartmann has gone and said something controversial. He's declared that only when games approach photorealistic graphics will they be able to broaden their genre-horizon and properly do nuanced emotion like Brokeback Mountain - rather than the Mission Impossible experiences we get today.
Lionhead making MMO-like new IP RPG for next Xbox - report
UPDATE: Fable dev issues statement.
UPDATE: Lionhead has issued Eurogamer the following statement:
The new Lionhead "more about lots of individuals"
Fable dev praises Peter Molyneux as "irreplaceable".
Fable Heroes lead designer Ted Timmins has described departed Lionhead figurehead Peter Molyneux as "irreplaceable" and a "total legend", and said "there's no one who can fill those shoes".
Fable Heroes "doesn't in any way shape the future direction of Lionhead"
"I hope people see it as an accompaniment."
Xbox Live Arcade beat-'em-up Fable Heroes "doesn't in any way shape the future direction of Lionhead", the game's lead designer has told Eurogamer.
FeaturePeter Molyneux: Why I quit Microsoft, and why my new game will change the world
Did Milo's cancellation force his hand? What is his deepest regret? Plus, the issue of making promises you can't deliver. Molyneux in his first interview as an indie (again).
"How long have you got to talk?" I ask Peter Molyneux at the beginning of our Skype interview.
Fable digital shorts, tie-in novels announced
First book to bridge the gap between Fable 3 and The Journey.
Lionhead has announced a bucketload of 'brand extensions' for its Fable franchise, including a series of digital short stories and three tie-in novels.
The shorts are up first, launching around Fable: Heroes' arrival next month. Written by Peter David, they each focus on one key character from the Fable universe: Reaver and Jack of Blades stories will be available in May, with a Theresa tale following in June. They'll be available via all major e-reader platforms.
The first full novel, titled At the Edge of the World and authored by New York Times bestselling author Christie Golden, then arrives in August. The book will fill in the gaps between the end of Fable 3 and forthcoming Kinect spin-off Fable: The Journey.
Eurogamer drops in on Brighton MolyJam 2012.
For the past day and a half, Kerry Turner has been thinking about swans. She's been making a game using Flixel - this is an open-source Actionscript library put together by Canabalt creator Adam 'Atomic' Saltsman - that's loosely based, she tells me, on the fairy tale about the swans and the princes. I have never heard of this fairy tale, but, as she's worked on the game for many hours without taking much of a break, Kerry has the look of a person who isn't to be argued with.
FeatureOut of the Lion's Den: Why the Creators of Fable Left to Go it Alone
We talk exclusively to Another Place Productions' Dene and Simon Carter.
Peter Molyneux's departure from Microsoft and Lionhead sent shockwaves throughout the game industry. Not only had one of the most influential developers of all time ditched the company he founded in 1997, but Fable, a series guided by Molyneux's leadership over eight long years and across two generations of home console, was left without its poster boy.
Worldwide What Would Molydeux? game jam this weekend
The real Peter Molyneux attending London leg.
This weekend there will be a 48-hour game jam exploring the works of parody Twitter account @PeterMolydeux.
Peter Molyneux leaves Fable in "safe hands", say its creators
"He's one of the most misquoted guys I've ever come across."
Fans need not worry about the Fable series following Peter Molyneux's shock exit from Microsoft - so say the creators of the franchise.
Peter Molyneux exits Microsoft, Lionhead
Joins new company 22 Cans.
Peter Molyneux, creator of Populous, Black & White and Magic Carpet, has left Microsoft and the studio he co-founded, Lionhead.
Key Fable staff leave Lionhead to form new studio
And so their story begins.
A number of high-ranking Lionhead staff responsible for the Fable franchise have left the developer to form their own studio, Another Place Productions.
Lionhead job ad suggests next-gen activity
Microsoft studio wants DirectX 11, Unreal experts.
It looks like Fable developer Lionhead is the latest studio to ramp up its next gen plans.
FeatureStrange Tales From The Studio
Investigating some of the odder roles in games development.
We all know the drill. New game gets announced, studio bigwig witters on about the big vision, there's a bunch of stats for the trainspotters and then months later - bang! - a finished game. But what happens in the meantime is still vague, mysterious and messy. Rarely does anyone think of the men and women on the game development frontline who quietly toil away to produce the magic that eventually emerges on a diet of little more than Pepsi and pizza.
Fable developer Lionhead after programmer with MMO skills for unannounced game
Unreal experience a bonus.
UPDATE: Lionhead has issued Eurogamer the following statement:
"Thanks for checking in with us! We're happy to tell you all about what we're working on. Just apply, get hired, and we promise to spill our guts!"
ORIGINAL STORY: Fable developer Lionhead wants a programmer with MMO skills to help make an unannounced game.
Microsoft was Fable dev Lionhead's "saviour"
Plus, why Peter Molyneux is "gold dust".
Fable developer Lionhead was "on its knees" before Microsoft swooped in and bought the UK developer, a former member of staff has said.
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.
Molyneux "ashamed" of Fable III scores
Wasn't the game "I dreamed it would be".
Peter Molyneux was "pretty ashamed" with the low-80s average review score Fable III received from critics.
Fable: The Journey domain registered
Along with three Kinect-themed titles.
Microsoft has registered Fablethejourney.org as a domain name, along with three other phrases which seem to suggest a bunch of Kinect titles is on the way.
FeatureMaking a Better Fable III for PC
Lionhead on Xbox 360 version criticism.
Fable II scored 10/10 on Eurogamer and Fable III scored 8/10. But wasn't the third a better game? Wasn't co-op was better, combat deeper and the map more intuitive? Why didn't Fable IIII receive the plaudits of Fable II?
Lionhead: Pre-owned worse than PC piracy
There's a new enemy number one.
Fable III developer Lionhead has told Eurogamer that second-hand (pre-owned) sales on Xbox 360 are today a bigger problem than piracy on PC.
Fable III PC to launch on Steam and GFWL
Pre-order bonuses revealed.
The PC version of Lionhead role-playing game Fable III will launch on Steam and Games for Windows Live, Microsoft has announced.
Pre-orders begin today. Those who do so through GFWL receive Fable: Lost Chapters for free.
Those who pre-order through Steam get the Rebel's Weapon & Tattoo Pack, a collection of four weapons and five tattoo sets.
Fable III difficulty increased on PC
No longer fit for "a blind child".
Fable III will be a more difficult game on PC, Lionhead has revealed - because desktop gamers relish the challenge.
Fable III PC system requirements
Will your Matrox Millennium still cut it?
In May, Fable III arrives on PC. But will your machine be able to play it?
MS doing more Fable, Halo, Gears, Forza
Has other "surprises" for E3.
Panic ye not, for Microsoft shall make more Fable and more Halo and more Forza and more Gears of War.
Molyneux: "Sorry if I've over-promised"
Admits telling fibs to keep journos awake.
Lionhead boss and newly-crowned holder of a BAFTA Fellowship Peter Molyneux has admitted making game features up on the spot to stop bored journalists falling asleep during interviews.
Molyneux: I need to prove I deserve BAFTA
Joining ranks of movie greats "just insane".
This year's recipient of the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, Peter Molyneux, has told Eurogamer TV that the honour means: "Now prove you deserve this award; prove you really are good at what you do."
VideoFable III: Traitor's Keep trailer
DLC missions available now.
Keep Traitor's Keep for Fable III today
Judas pay and then download it.
The Traitor's Keep add-on for Fable III has plopped onto Xbox Live Marketplace.
Plus, PC date finally confirmed.
A fresh set of Fable III downloadable content, titled Traitor's Keep, hits Xbox Live next week, publisher Microsoft has announced.
According to Major Nelson's blog, the DLC leads players into three new levels called Ravenscar Keep, Clockwork Island and the Godwin Estate, "taking on new quests and encountering a mysterious prisoner". There are 250 additional gamerscore points on offer too, as well as "additional content".
It's out on 1st March and will set you back 560 Points.
Peter Molyneux a BAFTA Academy fellow
Joins Miyamoto, Hitchcock and Spielberg.
Legendary videogame designer Peter Molyneux has been made a fellow of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Influence next Fable in Lionhead survey
How important is Live co-op? The dog?
You can influence future Fable projects at Lionhead by filling out a survey.
2010 the biggest year in Xbox history
"It's official," cheers Microsoft.
Five years after the 360 arrived, Microsoft has crowned 2010 as the biggest year in Xbox history.
Fable III: Coin Golf announced for WP7
Game Room going mobile too.
Microsoft has announced Fable III: Coin Golf, a spin-off of Lionhead's adventure franchise for the Windows Phone 7.
Details on what exactly is involved were scant during the reveal at Microsoft's CES keynote in Las Vegas, but the platform holder did confirm cash earned in the mobile game will carry over to Fable III on the Xbox 360.
Elsewhere in the presentation, a number of other new titles were announced for Microsoft's smartphone OS, including a portable version of Xbox 360's Game Room portal. Centipede, Shao-Lin's Road, Time Pilot, Lunar Lander, Pitfall and Asteroids are the six vintage titles you'll be able to access through the service.
Fable III: Kingmaker gamers gifted gold
Ka-ching!
Lionhead has pledged to reward those who played Fable III mobile phone spin-off Kingmaker with free virtual gold.
Change to poodle, doberman or alsatian.
Bored of your Fable III dog? Wish you could swap for a cooler one? Lionhead has a remedy: a dog pack.
Chunky Fable III title update deployed
Aesop now on Xbox Live.
Lionhead has deployed a title update for Fable III on Xbox Live.
It fixes numerous problems. Butler Jasper won't abruptly shut his trap when you visit the Sanctuary, after all, the voice of John Cleese can't have come cheap - might as well hear it. Of course, John Cleese has been in a BioWare game before - can you remember which one?
This title update also hopes to prevent save game corruption as well as boosts general game performance and frame rate, which can be particularly choppy in same-screen co-op.
Lionhead details Fable III patch
Game save and spawning glitches targeted.
A forthcoming patch for Fable III will fix corrupted game saves, spawning issues and frame-rate dips, according to an update from developer Lionhead Studios.
The studio said that it "has been hard at work addressing gameplay issues" on its critically-acclaimed but bug-heavy Xbox 360 epic.
The issues it's looking to tackle include:
PC Fable III still in the works
"Don't panic," insists Lionhead.
Everybody, stay calm. Lionhead Studios has confirmed that the M.I.A PC version of Fable III is still in development.
First batch of Fable III DLC dated
Understone unravels beneath Bowerstone.
Understone, the first batch of proper Fable III DLC, will be released on 23rd November, Microsoft has said.
Digital FoundryKinect dash leads anti-piracy charge
Illegal Fable III copies left unplayable.
The 1st November launch of the new Kinect-capable dash brought about an unwelcome surprise for Xbox 360 pirates: new copy protection tech is included that looks set to lock out "backup" games from Xbox Live and - for the first time - stop copied games from loading.
Lionhead working on Fable III fix
Asks gamers to report any glitches.
Fable III developer Lionhead is aware that the game shipped with a number of bugs and is working on patches.
Fable III atop of the UK chart
New: Star Wars! WWE! Sims 3! Rock Band!
Update: UKIE has released sales figures for the top 10 games. These show that leader Fable III sold 128,895 copies since launch on Friday - 6000 more than Fable II managed.
VideoFable III - 15 minutes of gameplay
Medi-evil?
VideoWed Fable III characters in co-op
Nail down your pre-nup now.
Nail down your pre-nup now.
The difficult third Albion.
We've hardly been starved of RPGs since Fable II came out. Thanks to BioWare alone, Mass Effect 2 had us chasing the Collectors through the Omega-4 Relay (killing all our friends in the process), while Dragon Age taught us all kinds of arcane trivia that we wouldn't shut up about for six months (boring all our friends in the process). So for the first few hours of Fable III, it's not exactly good news that you sense the law of diminishing returns.
Okay, you're a prince stirring up a rebellion against your brother, the evil king, but you do much the same stuff you did in Fable II, and the most noteworthy changes are superficial. Sure, the pause menu is no longer a list of buttons, it's a series of rooms staffed by John Cleese, but as revelatory new features go this isn't exactly planting an acorn and returning a few years later to discover a tree, is it? (Still no sign of this, by the way - maybe next time.)
Lionhead is traditionally very good at gimmicks, but these can only distract you from the conformity. You're still following the breadcrumb trail - Fable's version of a mission compass - between quests you monitor on a quest log; combat is still a mashy, three-button affair where you alternate between melee, ranged and magic attacks; and it's still an untidy game, where the frame-rate drops, people speak over one another and enemy AI is prehistoric.
Fable III UK launch night plans
Albion the train there.
Fable III will have its own midnight launch event at GAME on London's Oxford Street this Thursday.
The event will get underway at 9pm and finish 1am Friday morning, according to the Lionhead Twitter.
Prizes will be given and members of the Lionhead Fable III team will be present.
Over 60,000 join in Fable III: Kingmaker
One million virtual flags planted.
Over 60,000 people have taken part in Microsoft's free app Fable III: Kingmaker.
VideoBecome a revolutionary in Fable III
Join the opposing force.
Join the opposing force.
New Fable IIIs unlock exclusive DLC
XBL redemption card grants goodies.
Buried within a press release to coincide with the launch of a new Fable III trailer is the revelation that new copies of the Lionhead role-playing game will come with a "redemption card" that grants access to exclusive downloadable content.
The one-time-use Xbox Live card grants access to the following DLC for the high-profile Xbox 360 RPG:
Call forth undead minions to your aid with the Raise Dead Potion
Fable de-make to revive promised ideas
Yes, you can plant the sodding acorn.
The creator of a 2D Fable "de-make" has popped up a video of his progress and explained how he's incorporating systems from the first two Fable games - including some that were mentioned during their development but never made it in.
VideoEG Expo: Peter Molyneux keynote
The evolution of the Fable series.
The evolution of the Fable series.
Axed Fable III Kinect content detailed
Lionhead ditched food fights, statue making.
Abandoned Kinect-enabled mini-games for Fable III saw you throwing tomatoes at passers-by and carving statues.
VideoFable III TV trailer brings new footage
Revolutionary road.
FeatureEurogamer Expo 2010 Top 10
Including your game of the show.
Every year at the Eurogamer Expo we invite you to tell us what you thought of the games you played, and without fail every year (so far anyway) you exhibit amazing taste in huge numbers. This year's Expo line-up was our strongest and most diverse yet, so we were excited to see what would follow in the footsteps of last year's winner, God of War III, or 2008's Mirror's Edge...
VideoFable III - Kingmaker trailer
Make in-game gold with a mobile app.
Fable III has "huge decision" at start
Equal to one at end of Fable II.
Peter Molyneux has revealed that there will be a "huge decision" to make at the beginning of Fable III.
Molyneux explains son's plea to Valve
"He's always talking about Half-Life 3."
Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux has explained how a video of his son Lucas pleading with Valve Software to hurry up and finish Half-Life 2: Episode 3 ended up going viral on the internet last month.
FeatureEurogamer Expo Sessions: Peter Molyneux talks Fable III
We talk to him beforehand.
We love Peter Molyneux - so much so that sometimes it must seem like we interview him every week. In actual fact the last time we spoke to him was gamescom in August. Today he's speaking to YOU at our beloved Eurogamer Expo in London, revealing new details about Fable III and, knowing him, putting on an interesting show in the process.
Earn Fable III currency in phone app
Kingmaker launching on Friday.
Microsoft and Lionhead are launching a Fable III viral game for smartphones called Kingmaker this Friday, 1st October, and the rewards will be usable in Fable III.
VideoFable III to feature all-star cast
Pegg! Cleese! Fry! Fassbender!
Pegg! Cleese! Fry! Fassbender!
"Time travel is absolutely possible."
Yes, he's back once again, with the ill behaviour, power to the Peter. When it comes to revealing secrets, dropping hints and giving opinions about proprietary technology, the Lionhead Studios boss is a renegade master. Seems like you just can't keep a good Molyneux down.
VideoPlayer houses in Fable III revealed
Who wouldn't want John Cleese as a butler?
Who wouldn't want John Cleese as a butler?
Sex, chickens and democracy.
Fable III may not be out until 29th October, but its Achievements are already doing the rounds thanks to internet detectives at Xbox360Achievements.org.
FeatureMicrosoft's Phil Spencer
Japan? Yes we can! Etc.
You've got to admire Microsoft's determination. Millions of dollars spent on marketing, years of work spent on promotion, and still only 12 people in Japan own an Xbox.
Molyneux to keynote Eurogamer Expo, Gears of War 3 playable!
Plus Fable III on the show floor.
Eurogamer is delighted to announce that legendary British game developer Peter Molyneux will be kicking off the Eurogamer Expo developer sessions this year with a talk on Fable III, giving behind the scenes detail and revealing his inspiration for the series.
VideoUnboxing Fable III Collector's Edition
Extra content, packaging, playing cards, etc.
Extra content, packaging, playing cards, etc.
Latest Fable III screens from TGS
Magic! Miniguns! Moustaches!
Magic! Miniguns! Moustaches!
Lionhead working 10x faster on Fable III
Game bigger than Fable II "by a long way".
Lionhead has told Eurogamer that work on Fable III is rocketing along at 10-times the pace of Fable II.
Behind-the-scenes artwork.
Behind-the-scenes artwork.
Science and industry.
A few weeks before the launch of Fable II, I had a chance to speak to two of the key artists on the team about their vision for the project and how they'd gone about creating the game's unique look. With the launch of Fable III looming, Lionhead invited Eurogamer back to talk to the art team once again.
Snazzy Fable III 360 controller
Aesop for grabs this October.
Aesop for grabs this October.
Dark days in Albion.
As heroes go, I don't feel much cop at the moment. In fact I feel absolutely ridiculous. This is because I am dressed as a giant chicken. It's hard to feel heroic when you have a bloated feathery stomach, a floppy red comb and knobbly yellow knees. The fact that I have a flintlock strapped to my back and a giant hammer in my hands doesn't help.
Albion to you in no time.
Albion to you in no time.
New combat and levelling up screens.
New combat and levelling up screens.
Fable III sales will top 5m - Molyneux
That's the plan, anyway.
Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux has said he has high hopes the next instalment in the Fable series will be the biggest, best and most lucrative yet.
"We want more than five million people playing Fable III on the Xbox 360, full stop," he told MCV. Around three million copies of the original Fable were sold, while the figure for the sequel was 3.5 million.
So how does Molyneux intend to boost sales this time around? Why, by making the game more accessible to a wider audience, of course.
Fable III Kinect support confusion
Will it or won't it?
The will it or won't it support Kinect saga that has dogged Lionhead role-playing game Fable III shows no sign of abating after publisher Microsoft refused to confirm comments on the matter from creator Peter Molyneux.
VideoFable 3's opening cinematic
Going feather than before.
Going feather than before.
It's rather peasant.
It's rather peasant.
Create a villager in Fable III
If you pre-order.
Those who pre-order upcoming role-playing game Fable III can create their own villager who will then appear in the final game.
MS optimising for each platform.
The PC version of Lionhead role-playing game Fable III has been delayed, Microsoft has confirmed.
Molyneux struggles to get ideas across
Finds it "insanely hard".
Project Milo creator Peter Molyneux has admitted he finds it "insanely hard" to convince others of the validity of his new game ideas before they're realised.
FeatureLionhead's Peter Molyneux
"If I'm not careful I could break into tears."
After arriving 10 minutes late for his Develop Conference keynote, Peter Molyneux took another 10 minutes to plug an Xbox 360 running the latest build of upcoming role-playing game Fable III into a projector set deep within the bowels of the Brighton Metropole hotel.
Molyneux: Fable II was "rushed"
"Had huge design flaws."
Microsoft exclusive RPG Fable II was "terribly messy", "rushed" and suffered from "huge design flaws", creator Peter Molyneux has admitted.
Lionhead loves BioShock and Portal
Shining examples of storytelling.
Seminal shooters BioShock and Portal are shining examples of great videogame storytelling and character design, Lionhead audio producer Georg Backer told an audience at the Develop Conference in Brighton this afternoon.
Fable III demo in Brighton next week
Molyneux to offer exclusive glimpse.
Peter Molyneux has agreed to take Fable III down to the Brighton Develop Conference next week.
VideoA first look at some Fable III gameplay
Swordplay, musketry and a little magic.
Molyneux: Demos are "horrible"
Fable III episodes detailed.
Peter Molyneux has labelled demos "a horrible concept" and revealed plans to release upcoming action RPG Fable III as a series of downloadable episodes.
Lionhead: Fable II's co-op "was rubbish"
It's OK, you can get married in the new one.
Lionhead has admitted to Eurogamer that the implementation of online co-operative multiplayer in Fable II "was rubbish", but promised that Fable III's will be vastly improved.
Rule of fun.
It was hardly Milo & Kate. When Peter Molyneux trotted out onto the stage at Microsoft's E3 press conference two weeks ago, it was to slap a 26th October release date on Fable III, introduce a new trailer - and then get out of the way of the bullet train of ultra-marketable Kinect software steaming onto the stage, sharpish.
Fable III "first step" of big PC push
MS keen to promote Windows 7.
The arrival of Fable III on PC will be the "first step" of a much larger push by Microsoft to boost the profile of gaming on Windows 7 desktops.
Do you like dogs?
Do you like dogs?
Due out in late October.
Lionhead founder and Microsoft Game Studios' European boss Peter Molyneux has revealed that action RPG Fable III will be released on 26th October.
Molyneux was speaking at the Microsoft E3 conference in Los Angeles today.
Molyneux also showed us a new trailer for the game, in which the player is once more on a quest to save Albion - except this time he has to do it from the throne.
Full news breakdown inside. New Xbox 360! Forza Kinect! Reach! Kinect date! Fable III date! Loads more.
We're on our way to the conference... Not long now!
Plus: Collector's Edition revealed.
Microsoft has finally confirmed Fable III for PC, and revealed the snazzy Collector's Edition of the game.
Due "Christmas", this limited edition box will be wrapped up and presented like a book from the world of Fable. Inside is an exclusive quest with the Wolfsbane sword as a reward; a new family-oriented location sprinkled with treasure; pack of Fable III playing cards; Guild Seal coin to flip when decisions are tough; an exclusive Boxer breed of dog and an exclusive Aurora set of clothes.
This Collector's Edition will sell at RRP £60 on Xbox 360.
Microsoft quick to hide evidence.
Update: Microsoft has responded: "We've made no official announcement but please stay tuned," a spokesperson said.
Original story: Microsoft has published and then withdrawn Fable III box artwork after it appeared to confirm a PC version of the game.
The art - nabbed by Joystiq before its removal - included a label that read, "Only on Xbox 360 & Windows."
VideoJohn Cleese as your Fable III butler
Developer diary explores his role.
Developer diary explores his role.
Fable III 'morphs' can be remapped
Turn your good or evil on or off.
Lionhead lead artist John McCormack has revealed that Fable III's 'morphs' - physical manifestations of the players' good and evil alignment, like wings, horns or halos - will be controlled by pressing a button. Previously these appeared of their own accord.
Ben Kingsley to appear in Fable III
He will play a "wonderful wizard".
Veteran actor Ben Kingsley has signed up to provide a voiceover for Fable III.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
Fable III will have episodic DLC
And Natal not required, says Molyneux.
Peter Molyneux has revealed plans to release downloadable "episodes" for Fable III post-launch.
Fable III has no combat for 30 mins
Molyneux worried this is too long.
Peter Molyneux is in a pickle: he's worried that having no combat during the first half-hour of Fable III could be a problem.
Molyneux is big fan of Heavy Rain
Reckons it's "the future of videogames".
Never mind Fable III - Peter Molyneux thinks PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain is where it's at when it comes to next-gen entertainment.
Molyneux hints at Fable III for PC
As does job posting.
Various hints dropped by Peter Molyneux and Lionhead point to a PC version of Fable III.
Molyneux: Natal is bigger step than Move
Thinks Sony wand may be "for the core".
Peter Molyneux has told Eurogamer that he doesn't think PlayStation Move is the same kind of step forward as Microsoft's Project Natal, but admits he fancies a crack on Sony's new magic wand controller.
FeaturePeter Molyneux's Question Time
Fable III! Project Natal! PS Move! Dogs!
How time flies. It's been a whole year since we interviewed Peter Molyneux at the Game Developers Conference, and now here we are again, interviewing Peter Molyneux at the Game Developers Conference.
Natal is "wonderfully additive" to Fable III
But Molyneux still won't say how, exactly.
Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux has confirmed Natal technology will feature in Fable III - but he still won't say how it will work.
John Cleese to play butler in Fable III
He'll pick out your character's clothes.
Peter Molyneux has revealed that comedy legend John Cleese is providing a voiceover for Fable III.
Return of the Albion rover.
Return of the Albion rover.
Fable-branded condoms on the way?
Lionhead asks for merch suggestions.
Lionhead Studios is asking fans to come up with ideas for Fable III merchandise.
VideoFable III announcement feature
Molyneux's next as ambitious as ever.
You rule.
"Our job at Lionhead is to surprise and shock you," says Peter Molyneux, kicking off his presentation of Fable III at Microsoft's X10 event in San Francisco. Does he shock us? Not quite. Does he surprise us? Absolutely.
Molyneux and improved.
Molyneux and improved.
Fable III has no experience, health bar
"Experience seemed 1990s" - Molyneux.
Presenting at Fable III at X10 in San Francisco, Peter Molyneux has revealed that the RPG - if you can still call it that - has no experience points or health bar.
Fable III due out "this holiday"
Molyneux presenting at X10.
Microsoft has announced that Fable III will be released "this holiday" on Xbox 360, which is "in the run-up to Christmas" in old money.
You'll be "pissed off" by Fable III reveal
Molyneux teases X10 demonstration.
Peter Molyneux has said to expect more details on Fable III at this week's X10 event in San Francisco, and warned that people are going to be "super pissed off".
Fable III to go on show next month
Better get going to San Francisco.
The third instalment in the Fable series is set to get its first public showing next month.
Lionhead showing Fable III next month
Two new videos will be released.
Lionhead community manager Steve Van Tilburgh has promised the world its first Fable III sighting next month.
New Fable III art shows Bowerstone
A dark, smoggy, industrialised city.
Peter Molyneux's Lionhead Studios has offered an artist's impression of Bowerstone in Fable III.
Fable III Natal support confirmed
Molyneux after micro-transactions too.
Peter Molyneux has confirmed Natal support for Fable III and described gaming in 2009 as "the most exciting year ever".
Speaking last night at a BAFTA event - hosted and Tweeted by Eurogamer's Johnny Minkley - Molyneux revealed that his next role-playing game will also feature a micro-transaction in-game shop, where players can buy swords from £1.
Walkthroughs are another possibility for the store, but with the game so far off, Molyneux said many of these features could be dropped before release.
Molyneux hints at Natal in Fable III
"Do you really think I wouldn't?"
Peter Molyneux has hinted that Fable III may be playable with Project Natal technology - as well as a regular controller.
Fable II dog saved due to hate mail
At least it wasn't a bloody petition.
(Please beware that the following is a spoiler for the end of Fable II, so if you still plan to play it, do not read on!)
Paints a pretty picture.
Paints a pretty picture.
Molyneux unveils Fable III for 2010
Become the ruler of Albion.
Lionhead and Microsoft Games Studios Europe boss Peter Molyneux has announced Fable III for Xbox 360 at a press conference at gamescom in Cologne, Germany this morning. It will be released in 2010.
The game will see you become the ruler of Albion, deciding whether to be a kind king or a tyrant, and whether to keep the promises you made on your way to top. Your decisions and judgements will affect the shape of Albion and its society.
You'll be a hero ruler, and still an adventurer, "like a captain in Star Trek", said Molyneux. The game won't be an RTS, he promised. You'll also be able to travel to lands beyond Albion's borders for the first time.
"A Napoleonic fairytale."
Picture it: the land of Albion in the age of steam. Through the cobbled streets of its towns, crooked houses with slated roofs compete for the afternoon sun with angry eruptions of unlikely machinery, valves match steeples for control of the skyline, and oily goop drips into babbling brooks that run beside fields of already queasy sunflowers.
Molyneux unveils Fable III.
Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome to the Microsoft / Lionhead press conference.
Lionhead reveal teased for gamescom
Che Guevara, a choice, the number six.
Peter Molyneux is set to make an announcement at gamescom next week and Lionhead's website has been given a curious Che Guevara makeover to tease it.
Marriage announcement outs Fable III?
This is getting a bit silly now.
Microsoft may not be talking about it and Peter Molyneux may be trying ever so hard not to talk about it, but people just keep talking about Fable III. Now it's the New York Times, in a wedding announcement of all things.
"Amy E. Gilbert and Joshua Samuels Atkins are to be married Sunday in San Francisco. Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum is to officiate in the Penthouse of the Fairmont Hotel," the announcement says (thanks Kotaku). "Mr. Atkins, 34, is the lead game designer for Fable III, a videogame series produced by Lionhead Studios in Guildford, England." Whoops.
Atkins, who appears to have worked largely for Microsoft Game Studios rather than Lionhead itself, is credited on Fable: The Lost Chapters and Fable II among numerous other games.
Peter Molyneux on Fable, Jonathan Ross and parrots.
Peter Molyneux is a familiar face at the Game Developers Conference. He often uses it as a platform to unveil new features in Lionhead games - remember 2007's infamous dog revelation?
Ross accidentally announces Fable III
UK broadcaster blurts news on Twitter.
Celebrity talker Jonathan Ross seems to have inadvertently confirmed the development of Fable III on his Twitter, claiming he's been offered a voice-over role.
"Tweeting" after last night's BAFTA shindig, the British TV and radio star wished his gossip-hungry fans goodnight with this message: "Goodnight all. Must go to bed. Got asked to do voice in Fable 3 tonight. Subarashi. Oyasuminasia. Woss out."
When asked to confirm the slip by a fellow Tweeter, Ross proclaimed, "Yes they are doing it. Charlie Brooker said he would do a voice for it to! Great fun!!"
