Microsoft has opened up on what direction its newly announced Fable project will take. Microsoft head of studios Matt Booty touched on the matter while speaking with The Guardian. With the long build-up to the next generation, it should come as no surprise to hear that there is a lot of pressure when working on a franchise as important as Fable. Aside from developing the game as a key Xbox Series X title, Booty said one of the challenges behind the scenes will see Playground Games finding an appropriate blend between the old and new:
With any kind of franchise like that, where you’ve had existing versions, there’s always that balance between what you’re going to bring forward, what still stands up, and what you want to add that’s new. It’s like the challenge of making a new Star Wars movie – there’s stuff that everyone wants you to bring along, but then you’ve got a responsibility to take that to new places and I trust Playground has a good vision for that.
Regarding Playground’s involvement with Fable, Xbox faithful will recognize that the studio has only ever been responsible for the Forza Horizon series. On the topic of what led to the decision to choose the driving developer for Microsoft’s next big RPG, Booty called out the studio’s attention to detail and “ability to represent these naturalistic landscapes.” Booty continued, “They also have a real passion for the IP and a unique point of view on what’s core to Fable. Everything I’ve seen as the game progresses tells me this is going to be a very high-quality release.”
All we’ve seen of the Forza Horizon studio’s take on Fable is the reveal trailer shown during the most recent Xbox Games Showcase. So, aside from the promise of a comedic tone and a bright new world to explore, we’ll have to wait and see what else is in store for the PC and Xbox Series X game.
