Fable 4 for Xbox One is looking more real than ever – here's what to expect so far.
Microsoft's Fable is expected to see a revival in the coming years, with rumors of a new entry in development for the beloved role-playing franchise. Following a line of titles that deviated from the series' formula to mixed reception, the project is expected embrace what once made the world of Albion so appealing.
For now, known as "Fable 4," the title is looking to be a major blockbuster for Xbox in the future. We've wrapped up everything we know about Fable 4 so far and what can be expected from the title.
5 things Fable 4 needs to succeed on Xbox One
Fable 4: Development
Fable 4 is yet to be announced or even acknowledged in any capacity by Microsoft – but that hasn't stopped rumors spreading. The most reputable Fable 4 leak hails from Eurogamer, which obtained the word of a new title from its sources. According to the report, the early stages of Fable 4 development are underway at Playground Games – the UK-based developer of Forza Horizon fame. Under its 200-man studio recently opened in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, the team is allegedly building a new adventure set in the Fable universe.
Microsoft reportedly scaled up investment in a new Fable after the release of 2016's Horizon Zero Dawn, which saw critical acclaim on Sony's PlayStation 4. As a single-player experience, the game's success marked a major step away from the industry-wide shift of online experiences. While this could indicate the next Fable will put single-player front and center, we'll have to wait on official word.
Fable 4: Gameplay
Fable 4 is expected to be a story and character-focused open-world action role-playing game (RPG), with similar mechanics to what the first game so unique. Based on these rumors, Fable 4 could be closer to earlier games in the series.
The flexibility and depth of the Fable sandbox was a major part of the original games, with outstanding morality and player choice systems for the time. Between its narrative and environments, the world of Fable emits unmatched character, even today. However, the inconsistency of the Fable timeline makes it hard to pinpoint an expected era for the title.
Creator and ex-developer of the Fable franchise, Lionhead Studios, closed its doors in 2015, meaning that almost an entirely new team would develop Fable 4. Whether this internal shakeup would translate into the final product is yet to be seen.
Fable 4: Release date
Without an official word of Fable 4, we're yet to know when the project will hit our consoles, if ever. If development is still in the early stages, we can expect a few years until launch. Speaking to Digital Foundry, creative director Ralph Fulton stated that an upcoming unannounced title from Playground Games is utilizing Xbox One X as the lead development platform – which could very well be Fable 4. If true, this could indicate the title is nearer than expected.
The journey to Fable 4
While details on Fable 4 are currently scarce, more may surface in the future. For now, we'll have to wait for the next move from Microsoft under its new studio. Are you hoping for a new Fable title? Drop into the comments section below with your thoughts.