fable 4

A new Fable game for Xbox One and Windows PC is in development. The game is being made by Forza Horizon 3 studio Playground. In recent months the UK-based company has been hiring staff for an open-world non-racing game poaching talent that’s worked on games like The Witcher 3, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.

Sources speaking to Eurogamer have confirmed that the game in development is an entry in Microsoft’s Fable series. The last mainline entry was Fable 3 for the Xbox 360. And Playground’s efforts could very well result in Fable 4.

Prior to this, Microsoft cancelled development on co-op action role-playing game, Fable Legends and shuttered the studio behind it, Lionhead.

"I have slightly mixed feelings," Fable co-creator Simon Carter told Eurogamer.

"On the one hand it's great for the UK games industry, and very pleasing that Fable isn't dead; indeed, it will be lovely to play one as a punter, without coming out in hives.

"On the other hand it is a little curious to get rid of the team that is uniquely expert in making Fable, and then try and make Fable. Fable is a weird game, and a tough one to deconstruct for a new team. That said, the team in question is very talented, and I'm sure they'll do a fantastic job."

Apparently, the reason for the change of heart to bring Fable back from the dead was Microsoft seeing the success Sony had with Horizon Zero Dawn selling 3.4 million units as of June 2017.

With an install base of over 70 million PS4s, it’s no surprise that Horizon Zero Dawn found an audience and with the Xbox One reportedly having half the install base, it will be interesting to see how well this new take on Fable does.

The last entry in the franchise was Fable Fortune — a free-to-play digital card game by Flaming Fowl Studios that consists of Lionhead veterans.