Fable Legends, the game that was going to be Lionhead Studios’ new multiplayer Fable title for Xbox One and PC, eventually turned into a free-to-play model in which you could pay via micro-transactions, is now being scrapped. Not only is Fable Legends off, but Microsoft is planning to close Lionhead Studios completely, leaving the Fable series at an end. Microsoft has also planned to close Press Play Studios in Denmark as well.

After much consideration we have decided to cease development on Fable Legends, and are in discussions with employees about the proposed closure of Lionhead Studios in the UK. Additionally, we will close Press Play Studios in Denmark, and sunset development on Project Knoxville.

These have been tough decisions and we have not made them lightly, nor are they a reflection on these development teams – we are incredibly fortunate to have the talent, creativity and commitment of the people at these studios. The Lionhead Studios team has delighted millions of fans with the Fable series over the past decade. Press Play imbued the industry with a unique creative spirit behind games like Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba, which both captured passionate fans. These changes are taking effect as Microsoft Studios continues to focus its investment and development on the games and franchises that fans find most exciting and want to play.

This hits hard for big fans of Fable. Unless by chance the intellectual property is transferred to another studio, this will conclude the Fable series. What we have is the full trilogy on Xbox 360 and a couple quirky spin-offs to its name. The games may have been divisive, but many fondly remember the silly humor, beautiful environments, and fun character building that drew us in and didn’t want to let go. It will be sad to see Lionhead Studios go.