Fable 2 Development

We want your input!

2010-02-24T11:23:00Z

With the release of Fable III imminent this year (ed. towards the end of it) we’ve started thinking about different kinds of merchandise for the game. There are literally hundreds of things we can come up with; from mugs and t-shirts to an LCE or books, maybe even branded condoms!

At this point we normally say "it can’t be crazy enough" but I’d like to add, in bold, that it can be too crazy. So please don’t go over the top with your ideas and please give us your opinion on the examples we’ve given.

Click here for the Fable III Merchandise Survey

Cheers, Lionhead Studios.

Big news round-up of Fable III at X10.

2010-02-15T12:59:00Z

Last week saw our beloved Fable III being revealed to the public at Microsoft’s X10 Xbox event in San Francisco. Today we have a news round-up of the weekend:

Joystiq interview with Peter
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/fable-3-interview-peter-molyneux-at-x10/

Molyneux: 'Fable no longer an RPG'
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a202977/molyneux-fable-no-longer-an-rpg.html

USA Today takes a first look at Fable III
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/02/your-first-look-at-fable-iii/1

Fable 3 Revealed at The HDRoom
http://www.thehdroom.com/news/Fable_3_Revealed_New_Screens_Details_and_Trailer/6364

Fable III Will Feature Plenty of Violence
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Fable-III-Will-Feature-Plenty-of-Violence-134738.shtml

Molyneux promises not to over-promise
http://www.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles/art.view.php?id=19220

This is just a small selection and if you find an article you think is worth reading, post it in our comments and I’ll add it to the list. Once Sam’s back from his US trip he’ll put the video diary on his Youtube channel so all us mobile users can watch it there.

If you want to stay in touch with Lionhead and our games you can do that on Twitter @LionheadStudios and Facebook /Fable3 and /LionheadStudios.

Fable related Xmas ideas ?

2009-12-14T11:44:00Z

As we’re approaching the end of 2009 the Fable Team is making a big push towards a great build of Fable III so we can end our year on a high note. Lots of new features have gone in and I’ve finally managed to get my hands on a DevKit so I can start playing around with them.

You might’ve read on Sam’s Twitter lately that he’s looking into capturing game footage for more videos and with that all setup now we can start recording Fable III in full HD quality ness! So expect a lot of videos in 2010!

In between all the development going on in this building there is another important thing that must be done; shopping! For Xmas presents of course. It’s tough finding present for people and that’s why I’ve got some suggestions for you all. You might notice a theme running through these suggestions.

Amazon:

Bargain at The Hut - http://www.thehut.com/games/platforms/xbox-360/fable-2-game-of-the-year-edition/10054116.html

Happy Xmas everyone, enjoy your holidays and may you all dance into the new year!

The Fable Team budget Xmas tree:

-W.

Hand Created Fortune's Tower Set

2009-12-07T10:59:00Z

We receive a fair amount of fan-art, drawing, sketches and other kinds of handy-work from our fans. But from time to time someone creates something very eye-catchy and something that looks even better than the original, even if we say so ourselves!

Some of us already spotted this over the weekend but Shawn (Snow also sent us an email and here it is; the one and only hand created Fortune's Tower set!

If you're not familiar with the Fable II Pub Games and Fortune's Tower - you can download them here from the Xbox Live Marketplace - http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-GB/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8025841091d/.

And if you created something you think is worth for us to have a look at, feel free to send it to webmaster@lionhead.com.

I have a new toy!

2009-11-25T15:35:00Z

I'm not going to tell you the whole story behind me brand new toy, let's just say that this was given to me by someone special about 10 years ago. It's a film camera 16mm that was made in 1958 and it's still fully functional even though it hasn't been used for about 30 years...Of course I still have my video camera which I'll be using for the video diaries, but at the very same time I'd like to experiment with film and new technology. Even though it's not really new and more than 50 years old, it's still being used today. And if all goes to plan, it'll be used next year as well for Fable 3. At this moment in time I don't know if I'll be able to, and it needs to be serviced which is happening next week in London. They asked me to bring it in rather than send it in, considering its age that seems like a clever thing to do.

If anyone's interested or has experience with one of these babies, feel free to drop me an email.

Lionhead Video Diary Episode 0

2009-11-19T16:05:00Z

This is the pilot for the Inside Lionhead Video Diaries, made in September 2006. It was originally meant as a proof of concept and never meant for public consumption but three years after the facts, it gives a nice look into how the diaries came to be. You'll find out if Peter Molyneux likes peanuts or not and you'll see Dene Carter has his original (and beautiful) self... You can watch the pilot episode over on Youtube.

Also, are you on Facebook? Are you a fan of Lionhead Studios? Then go here, and become a fan!

Fable II's anniversary

2009-10-21T22:38:00Z

We're currently sat on the sofa sipping a rather courageous Grenache Shiraz. Stephen (who you know as Pyramid Head from Episode 3) and I are celebrating the fact that Fable II has been out for a year today. Peter joked about Natal in Fable III as a "faeces simulator", I don't understand this relationship between the British and poo. A big congratulations to everyone, a welcome thank you to the millions of you who've bought or tried our game out - it's very humbling.

To celebrate I bring you a video Ted and I did last year which wasn't meant for public release. A year after our release, it's probably fine to show this now. If not, please don't sue me! Fable II and a typically British poo joke.

Filming Fable III

2009-10-12T13:03:00Z

Not too long ago I posted the Fable III Bowling Video, it was to be doing some public-facing video work again. Today I've been filming the Fable III team at work again, because I need to build up my stock footage of B-ROLL for when the Lionhead Video Diaries kick off again... The nine diaries that were released for Fable II were very popular, so I'm trying to think of a way to make them work as well to show what goes on with the development for Fable III, while keeping them fresh. I might be trying out a different format even! We'll see...I've learned this year but even more so last year, not to give you any dates (been burned more than enough already by doing so) but if all goes to plan, early next year we'll kick them off again.

On the horizon

2009-09-29T18:47:00Z

Beyond the horizon lies a land of harmony. The lack of updates on this blog has got something to do with that; I've been travelling (having to use up my accumulated holidays). That doesn't explain why Woody has been quiet on here, but I know he's been doing other things. Anyway, I've been back since a two weeks, catching up with work and obviously filming.

The Fable III team had something to celebrate (milestone!) and went out to play some bowling. Please keep in mind this does not impact on the schedule! Hehehe. I took a camera with me and this afternoon I put something together. Check out it on Youtube (and don't forget to rate). Obviously I won in the bowling* seeing as the competition wasn't all that . Hehehe...

We'll have further announcements in the future. Today we're enjoying the release of Game Episodes. My housemate Stephen (who you might know as Pyramid head from Video Diary 3) made the episodes pretty much happen (and is responsible for the size of 1.79Gb).

* Might not be 100% accurate

Fable II Game Episodes out, first one for free!

2009-09-29T11:22:00Z

“Fable II: Game Episodes” debuts today with the first chapter available for free on Xbox LIVE

Any “Fable II” fan can share experiences of their life in the rich world of Albion, and wild stories about glory or mischief they've gotten into as consequences of their choices in the game. For everyone missing out, Microsoft now presents a completely new way to experience “Fable II” through the power of Xbox LIVE and Games on Demand: “Fable II: Game Episodes.”

Debuting today on Xbox LIVE*, “Fable II: Game Episodes” gives players the choice to purchase and download “Fable II” one episode at a time. This marks the first time in Xbox history that a major blockbuster title will be distributed not only digitally, but episodically as well. “Fable II: Game Episodes” delivers the entire “Fable II” experience in five consecutive installments, with all the Achievements, challenges and excitement of the disc-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, “Knothole Island” and “See the Future.”

As an incentive for those curious about the adventures that await them in “Fable II,” Microsoft Game Studios is making the first episode free to download. In this initial episode, players are introduced to the vibrant world of Albion where every choice has a consequence, and are able to experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult. Players can then choose to purchase additional episodes on Xbox LIVE at their own pace.

Players who decide to purchase “Fable II” either digitally or on disc after a foray into the first game episode will find their saved progress, character profile, and items from the first episode will be transferred seamlessly as they continue their journey. All editions of the game offer cooperative play with friends on the same couch as well as on Xbox LIVE.**

* Fable II: Games on Demand is available in LIVE enabled regions around the world excluding Japan and Korea
** Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer.

If you're not sure what's happening, or why this is exciting (it's never been done before) then we've got some codes for you to try out. As you know, the first episode is free with an extra four episodes available after that. Below are ten codes which allow you to unlock episode 2 for free. Again, first come, first serve...

All codes have been used

The fan pencil at work

2009-08-25T15:57:00Z

It is very likely due to the announcement of Fable III to the world that we're seeing in increase in Fable fan art. So I made a quick collection of the latest (the better) pieces sent to us. One of them was made by a 12year old sister of a vivid fan, I hope you can spot it.

And for everyone on Facebook, you can now become an official fan of Fable III at http://www.facebook.com/Fable3 !

Big Hero Gathering #4

2009-08-10T14:23:00Z

Yet another Gathering of the Forum Heroes. Thanks to everyone for taking picture and showing us their colourful designs and looks!

You can see the previous Hero Gatherings here (1) and here (2) and here (3).

P.s.: all these pics were taking straight from televisions and monitors so the quality can be a bit poor...

If you want to share a picture of your Hero, post it in this thread - http://community.lionhead.com/forums/thread/3203433.aspx - and we'll collect it for the next gathering.

P.s.: unfortunately we won't be giving out any codes today...

Fable II Avatar Clothes are coming!

2009-08-04T12:08:00Z

A lot of people have been asking us in recent months about Fable II clothes for their Xbox360 avatar. Well, you'll be happy to learn that we've got something coming your way! It's not going to be a single shirt but a whole package of clothing! It will be available for a few Microsoft points from Marketplace at some stage this month... We've got one teaser image showing you a shirt, but there are boots, shirts and hats! No underwear though...

More details can be found in this topic on our forums.

"My perfect man" says Imogen (+codes)

2009-07-13T14:15:00Z

Once in a while our Webmaster kicks into action and goes through the mountain of emails she received from the public. The odd one gets forwarded to the rest of the company either because it's just too funny, too stupid or too interesting not to. The last one we received was more a request and one that I'd like to address publicly.

But first; I know some of you solely read the Lionhead Blog in order to get some freebies (see below)! I believe it is Sam who started this tradition actually. So once you spot that a blog-entry has some XBLA codes in it most of you won't even bother to read the thing! Well I want to give this entry a bit of a one of twist for the people who do read it. In the codes I've swapped every 'Q' with an 'L', so you'll have to do the opposite in order to make 'em work!

Now then; for most people one of the most intriguing characters in Fable II is Reaver. Not surprising as he is very flamboyant, mysterious and generally a cheeky fella which is something people find either charming or interesting. But for Imogen B., who send us the email that sparked all this, it is apparently <quote> my perfect man </quote>!

from: Imogen B.
Sent to: Lionhead Webmaster
Hello Lionhead! Thank you for creating Fable. Anyway, i was wondering. I heard somewhere that the character of Reaver didn't originally look like the end product in the game. Not that i am complaining, i think you created my perfect man. Could you please post, if you still have it, the Reaver concept art? I have been DYING to see it. Thank you!! xxxxx

And without further adue here it is, especially for Imogen and of course for all of you! Created by one of our very talented concept artist Mike McCarthy, never seen before; the Reaver concept drawings! <crowd cheers>

And then the codes for See the Future game add-on for Fable II that were promised:

<all codes have been used, better luck next time.>

Apart from this I have no breaking news to report unfortunately. But we'll be back with some revelations very soon!

Hobbe tattoo

2009-07-07T12:48:00Z

The Lionhead Webmaster just forwarded me an email from his mailbox. Ashley K sent us a picture of his latest tattoo. Why you may ask; because it's an image of a Fable II Hobbe!

I've also sent it around the Fable team who were pretty impressed with the result:

For more tattoos; we've once released most of the Fable tattoos here: http://www.lionhead.com/FableTLC/tattoos.aspx