Fable 2 Development

Lionhead Video Diary Episode 0

Sam — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:05:00 GMT

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

Sam — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:38:00 GMT

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

Sam — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:03:00 GMT

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

Sam — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:47:00 GMT

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!

Sam — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:22:00 GMT

“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

Woody — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:57:00 GMT

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

Woody — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:23:00 GMT

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!

Sam — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:08:00 GMT

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)

Woody — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:15:00 GMT

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

Woody — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:48:00 GMT

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

Deal of the Week on XBL

Woody — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:29:00 GMT

For all of you who haven't yet played the Knothole Island add-on and haven't yet used the powers of the weather in Fable II, this Deal of the Week might chance your mind. From today until the 5th of July Knothole Island will be just 560 MSpoints on Xbox Live!

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024d5307f1/

The price hasn't yet chanced on XBL but it should do later on today.

We have a winner!

Woody — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:51:00 GMT

A couple of weeks ago we ran a competition on the Lionhead Community website - http://community.lionhead.com/win/ (now closed). The aim was to give away a rather special and unique prize to a random member of our community. Out of thousands of entrants there could only be one winner and we’re already very sorry for all of you who didn’t win, please show us mercy.

The prize included a rare Fable II branded Xbox 360 console and a copy of Fable II, both autographed by Peter Molyneux himself! We’re very sorry for all the people who didn’t win this time, but there is a chance we’ll have another one of these prize draws very soon.

And now please join us in a big shout out, a heavy drum roll and congratulations for the winner of the Fable II Prize Draw: Mr. Jesus T (California, USA)! He’ll be receiving these prizes very shortly and we’re excited to see a picture of him and his new trophy!

CONGRATULATIONS!

And because everyone here can be a winner we're giving away some codes.

<edit>

Sorry, all code have been used, better luck next time.

</edit>

Last call for Fable II Prize Draw

Sam — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:03:00 GMT

Just to remember everyone that tomorrow our Prize Draw for a rare Xbox360 game system will be closing, so if you haven't entered already make your way to http://community.lionhead.com/win/ and follow the simple instructions to make that baby yours!

Big Hero Gathering #3

Woody — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:41:00 GMT

After a few more months of collecting different images of people's Heroes I've put together another collection.

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

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. Thanks to everyone who already did so, colourful stuff!

P.s.: unfortunately we won't be giving out any codes today... more next week though!

The Big Families

Woody — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:24:00 GMT

Everyone who’s played Fable II must have started - or at least tried to start - a family at some point in the story. As you can see on the Fable II Stats pages - http://community.lionhead.com/fable2 – some are more successful at it than others. And depending on how they treated their spouse(s) they ended up with some siblings. It looks like Xbox LIVE member ‘evan1357’ did little else in the game apart from spending time in bed with his or her wives or husbands and also NOT buying condoms. Ending up with more than 500 children we’re not going to ask questions nor find the reason behind it!

A Lionhead Community Member posted a video of his flog of little brats on our forums and some of the comments from other members are priceless. For example; “Man, do I feel sorry for your wife!” , “Guy has a softball team.” , “notice I didn’t see the wife anywhere... guess she can’t walk anymore an is stuck in bed” , “me want to start a breeding project and see how many kids I can farm”.

If you have any kind of advice for him/her, or can do even better, please let us know in the comments!

Happy breeding!