Earlier this week, we reported that Microsoft were in discussions to shut down Lionhead Studios, a beloved British developer behind the likes of Fable and Black & White. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has now stepped in to share a few of his thoughts on the matter.
Spencer was responding to a question from a curious fan, and explained a few things over a series of tweets which you can see for yourself below.
@tgh9920 @PNF4LYFE @pengy_gamer It's impossible to go into all the detail and I apologize for that. Just know I'm committed to our 1P.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 8, 2016
Certainly, there are likely dozens of different reasons that Microsoft came to this decision, so you can respect Spencer for not wanting to get right down to the nitty gritty over Twitter. Still, he continued by assuring fans that new IPs and first party titles are a priority.
@pengy_gamer I'm proud of the games our 1P Studios have shipped on XB1, our plan is continue to build new IP and expand our franchises.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 8, 2016
Finally, Spencer concluded by admitting he reckons he’s not too loved by the gaming community at the moment.
@hypershaters @Akelisrain @shinobi602 Thanks, I'm not sure I'm so loved right now (not looking for sympathy), Gamer passion is strong.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 8, 2016
It should be noted that the fate of Lionhead hasn’t actually been set in stone yet, and Microsoft are still in discussions with the studio.
Having said that, their upcoming Fable Legends has been cancelled, and Microsoft immediately closed down Press Play Studios at the same time, so it’s not looking good.
Still, if you want to try out Fable Legends before it’s gone forever, the beta will remain open till April. Maybe if enough people play it, we’ll keep Lionhead open. Maybe I’m just a dreamer.
Ewan Moore is a journalist at UNILAD Gaming who still quite hasn’t gotten out of his mid 00’s emo phase. After graduating from the University of Portsmouth in 2015 with a BA in Journalism & Media Studies (thanks for asking), he went on to do some freelance words for various places, including Kotaku, Den of Geek, and TheSixthAxis, before landing a full time gig at UNILAD in 2016.