by RootSec
Microsoft has been on a rather aggressive streak of purchasing studios and making deals, all in an attempt to cement itself stronger this generation. This can be seen as far back as 2018 and well into the current generation. Between those acquisitions, the Bethesda acquisition in 2021, and various Game Pass deals like Outriders and MLB The Show 21, it’s clear Microsoft is thinking ahead.
Many of these may take a couple of years to fully pay off, but that’s really a good thing. Once Microsoft starts rolling out new games in 2022/2023, that may prove just how valuable the Xbox ecosystem this generation will be. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits will be better single-player action RPGs coming to the platform, as many studios seem geared in this direction. However, what’s important is that Fable holds its crown as one of the best Xbox RPGs.
Looking ahead, the mid 2020s seem like they will be a golden era for Xbox. Not only will there plenty of console-exclusive games, thus negating one of the platform’s biggest criticisms, but there’s a ton of RPGs that’ll likely grace the system. Obsidian Entertainment, right now, seems like Microsoft’s RPG powerhouse. Avowed has already made a splash, and only one trailer has been shown for it. The Outer Worlds 2 (likely to be made some day) and Obsidian’s secret project (likely action RPG, given the studio’s credentials) are only going to add value. Add in Inxile Entertainment too, and there’s a ton of RPGs coming way of Xbox in a couple of years.
Of course, it’s hard to ignore the Bethesda acquisition. A plethora of games of all sorts come from Bethesda Game Studios, everything from Arkane to MachineGames, will come to the platform. The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield, while little is known, are some premiere titles from Bethesda, both of which are open-world RPGs. While the exclusivity debate still rages on, the chances that they are exclusive remains high, but even if they aren’t, they’ll either play best, first, and/or free (Game Pass) on the Xbox ecosystem.
That’s not all, of course, as games of all varieties will be gracing the system. Again, however, action RPGs rank among the most popular genres, and more for Xbox is heading its way. As great as an exclusive Elder Scrolls 6 or Avowed will be though, Fable needs to remain at the forefront of Xbox RPG discussions.
That’s not to say it has been forgotten, but it holds a special place in many Xbox fans’ hearts. It is effectively the original Xbox RPG, with many remembering the early days of Fable on the original console. Even though Fable 2 and Fable 3 were a step backward in many eyes, the love for the franchise is there. New RPGs, new franchises going exclusive, and more are all great for the Xbox Series X generation, but they pale in comparison of a Fable game flopping. Microsoft and Playground Games are likely aware of the pressure and will do everything in their power to make it the best game it can be, but an undeniable aspect of game development is that anything can flop. It may not, hopefully it doesn’t, and this is not to say it will, but video games have inherent risks that can lead to anything not living up to expectation.
Keeping Fable on everyone’s tongues, showing it alongside other games, and making sure it lands means that Fable stays at the forefront of the golden era. Fable needs to be to the Xbox Series X generation and new Xbox RPGs what Halo has always been to shooters; if Microsoft can manage that, then the Golden Era seems more promised.
Fable is in development for PC and Xbox Series X.
