Introduction

It seems only appropriate to open this guide by thanking the original Fable team, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make Albion a reality 10 years ago.

First to Ian, Dene, and Simon; thanks for coming up with the concept of Fable and for inviting so many of us to contribute to your wonderful world. Thanks also to everyone from Big Blue Box (who I know will forever cherish the memories of playing football on the “Field of Dreams”) and to Peter and the Lionhead team; I’m sure everyone fondly recalls Spandau Ballet’s “Gold” ringing out across the studio on the day that Fable was finally finished!

Last but not least, thanks to Microsoft Studios. I’m certain that many publishers would have run a mile on hearing the term “lady of the night,” but Microsoft gave us the freedom and support to make Fable the success it has become today—we couldn’t have done it without them.

Fable truly is a reflection of the many crazy, memorable moments that occurred throughout development, the pretty little village of Godalming in England that inspired so much of Albion, and, of course, every single person who poured blood, sweat, and tears into the making of the game—as the gravestones found in Albion can attest!

Fable Anniversary is our way of celebrating that beloved, decade-old classic, and of thanking our enthusiastic fans—without whom we wouldn’t be here today. Many have expressed a desire to see a fully remastered edition of Fable: The Lost Chapters, and finally that dream has been realised.

Given the love for Fable, expectations for Fable Anniversaryare understandably high. Indeed, at times, the remastering process has felt more difficult than making a brand new game! What is “charm” versus “out-of-date?” When is the original way still the best, and what could be better? These are delicate issues that we’ve worked hard on, knowing that the original development team—and Fable’s many fans—will expect nothing but the best.

To the Fable Anniversary team, another big thank you for showing the same passion and commitment that the original team displayed in the run up to Fable’s 2004 release, and for bringing the nostalgia back to the fans who joined us on this incredible journey so long ago.

 I’ll end on a final, reflective note: a decade is a very long time! This time 10 years ago, I was merely an 18-year-old tester at Lionhead, still pinching myself about the fact that I actually worked on a video game—the stuff my childhood dreams were made of—and praying that my contract would be extended by just one more month.

Fortunately my prayers were answered, and the 10 years since have been the best of my life. We reached the “next-gen” of consoles (now “last-gen!”) with Fable 2 and Fable 3 on Xbox 360, we brought the series to a whole new audience with Fable Heroes and Fable: The Journey, and now an exciting, new, gaming generation has arrived, bringing a wealth of exciting opportunities for the future of Fable with Fable Legends and beyond.

Thanks to everyone who has ever been a part of Fable, and here’s to another decade of Albion—truly a one-of-a-kind place!

 Ted Timmins~ Fable Anniversary Lead Designer / Fable Franchise Manager