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Just to give you all a quick reminder of one of our LCE make-up-offers. Today, and only for a limited time, you can get a few tracks from Fable 1 and 2 for FREE (link below).
To further show our commitment to the faithful fans, we have created a special Fable album for free download for a limited time! This includes a wonderful selection of Fable 1 music and 3 brand new tracks from the upcoming Fable II soundtrack.
Go to http://www.sumthingdigital.com, and enter “FableCollection” promotion code. This will be available beginning October 6, 2008 @ 9am PST!
I've managed to download them without the promotion code, just click on the image on the right hand side and you'll get the .zip with six tracks. The music is absolutely wonderful!
P.s.: the track meta info in the mp3s you download is a bit wrong, for proper credits see the details page: https://www.sumthingdigital.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumid=3822.
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Yesterday (at least I think it was yesterday?), Peter and I got on a plane to Tokyo. We just checked into the hotel and I managed to get my internet to work. We're here for the Tokyo Game Show! If you are attending the show, come and check out the last build (the one that went gold) and get some serious hands-on time with the full game. Will keep you posted on anything interesting that happens, but first, I need coffee!
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There is an email from GAME doing the rounds on the internet, claiming that the LCE has been further reduced. This information is incorrect; there are no further cuts in the Limited Collectors Edition.
The Developer Diaries and Soundtrack were never going to be a part of the bonus DVD, these can be downloaded for free. The diaries from Xbox LIVE marketplace (or here) and the soundtrack from http://www.sumthingdigital.com, and enter “FableCollection” promotion code. This will be available beginning October 6, 2008 @ 9am PST. (I am sure there are future plans for additional tracks)
You will get the game in the LCE that's for sure, the issue with the Hobbe, cigar box packaging and Fate Cards is beyond everyone's control. I don't have any other details on that.
The videos that are on there are brand new and never-seen-before. The Making of Fable II is based on footage that was filmed over two years, it's unlike most Making of features and a little bit of the footage you will have seen in the video diaries.
I don't know why GAME send that email and I also don't know why sites publish this without checking with us or Microsoft first.
WHO COMES UP WITH THIS STUFF? ![WTF [:wtf:]](/emoticons/wtf.gif) ![Crazy [:crazy:]](/emoticons/crazy.gif)
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And here we go, a brand new video diary for you to look at and listen to! Make your way to our Diaries page to download it or make your way to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
Head On Over to Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Chance to Listen In On “Fable II”
Lionhead Studios Releases Episode 7 of Video Diary Series: The Music and Audio of “Fable II”
Three weeks stand between gamers and their quest to become a hero. “Fable II” will be available exclusively on the Xbox 360 in North America on Oct. 21. In celebration of this occasion, today Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios released episode 7 of the popular “Fable II” video diary series to Xbox LIVE Marketplace. In this new episode, the team takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes visual and audio tour from Bratislava to London, where music, sound effects and voiceover dialogues breathe life into the colorful art and animations of “Fable II.”
See interviews with various members of the audio development team, including head of music Russell Shaw, who discusses the process of music development in “Fable II,” and hear the audio design team’s humorous quips as they imitate sword and battle cry sound effects, just two of the 9,000 unique sound effects in “Fable II.” Curious to hear the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra play a score from the opening scene of “Fable II” or understand how the team painted layered ambient sound effects onto the “Fable II” map? All this and much more can be seen and heard in this episode, so head on over to Xbox LIVE Marketplace to download the video diary!
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We are happy to announce the Fable II game is in manufacturing and confirmed for Oct-21 in North America and Asia, Oct-24 for Europe.
However, due to supply chain issues**, we are revising the Fable II Limited Collector’s Edition and the estimated retail price will be reduced from $79.99 to $69.99* USD in North America or as applicable in your market. *These are estimated retail prices; actual retail prices may vary worldwide. ** we are gutted
The premium box, five printed fate cards, and Hobbe figure will not be available as part of the Limited Collector’s Edition. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The Fable II Limited Collector’s Edition will now include the following content at this discounted price:
- Fable II game disc
- Bonus DVD with new ‘Making-of’ Feature
- Bonus in-game content (requires Xbox LIVE®)
- ‘The Hall of the Dead’ Dungeon
- ‘The Wreckager’ Legendary Cutlass Weapon
- Spartan armor and energy sword
To further show our commitment to the faithful fans, we have created a special Fable album for free download for a limited time! This includes a wonderful selection of Fable 1 music and 3 brand new tracks from the upcoming Fable II soundtrack.
Go to http://www.sumthingdigital.com, and enter “FableCollection” promotion code. This will be available beginning October 6, 2008 @ 9am PST.
[UPDATE: By a suggestion made in the comments of this entry, we're going to release the Fate Cards as a downloadable PDF for you to print, plus we can also confirm the new LCE version will have the original LCE artwork).]
[UPDATE 2: There is an email from GAME doing the rounds on the internet, claiming that the LCE has been further reduced. This information is incorrect; there are no further cuts in the Limited Collectors Edition. (read more).]
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There have been a lot of interviews on several different gaming sites as of late, but one that I really enjoyed was the one with Ian and Mike about the Art in our (little) game. It's up on Eurogamer (link) and it's a 3 whole pages sweet.
Lionhead Video Diary 7 is finished and has been submitted to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Hopefully it will be out soon (a little bird whispers within a week). If you can't wait that long, may I suggest you take a look at the following video interview from Gaygamer.net): Eight Questions about Fable II with Peter Molyneux.
I have been in London these past few days working on a new video (this one is really big and important) and we're trying to make it something SENSATIONAL. There. I said it.
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It's true that most people on the development team are still working on Fable II even though the game has gone gold. The reason for this is the patch to enable people to play online co-op over Xbox LIVE.
Everyone here at Lionhead and Microsoft Game Studios are committed to having the long-awaited title on store shelves on October 21 and 24, so that everyone can start playing the rich single player story. You are also able to start playing the game with a friend on the couch; local co-op is in Fable II. Online co-op is also going to be in Fable II; we are doing everything we can to have this important feature in the game. We want you to be able to show off to your friends and play together, over LIVE.
The team here in Guildford and over in Redmond are working hard to release the LIVE co-op update (patch) for download, within a week of launch. In an ideal world it's going to be available on the first day but right now we can't say for sure if we're able to do this. Some of us are really tired and rightly so. I hear people say they are busting their balls. How does it feel? (Like A Rolling Stone - 1966)
On day of release gamers are able to play the rich single player experience and start spending the gold they’ve earned via the hugely popular pub games. Plus gamers will still be able to see their friends online as "orbs" as they are moving through the world, as well as chat and trade items with them plus play with friends in local co-op.
How does it feel? It's a bummer, but not the end of the world, please don't troll.
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It's not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Fable II, but today we got word about two "passenger vehicles designed for operation on ordinary roads and typically having four wheels and a gasoline or diesel internal-combustion engine." Now technically these might not really be suited to carry passengers, but you get the idea.
Over at forzamotorsport.net there is a specially designed car up for grabs in the auction house;
"The latest addition to Turn 10's exclusive line-up of cars has finally arrived and I have to say our livery editor magician Fred “Redesign” Howell has done it once again. This represents the second fully customized unicorn car released officially from Turn 10 Studios, and oh what a release it is. With the help of Lionhead studios, developers of Fable 2, we have put together this officially sanctioned exclusive unicorn car. Together we are proud to present the Fable 2 Lotus Espionage!"
There is also news about another car and race that is taking place, on the joey-logano website!
"Joey Logano will still be driving the home depot car in the sprint cup series, however, in the nationwide series, we can look forward to Joey Logano sporting a new paint scheme. The Paint scheme will be the Gamestop Fable II Toyota Camry. Gamestop is running this paint scheme to promote the new Fable II video game, that will be available for sale on October 21st, 2008. The Fable II video game as of right now, will only be available for the X-BOX 360."
Pretty cool if you ask me.... ![Smily [:)]](/emoticons/emotion-1.gif)
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It's been three years since we finished ‘Fable: The Lost Chapters’ and since then we've built a new engine, built an entire new tools architecture and editor, created a new and compelling story, built and populated a world which is massive compared to the original Fable, attempted highly complex and difficult things. We looked at EVERY aspect of Fable 1 reworked, recreated, expanded and got to hang together in (what we think) is an amazing game. Fable 2 has gone gold. You will be able to play it come 21st (US) and 24th (EU) October 2008.
Most of us are feeling a bit worse for wear today, the drinks in the local pub were (hopefully) only the beginning of a lot of celebrations!! I'd like to again congratulate everyone on the team for finishing this game.
Let the games begin! ![Big Smile [:D]](/emoticons/emotion-2.gif)
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On Tuesday we nearly left Guildford town without Peter! GC Asia is taking place this week in Singapore and so the taxi comes, picks up Cathy, it then picks up me and as we're driving towards Heathrow, it turned out we had to also go and pick up Peter from his place! Oooops! We nearly left without the star of the show; that would have been disaster.
Arriving in Singapore the first thing that hits you is the temperature. The second thing is the bullets. Only kidding! This place is very clean and people are incredibly friendly. I'm thinking of staying here. I can do community management from anywhere in the world, can't I? Only kidding! But certainly a thought that will linger in the back of my mind for a while...
Then last night we had a brief meeting with the Microsoft and Xbox360 people from the area, and also went to the VIP reception of the GC Asia event. Today is the big day: press, public demonstrations and most importantly a keynote speech for Peter (where I do the playing of the game in the background).
All of you will now (hopefully) also have read some (or even all?) of the coverage that came out of the PR trip to the USA. If not may I suggest you make a move to our forums as there's bound to be a gazillion of topics linking to all the different previews. At some stage I'll make a nice list of it, because everyone likes a ![G o o d [Good]](/emoticons/g_o_o_d.gif) list.
A slight delay with Video Diary 7, Andy (my editor who will be doing the cleaning up, final mixing and shading) has had some technical issues so we're looking at a couple of extra days.
Next weekend the F1 is taking place here in Singapore, the racetrack is 10 metres from the hotel! Such a shame I'm going to miss it...
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Last week, Peter (Molyneux), Cathy (Campos) and I went to the USA for a whole load of showing off Fable II at different places and to different people.
We started the journey in Las Vegas with a Gamestop event that took place. Still pretty under the weather because of this thing called jetlag, we were put in a room with five machines that had the E3 demo on them, and a sixth setup where I hooked up the development kit with the latest build for people to enjoy and for Peter to show off. It was SO warm at the airport, I still don't understand how Peter could be wearing both a jumper and jacket!
Peter and Sam arriving at Las Vegas airport.
Store managers getting some quality time with Fable II
During the afternoon that day, Peter was sat behind a desk to sign Fable II artwork (supplied by the Microsoft people who were attending the event). At first we were a bit worried no one would really care about this, but when we got back from lunch a line was already forming in the hall. As soon as Peter sat down it grew and grew and grew until it reached outside, around the corner into the next hallway!
People getting a personal message (game hint) from Peter and a signature.
In the end we had to close down the line because not everyone would be able to get a signature and we didn't want to dissapoint anyone.
The following day there was another event put on but the day mainly consisted of rehearsals, meetings and things like that. During the keynote in the evening I was too stressed to make pictures (playing the game as Peter did the talking) but hopefully Amritz has got some shots I can post.
The following day we went to San Francisco for a Fable II preview event (for journalists), they were allowed to play the game for around 2.5 hours and some interview time with Peter. This was pretty exciting and scary at the same time, to show 'your baby to the world'. I'm looking forward to reading their impressions next week!
This is where the San Francisco preview event took place.
After that we went to Los Angeles for a day but nothing worth photographing and putting on this blog...We're back in Guildford now, on Monday I am putting the final edit on Video Diary 7 and giving it to someone else to do the final audio mix. On Tuesday we're going to Singapore for GC Asia.
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Las Vegas is a city of sin - one minute you win $100 and the next you loose $200 while being served a free drink and allowed to smoke a cigarette. These things kill, kids. I feel like a kid in a candy store here. An event put on by a major US retailer is taking place and we're hrere to show Fable 2; Cathy, Josh, Amritz and myself. Peter is also here, he too is showing the game (only the most recent version we could get). Typically we were missing one vital startup file so we could have some exra tools available to us allowing for a quick jump to a certain quest in the game. Peter got his notebook, we plugged it into the network hub and copied it onto the development kit we brought from England. So far so but it was stressful for a short while.
It was wonderful to meet so many people (again) who actually are really keen on not only playing the game when it comes out but also to get some real hands-on time with the combat. Some gamers also played the childhood and sandbox version of the game, and Peter let them play abot halfway into the game with a Hero that was pretty cool (albeit wearing a pink coat). It was exceptional!
There were a load of other games there (including Resident ![E v i l [Evil]](/emoticons/e_v_i_l.gif) 5) and when Peter sat down (quite nervous may I say) for a 'singing' session the line that was building quickly left the (massive) room we were in, around the corner into the next hallway. He also left a voicemail for someone on someone else's mobile phone! Pretty funny stuff. In the end we just couldn't let people line up anymore and had to close the cue. There were people and gamers here from all over the United States!
One person told me that he had the BIGGEST Fable 2 display in his store, he was going to send me some pictures so I hope he does. You'll find them (together with a load of other pictures I took) on the blog this weekend when we get back.
People told me a lot of very nice things about Fable 2 today, and the version they got to play was an old E3 demo. This is starting to get pretty exciting.
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As you know everyone starts in Fable II as either a little boy or a little girl and will grow up to adulthood.
You will change visually to reflect your choices and actions in the world of Albion but it doesn't end there...we now have so much more clothing (think masks, hats, …) all of which can be dyed (in pretty much any color), plus we have make-up, jewelry, hairstyles and facial hair plus all the many different morphs (like strength, fatness, skin color etc...) which will mean that each hero will be very unique. Taking every single thing into account that will influence what you look like, our programmers calculated a number that goes well and truly into the billions.
Here is a selection of screenshots to demonstrate just that.
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Like I said earlier, my cardreader wouldn't work for some reason under Windows Vista (for some reason only known to hobbes). You would have gotten these live from the show had it worked...but now without further delay some of the picture moments.
FIRST DAY - YOUNGEST PERSON TO EVER PLAY FABLE II?
This was right before the show started, someone who works for Microsoft showed up with her little son and let him play with the controller. I helped him out pointing out which buttons to press when and he was having a great time, shouting 'doggie, doggie'. His mum let him some hands-on with GoW 2 afterwards.
FIRST DAY - FABLE II SECTION AND A VERY SPECIAL TIE
As you can see we had two stations on the Xbox360 stand at PAX, where people could play the co-op combat demo set in Wraithmarsh (or the sandbox or even childhood if they wanted to). Woody can be seen on the left, talking to a man wearing a very special tie.
FIRST DAY - #}$%* THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE!!!!!
The sea of people lining up, just to get in. At this stage we got worried, put on our 'exhibitor' passes and walked in by the backdoor... The stress was on!
FIRST DAY - WALKING WITH FABLE II
After each day we took the drives with Fable II on it back to the hotel with us, which meant we had to get back to the show earlier, but this seemed to be the safest thing to do. I kept the drives in my hands at all times, that was difficult when I was trying to eat a burger and drink a cocktail, but when Fable II's at stake, we take no risks!!
SECOND DAY - GETTING SUN IN WASHINGTON
The morning of the second day, outside the Washington State and Convention Centre, sulking up the sunshine in (very green) Seattle.
SECOND & THIRD DAY - PEOPLE PLAYING FABLE II
There was a lot of people playing the game, pretty much always in local co-op fighting in the combat which we also showed at E3. Here's a selection of shots of people.
   
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Yesterday (or was it this morning) we went to the last day at PAX 2008, suitcases packed and left in the car ('Cousin' Erik was driving us around). It was again a busy day, people lining up to play the combat demo level set in Wraithmarsh. On occasion they also played the 'sandbox' demo and rarely the introduction (childhood early stages) of the game. Giving a few pointers and tips, people figured out the controls within seconds.
We were sitting outside and on the pavement an older guy was singing 'Duke of Earl' holding a cup for change. He was singing a nice version of it.
PAX is a terrific event, well organized and awesome if you want to be with people sharing the same passion (games) plus get some hands-on time. Here's a nice video interview with the guys from Penny Arcade, Gabe and Tycho.
Going to get some food and probably black out on the sofa. Woody made it back alive as well!
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