Lionhead: Transition to next-gen is an 'exciting and scary time'
Fable developer promises "exciting times ahead", as Lionhead reveals that the atmosphere at the studio today is like when it "went from Xbox to Xbox 360".
(Dev, Fable: The Journey, Industry, Next-Gen, Xbox 360)
I can understand why. With brand new tech, you can do a lot more but then again, you're essentially almost entering a brand new market.
You can make guesses as to the standards other developers will achieve with their respective games but ultimately, you'll be unsure as to whether your title will live up to those standards. That is definitely one of the reasons the advent of a new generation is scary and a good reason to be nervous.
But obviously, a new-gen will always be exciting too. I like Lionhead's 'Creativity Day'. Game Development really only blossoms when you're free from the shackles of external pressures. Observe the way RARE used to operate and how the Conker game really became its own as a result of the developer having complete free reign as to the design of the game.
I am definitely excited and I do respect game developers taking the first steps into the new generation. We gamers have been somewhat spoilt this gen and have been asking for the world with unrealistic expectations.
Like I said in the other Fable article I can't wait to see what Lionhead can pull of next gen.
Fable 2 brought straight fun-factor to RPGs this gen and IMO was 360 classic.
It's definately exciting knowing that Lionhead, Turn 10, 343 Studios, Epic, Rare, Twisted Pixel and Bungie are going to have a huge canvas to play with next.
Rumor has it that Lionhead is working on an MMORPG for the next Xbox, with recent added hiring's, they could be doing a new IP with the MMO, while the other part of their team works on Fable 4.
Its the same with Rare, which is said to be working on at least two new next gen projects as well, one of those hiring's was for people with first person shooter experience, so it could be the Perfect Dark reboot.
Next gen is always exciting, nice to hear an inside take on how a developer feels as well.
I agree, but at the same time launch titles don't generally push the envelope of what can be done in a new generation. A lot of them are really just delayed slightly upgraded projects from the previous gen, ports, or quick cash in titles that people get because of launch buzz. As much as I'm looking forward to the Wii U I can't honestly say that any of the games are pushing the envelope to prove why we need to upgrade, but some of them do look like a lot of fun..ahem..Rayman..ahem.
As a console generation continues there tends to be a homogenization of the quality of games, typically led by an exemplary game (ie. Uncharted) which others use as a benchmark for their future products. Theoretically they are all trying to one up each other, and among their peers they get props when they do good. All this is good for gamers of course as we keep getting better or better games...at least in theory.
It's hard nowadays though because investor's don't want to take risks. This isn't always the developer's fault. They can't really stand their ground to say "We want to make this game", because new IPs are very risky. Take a look at Mirror's Edge, it tried something different, was well received and well liked, but didn't do what was expected. As it is Fable games do sell, so there isn't a lot of risk involved in making them. Lionhead themselves probably have a lot of creative people making these games, but without the support or money there is no outlet for it.
I just hope that with the next systems they will be able to take a pic or be able to record gameplay while gaming. And all online games should have the capability of saving a match for when something crazy happens or you do really well it's nice to save those moments. Just my thought. And yes I know that you can get videocards/usb video recorder to record whatever you play but it would be really nice if it was integrated within the system. It's not a dealbreaker but it would be nice though.
I do like Fable, but Peter took way too long producing content. Hopefully Lionhead can re-invent themselves and literally "create ten new Ip's that are so awesome Microsoft don't know what to do with it"
I'm really looking forward to that statement. This, and a killer instinct remake as well as a brand new AAA Killer Instinct next Xbox title.
I think Molyneux took long to produce content because he wanted to be perfect. He didn't want to throw rehashed trash out onto the market with his name on it. I hope Lionhead does not go that route, although I could see it happening.
210°
60°
30°
30°
20°
30°
Ad 
30°
You can make guesses as to the standards other developers will achieve with their respective games but ultimately, you'll be unsure as to whether your title will live up to those standards. That is definitely one of the reasons the advent of a new generation is scary and a good reason to be nervous.
But obviously, a new-gen will always be exciting too. I like Lionhead's 'Creativity Day'. Game Development really only blossoms when you're free from the shackles of external pressures. Observe the way RARE used to operate and how the Conker game really became its own as a result of the developer having complete free reign as to the design of the game.
I am definitely excited and I do respect game developers taking the first steps into the new generation. We gamers have been somewhat spoilt this gen and have been asking for the world with unrealistic expectations.
Like I said in the other Fable article I can't wait to see what Lionhead can pull of next gen.
Fable 2 brought straight fun-factor to RPGs this gen and IMO was 360 classic.
It's definately exciting knowing that Lionhead, Turn 10, 343 Studios, Epic, Rare, Twisted Pixel and Bungie are going to have a huge canvas to play with next.
Can't wait to see the results..
Evil
Its the same with Rare, which is said to be working on at least two new next gen projects as well, one of those hiring's was for people with first person shooter experience, so it could be the Perfect Dark reboot.
Next gen is always exciting, nice to hear an inside take on how a developer feels as well.
I'm having a blast this gen, but I love the potential of what next gen brings.
Evil
As a console generation continues there tends to be a homogenization of the quality of games, typically led by an exemplary game (ie. Uncharted) which others use as a benchmark for their future products. Theoretically they are all trying to one up each other, and among their peers they get props when they do good. All this is good for gamers of course as we keep getting better or better games...at least in theory.
I also liked hearing a 1st party dev talk more openly / candidly about the next gen and transition.
Maybe even bring Fable back and make it a beast it should have been without the hype and let down that Peter made it throughout production.
I'm really looking forward to that statement. This, and a killer instinct remake as well as a brand new AAA Killer Instinct next Xbox title.