Playground Games: Xbox One X Will Lead Platform for A New Unannounced Title

The Forza Horizon 3 software house, Playground Games, talked about its next project (which according to some rumors could be Fable IV), confirming that Xbox One X will be the reference platform for the game development.

[Obscure_Observer]

This can´t be right. According some PS fans on N4G, this new RPG will be released on PS4 because... you know... Playground is an independent studio and not a second party studio for Microsoft. Lmao!

[uptownsoul]

I don't believe Microsoft owns Playground games & there is no such thing as a 2nd party development studio. Either Microsoft owns PlayGround or Playground is and independent/3rd party studio.

What appears to have happened is that Microsoft contracted Playground (a 3rd party development studio) to make a new game for them...(the same type of thing Sony did with Insomniac for Spider-Man). If you can link any info showing Microsoft's acquisition of Playground, I'd love to see it.

[Obscure_Observer]

@uptownsoul

"I don't believe Microsoft owns Playground games & there is no such thing as a 2nd party development studio."

http://nintendo.wikia.com/w...

[uptownsoul]

@Obscure_Observer

You do know the website you linked can be edited by the community, right?

But putting that to the side, if you can show where Microsoft owns PlayGround Games (in full, or in part), I will gladly retract & apologize. Or if you can show where Microsoft has some type of long term contract whereby PlayGround Games can only make games for Microsoft (indefinitely or to a certain date in the future), I will also retract & apologize.

Otherwise Playground Games, like Insomniac, are 3rd party development studios that are currently being contracted by Microsoft & Sony respectively.

[Prince_TFK]

@uptownsoul

“We've heard the new Fable is planned as a story and character-focussed open-world action RPG. A significant investment in its development is also planned, with some 200 people set to work on the game at Playground's newly-established second office in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.”

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

Opening a brand new second studio while hiring upto 200 people just for Fable is not what I call a short term contract. It is obvious by this preparation that Playground’s main studio is preparing for the rumored Horizon 4 this year while their second studio is making Fable 4. And as you may have already known, making an AAA game doesn’t take only 1 or 2 months.

Oh and in case you need reference for Forza Horizon 4, which is rumored to be set in Japan and is releasing this year:

http://gearnuke.com/forza-h...

[Obscure_Observer]

@uptownsoul

"You do know the website you linked can be edited by the community, right?"

Yeah dude, i know that. I also know now, that you know better than people that are part of an OFFICIALLY LICENSED NINTENDO COMMUNITY/CHANNEL, right? S/

"What appears to have happened is that Microsoft contracted Playground (a 3rd party development studio) to make a new game for them...(the same type of thing Sony did with Insomniac for Spider-Man)."

Appears? Dude, you don´t know NOTHING about Playground Games! There´s not Playground Games before Microsoft! They were assembled to create the Forza Horizon series, and Forza Horizon is the ONLY game franchise that those guys have developed for their entire existence (as Playground Games).

Insomniac used to be Sony´s second party developer working exclusively on Sony´s IPs and they made it PUBLIC when both parties part ways after Resistence 3 so Insomniac could go full independent with their projects/IPs like Sunset Overdrive. Sony doesn´t own Spiderman. What they have with Insonmiac is a third party developer contract for a third party IP. That´s it!

"Or if you can show where Microsoft has some type of long term contract whereby PlayGround Games can only make games for Microsoft (indefinitely or to a certain date in the future), I will also retract & apologize."

What? Even if i had job at Playground Games, you should know that i could never disclose that kind of information to you since it not meant to be public knowlodge.

Bottom line. Gamers can be delusional sometimes. They let their passion speaks louder than their common sense.

To think that Microsoft doesn´t have a lock of any kind by contract over Playground Games which prevents them from to become a Sony exclusive/first party studio overnight is crazy! The studio is responsable by the best scored Xbox One game so far and Forza Horizon 3 is the best racing game of this generation if not all time! Just like, Insomniac, Ready at Dawn and Remedy, i´m 100% sure that Playground Game will let people know in case they decide to go full third party multiplatform developers.

[RadarRider]

2nd Party = Contract - business school isn't for everyone.

[uptownsoul]

@Obscure_Observer - "To think that Microsoft doesn´t have a lock of any kind by contract over Playground Games which prevents them from to become a Sony exclusive/first party studio overnight is crazy!"

1) Who said anything about PlayGround working with Sony??? I never said that, so as far as I'm concerned, you just made that up!

2) Just because the 3 games PlayGround Games has made are Microsoft exclusive does NOT mean Microsoft owns the studio.

So I'll ask again(FOR THE 3RD TIME), can you show where Microsoft owns PlayGround Games (in full or in part)???

ROFLOL...Have you ever been to Playground's website??? http://www.playground-games... ...The very first line says "Playground Games is an independent game development studio."

PlayGround Games is an INDEPENDENT Game Development Studio.

I...REST...MY...CASE!!!

[Cyborgg]

"So I'll ask again(FOR THE 3RD TIME), can you show where Microsoft owns PlayGround Games (in full or in part)??? "

He can't show you or prove it lol. Just curious so the PC version of their new game will be the inferior version🤔🤔

[uptownsoul]

@Cyborgg

I actually deleted that part of my comment b/c I've already proven my point. And the reason why @Obscure_Observer can't show any proof of Microsoft owning Playground Games (in full or in part) is b/c Microsoft does NOT own Playground Games in any shape, form or fashion. The very FIRST sentence on Playground's own website ( http://www.playground-games... ) says: "Playground Games is an independent game development studio."

@Obscure_Observer: Turns out Playground games & Insomniac games are BOTH INDEPENDENT development studios...Like I Stated Before

[TheCommentator]

@ Uptown Soul, you're right and wrong about 2nd Party...

Wikipedia states that a, "Second-party developer is a colloquial term often used by gaming enthusiasts and media to describe three different forms of game development studios:
1.Independently owned studios who take development contracts from the platform holders and produce games exclusive to that platform.[7]
2.Studios that are partially or wholly owned by the platform holder (also known as a subsidiary) and produce games exclusive to that platform.[citation needed]
3.Companies that make video game consoles, but also make games on other platforms.[citation needed]

In reality, the resulting game is first party (since it is funded by the platform holder, who usually owns the resulting IP), but the term helps to distinguish independent studios from those directly owned by the platform holder. These studios may have exclusive publishing agreements (or other business relationships) with the platform holder, while maintaining independence. Examples are Insomniac Games (which previously developed games solely for Sony's PlayStation platforms as an independent studio), ADK for SNK consoles, Rareware for Nintendo, and Game Freak (which primarily develops the Nintendo-exclusive Pokémon game series)."

[morganfell]

"...will be the reference platform for the game development."

So its multiplatform. Okay.

[DiRtY]

Just to clear things up:

1st party: Published and developed by console manufacturer or studios that are owned by a console manufacturer

2nd party: Published by console manufacturer, developed by an independent studio.

3rd party: Published and developed by independent companies.

[Gazondaily]

There's still a chance it could come to PS. Nothing suggests Xbox exclusivity at this point. No express confirmation anyway

[fathertime4464]

Second party is when a 3rd party is contracted to create a game solely for one platform. So yes there is such a thing as second party

[PsBoxGamer]

No not true.Microsoft or Sony can hire a 2nd party studio for an exclusive title witch they would own the Ip for such game as they would be the ones funding the title

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

I find it funny that people don't know that it's either first part or an indidendent studio. 2nd party doesn't exist it doesn't even have a definition.

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

2nd party is an unofficial term that doesnt exist. Either the company owns the studio or not. Just because they are making a game for their platform doesn't make them in any way a 2nd party. They are still a 3rd party dev.

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

@TheCommentator colloquial:used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

[Aenea]

1) I haven't seen anyone trying to claim that except you now, of course I could've missed them
2) being the lead platform doesn't automatically make something Xbox exclusive tho, probably will be, but that's besides my point

[Obscure_Observer]

@Aenea

"1) I haven't seen anyone trying to claim that except you now, of course I could've missed them"

I didn´t make my comments based on somebody´s opinion so, i´m not sure what´s your point here.

"2) being the lead platform doesn't automatically make something Xbox exclusive tho, probably will be, but that's besides my point"

Well, according to your logic, third party devolpers will always favors the console which the bigger install base, right? If anything that you said has a grip on reality, Playstation 4 should be the lead platform for the supposed Playground´s new third party rpg, no? Let me guess... you´re contradicting yourself again, aren´t you? ;)

[NoPeace_Walker]

Aenea...if you read the article from Eurogamer, it is the lead platform for development based on the MS ecosystem of the OG XB1, The X, and Windows. The X will be the lead platform for the new RPG game from Playground game...which is already confirmed to be a new Open world Fable game. It will not be on PS4 as MS funded the project.

[bluefox755]

Yeah, it is a bit odd that they'd avoid the word "exclusive" entirely...wonder why that is.
@NoPeace It was NOT confirmed to be a fable game, you're just lying. It's a rumor. Though I hope it is.
@Obscure You seem a little obsessed. I'm sure MS appreciates the dedication, but man, take it down a notch.

[lxeasy]

I'm gonna have to get an Xbox One X

[NoPeace_Walker]

Great choice. 👍🏼

[GottaBjimmyb]

If Playgrounds is really making a new Fable game, I am extremely excited to see it, IMO playground is one of the best Devs out there, glad they are getting a chance to expand their profile.

@obscure Lead platform is more relative to the optimization and target hardware for the game, not really anything to do with exclusivity. If it is a fable game, I HIGHLY doubt it will be multiplat though, if not, then this article doesn't really lend credence to the argument of it being an MS exclusive.

[Aenea]

"I didn´t make my comments based on somebody´s opinion so, i´m not sure what´s your point here."

Perhaps your fantasy? I don't know, haven't seen anyone else claim it...

"Well, according to your logic, third party devolpers will always favors the console which the bigger install base, right? If anything that you said has a grip on reality, Playstation 4 should be the lead platform for the supposed Playground´s new third party rpg, no? Let me guess... you´re contradicting yourself again, aren´t you? ;)"

My logic? That's absurd, I didn't say that and if I said something like it, I bet it was more nuanced than that, yeah, am going with your fantasy even with this!

Thing is, you're drawing premature conclusions. Sure, you're probably right tho, as I said in my previous post, but it's not 100% iron clad evidence of anything.

And even tho a dev can be full on 3rd party it doesn't mean they can have a preference for the underdog.
Also to be honest I find it very weird that a midgen upgrade console with a lower install base than the base console, is the lead platform...

[NoPeace_Walker]

Lead platform for the MS ecosystem.

If you go to the youtube DF video interview at the 9:00 - 9:15 mark, Playground game clearly stated the X is the lead platform so it can easily scale down to the XB1 S, the OG XB1 and possibly PC for the new PG's game. No other console platform was mentioned.

The new game is MS exclusive. Deal with it, buddy.

[Aenea]

@NoPeace

*Windows, not MS

Anyhoo, it's hard to actually read what I was saying huh? Was only saying that "Console Y" being lead platform doesn't AUTOMATICALLY mean that it only launches on that brand of console (and PC) and I even mentioned that I'm assuming it won't come to any other platforms.

So why this reply, hmm? Makes no sense, missy!

[Razzer]

Never said that. said it could be multiplat. you just went apeshit and made a huge deal over the mere mention of the possibility. And you are still going apeshit.

[AspiringProGenji]

Yeah what a loser. Like, it is okay to specutale whether an independent studio is making an exclusive or not, but he goes apeshit over it. Like if he has been crossing his fingers that it turns to be exclusive in the end. Goes to show how ridiculous these fanboys look as soon as they are right about something ans want to point fingers, assuming “lead platform” means “exclusive” and this isn’t the inevitable FH4

[Obscure_Observer]

@AspiringProGenji

I don´t need to wish anything since i know this game is gonna be an Xbox exclusive. And i´m not a veggie gamer like you fanboys wishing for every game to exclusive to Playstation since i´m a proud PS4 and Xbox One X owner. I don´t need to envy on games for any platform and you won´t see me on PC/Nintendo or Sony articles trolling or hating on games.

You fanboys takes pleasure trolling Xbox articles trying to make people feel bad about their choices in gaming so; i not gonna lie to you. When this game gets revealed and announced as an Xbox One game, i gonna enjoy read your pathetic comments on how you´re gonna play the best version on your mighty imaginary WINDOWS PC on full damage control just like i´m enjoying to see you fanboys (no real PS fans) which has been plaguing positive Xbox articles with your bias and hate for years, a now whinning every time that an Xbox One X vs PS4 Pro comparissons pop ups!

[Razzer]

"And i´m not a veggie gamer like you fanboys wishing for every game to exclusive to Playstation"

"When this game gets revealed and announced as an Xbox One game, i gonna enjoy read your pathetic comments...."

lol. I don't have to wait. If I want to read pathetic comments, I just click on comments on your profile. Comments like the above.

[chiefJohn117]

Lol don't get your hopes up razzer

[Razzer]

I'm just hopeful Playground Games really is making a new Fable. It will be a day one purchase for me.

[bluefox755]

Some people are REALLY dedicated to the cause, lol.

[Eonjay]

PS4 gets tons of games. Why would anyone loose their shit over one game coming to Xbox like this isn't supposed to happen?

[DrumBeat]

Why would they? Good question. Why are they? Better question.

[leoms]

but what about the no one left behind speech from jesus spencer?

[MrChow666]

wtf is a second party studio???

[Razzer]

Apparently whatever a nintendo wiki page says it is.

[OffRoadKing]

Your trolling aside, xbox being used as the "reference system" doesn't mean it wont come to Playstation, in fact the term "lead platform" indicates in no uncertain terms there will be another platform it will come to. More than likely they will develop on xbox and port to PS4.

[Kiwi66]

Or that other platform could also be PC seeing as they mention PC in the article, so guess we'll have to wait for more information on it

[Kavorklestein]

Fable is owned by Microsoft.
It's NOT just gonna show up on PS4... lol now I've truly seen it all.

We need a facepalm emoji

[Razzer]

We don't know for certain that it is Fable. We know One X is lead console for an open world RPG. That is all.

[Obscure_Observer]

@Kavorklestein

"Fable is owned by Microsoft.
It's NOT just gonna show up on PS4... lol now I've truly seen it all."

I´m telling you man... some PS fanboys on N4G are crazy AF. Lmao! XD

[Kavorklestein]

Since you Pm'ed me like a sissy, then blocked me when I have a valid point...

And also since there is NO likelihood Fable is gonna do what you're suggesting...

I'm aware that Fable has not been 'confirmed' but you are still making less sense with having a prediction like yours, especially with nothing really pointing to your theory being likely.

So, here's my legit response, word for word.

" I sure do! Yet, your assumption still is worse, and falls much farther from the tree than mine. A rumor it may be, but yours is straight from the realm of nothingness, with not even a rumor behind it.
And quit trying to be clever please.
I'm trying to keep my eyesight, and you're rotting my retinas. "

[BEASELY]

Either way, I’ll play it on PC.

[corroios]

that will come out at 2020 or 2021

[timotim]

Are you excited about what it could be and the team behind it? I can totally see a 2020 release...and I'm alright with that...the fact that Playground is tackling a new open world project has me salivating.

[snoopgg]

Thought you would be out of saliva waiting for xbox games by now.

[timotim]

😄 Can't have a civil gamer conversation no more...its all fanboy wars or nothing huh?

Anyway, I'm currently playing through:

Conan
Forza Motorsport 7
Forza Horizon 3
Gears 4
Cuphead
PUBG
Super Lucky's Tale
Wolfenstein 2
Halo Wars 2
Ruined
Romancing Saga 2
Everspace
Ghost of a Tale
Soon to be Monster Hunter and Sea of Thieves...im good on games chief...

[Ricegum]

Timotim

How do you play all of those at the same time? Or are you just trying to make a point about Xbox having games? The games you listed are either older, mediocre and can be played on PC. Or in the case of Conan and Pubg, run like trash.

[TheCommentator]

I'm with you Tim. I think there's plenty to play on the box, whether it be 1st party or otherwise. I don't know if anyone else around here noticed, but the only first party game on MS' top 10 holiday sales list is Forza 7, while on Sony's there is only Horizon... and both came in at number 10. 3rd party dominates sales on either console because they are good games to play, and whether one can play them (or 1st party) elsewhere is a moot point to me because I still play them ON MY XB1. People try to say there's no good games to play on the XB1, yet sales figures imply that 1st party doesn't exactly make a splash in the "good games" department on either console.

Anyways, I'm guessing it's Fable 4 if all the rumors are anything to go by. I had an idea regarding an open world Perfect Dark Reboot that could be like Watchdogs in a sense, and it would almost be a shame if Playground didn't exploit their talents with driving games in this new game from the second studio. Either way, I'm excited to find out more about it and like you can wait for a "2020" release.

[Eonjay]

Your comments sound positive but they are not. It's people like you that helped kill the Xbox brand by passively insulting the wider public for not endorsing your product. Your new approach is interesting but we know what you are.

[Gaming_Cousin]

Nice Multiplats LUL

[No Way]

Unreal01 - uhm, is that unusual? I'm currently playing Uncharted The Lost Legacy, The Order, The Last of Us, Final Fantasy, Fortnite, Dead Rising.. i like to keep things fresh.

[timotim]

@Unreal

Wow...so first it's, I don't have enough games to play on my Xbox, to why are you playing so many at once 😄? You guys have to decide on and stick to your talking points, you're not making any sense haha. It's called I love starting new games, why are you worrying about how many I'm juggling at a time...

Despite Conan and PUBG both being in early preview, both are extremely fun titles...thats all that matters...they are and will only get better the closer they vet to final release. What does it matter which games are playable on PC? I'm playing these games on my Xbox AND PC in a lot of cases haha. The fact is that you can't claim that Xbox has no games, then once I list the games I'm playing on my Xbox, try to me they don't count because one could Play them on PC...my Xbox is what I use to play these games, thus I have more than enough games to play on it...

[Vasto]

Thank you Playground.

[sigrid]

Why are people assuming this project is something other than Forza Horizon 3?:

People are WAY to quick to believe rumors especially when they are just coming from people on a forum.

[ShottyatLaw]

Because Horizon 3 released in 2016?

[sigrid]

Sorry I forgot the 0's what I meant was forza 3,000,000 that's what they're up to right?

[Prince_TFK]

Because Eurogamer themselves confirm it?

“Work is underway on a brand new, big-budget Fable game, Eurogamer can reveal.

Fable franchise owner Microsoft has tasked UK developer Playground, which makes the Forza Horizon racing games for Xbox and PC, with creating this new Fable, sources close to the project have told Eurogamer. ”

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

It is amazing with what we can do with a bit of research and a little less denial.

[OffRoadKing]

At this point its still just rumor and speculation from a game journalist site, not actual confirmation from Microsoft or Playground.

"Microsoft said in a statement it does not comment on rumour or speculation."

[Yohshida]

Google, infrom yourself before trolling.

[TheCommentator]

Well, at the expense of sounding obvious, usually a company opens up a second studio to make a second game.

[DrumBeat]

Looking forward to finding out more about this mystery title.

[SixFragz]

I wouldn't consider partying with Microsoft a very good... or successful idea.

They won't reach as many gamers or make as much money as the could if they, you know... cut the exclusivity bs with the tanking fail that is M$.

[NoPeace_Walker]

Maybe...jusy maybe.... because MS funded the project...just like Forza Horizon?

It is all but certain the game is a new Fable game. So there you go.

[MellauxGMNG]

Well how else will xbox get all them exclusives that ps fanboys say we dont have and need? Theres no winning lol

[j15reed]

Couldn't you the same thing about any platform exclusive title? Bloodbourne sold well on PS but if it was multiplatform wouldn't have sold even more? or is this just when MS has something exclusive its not a good idea?

[inxine]

wow, thats actually a really bad idea. id be pissed if i get a stripped down version of a game just because i dont own the better upgrade-console.

[Gazondaily]

??

[DrumBeat]

Seems like it's only on Xbox.

[NoPeace_Walker]

Eurogamer all but confirmed it is a new Fable game. So yes, it will be MS exclusive.

[Razzer]

More than likely. If it is Fable....obviously.

[EXID]

i just got an xb1 a little while ago, i hope they keep making good games for the next few years

[Belinker300]

Not this year tho

[Heavenly King]

so the vanilla XBO version of the game will run like utter crap.

[DrumBeat]

Sony fanboys are so mad about this title that I've gotten disagrees just for saying "I'm looking forward to learning more" lol.

[PassNextquestion]

I have been a gamer for over 20 years and I have read journalist use the term 2nd party frequently. I believe term was used for company's like naughty dog being second party to sony back in the day of ps2 and factor 5 for Nintendo.

[bolimekurac]

instead of bickering around who is getting what. i simple solution to all this is to buy both systems to enjoy both ecosystems. if you cant afford a pro and x1x then you can get a ps4 and a x1s for 400 bucks with games. so there really is no excuse. Or you can continue to hate on one system over the other because hey your life sucks

[rlow1]

Well the argument is mute if indeed this is a Fable title. Ms owns the Ip and it will never see the light of day on another competitor console. I also doubt MS would invest money into a studio if they were to just turn around and make a game for a competitor.

[Belinker300]

Seriously is there a market for this ridiculously overpriced console with games we can play anywhere else

[Kavorklestein]

The fact that sales for xbox already spiked a fair bit higher since Xb1x came out must mean nothing to you.
That is the market.
They are there, they spent the money, and they want the extras they paid for.

This article more or less confirms the value of the system to the devs, and a move like this will further improve the value to new buyers.
This isn't even a hard sale for people who have the money, let alone people who always upgrade things like phones, computers etc...
Now, how about an apple watch? Or other wearables...
I consider wearables an even smaller market compared to their phone counterparts etc... but then again you do not see me denying the market exists, or acting as if there's not significant money being spent/earned because of those products.

Learn, Young padawan

[Belinker300]

If you have the money you get a gaming desktop that can run the latest AAA games including all of Microsoft's catalogue.Only a few Xbox one X games run 4k 60 fps side by side,majority either favour frame rate or resolution with sacrifices.

[sampsonon]

let's hope t's a better game than Quatum Break. MS needs a home run.

[Lokii]

What a way to shaft the OG Xbox one customers. I'm honestly not surprised.