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, theBethesda acquisition in 2021, and various Game Pass deals likeOutridersandMLB 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 bettersingle-player action RPGscoming to the platform, as many studios seem geared in this direction. However, what’s important is thatFableholds its crown as one of the best Xbox RPGs.
RELATED:Should Newcomers Play the Old Fable Games Before Fable 4?
RPGs for the Xbox Series X
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.Avowedhas already made a splash, and only one trailer has been shown for it.The Outer Worlds 2(likely to be made some day) andObsidian’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 6andStarfield, 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 anexclusiveElder Scrolls 6orAvowedwill be though, Fable needs to remain at the forefront of Xbox RPG discussions.
Fable, the OG Xbox RPG
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 ofFableon the original console. Even thoughFable 2andFable 3were 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 aFablegame 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.
KeepingFableon everyone’s tongues, showing it alongside other games, and making sure it lands means thatFablestays at the forefront of the golden era.Fableneeds to be to the Xbox Series X generation and new Xbox RPGs whatHalohas always been to shooters; if Microsoft can manage that, then the Golden Era seems more promised.
Fableis in development for PC and Xbox Series X.
