Microsoft and Lionhead Studios have played a Fable Legends trump card that few saw coming and everyone should theoretically cheer if they like a bargain. It is now official that Fable Legends is a free-to-play game on Xbox One (if you’re a Gold member) and Windows 10.
The term “free-to-play” can have many different connotations so let’s break down what it means for Fable Legends. Free-to-pay is not a kiss of death that a game stinks. There are many successful free-to-play games and obviously Microsoft feels as if Fable Legends provides a great opportunity to try and penetrate that market.
Xbox Live Gold members with an Xbox One as well as Windows 10 PC users, already confirmed to be Fable Legends cross-compatible platforms, will be able to download the full game and play it from beginning to end without spending a single penny. There will be no point in the game where a micro-transaction appears to hold up process.
“Everything in Fable Legends that affects gameplay can be earned by simply playing the game” is the way Lionhead Studios describes the game’s model.
The game’s currency, Silver, can be accumulated through completing in-game goals. Where Microsoft is banking on making money is through players using real world cash to purchase in-game Silver to speed up that process; new Xbox Live Gold memberships; and new upgrades to Windows 10 for computers and laptops.
This is a bold move for Microsoft considering Fable Legends has been billed as a Triple-A exclusive for at least a year running. Now you can pick up an Xbox Live Gold membership for less than the price of a retail game and get to play Fable Legends as well as all the perks that go along with Gold, such as Games with Gold.
Don’t count out other in-game purchases that Microsoft and Lionhead Studios may make available post-launch. I wouldn’t expect these offerings to affect gameplay, but I can see new items being offered via microtransactions that spruce up the game.
As a free-to-play title, Microsoft will be distributing Fable Legends digitally only. However, they do recognize some fans want a physical disc and special edition box and are looking into the possibility of making that happen.
Here are some other tidbits about Fable Legends:
Hero Rotation
We’ll be launching Fable Legends with a wide array of unique Heroes. At any time, there will be four of these Heroes available to play for free. We will rotate the four Heroes available on free rotation, so you’ll have a chance to play them all!
Any progress you make with a Hero will be saved, and you’ll be able to pick up where you left off when they appear next on the free rotation. If you find a Hero you love, you can play them whenever you like by unlocking them with Silver or Gold. Once you’ve done that, they’re yours forever.
Hero Custotmization
Albion is brimming with exciting treasure waiting to be claimed. The loot you find playing the game is yours to keep, and you’ll also be able to get your hands on additional treasure with either silver or gold.
Every Hero can also be customised, and we’ll have a host of interesting outfits, face variations and more available to unlock.
Creatures
As you progress therough the story you’ll come across all manner of mischievous creatures, and you’ll find that creatures are all native to specific areas of Albion. Using your Silver or Gold, you’ll be able to gain the allegiance of creatures and use them in any quest as the Villain!
Traps
A big part of playing the Villain is plotting new and inventive ways to entrap and destroy the Heroes. There will be many tools at your disposal, from magical healing stones to explosive mines, and you’ll have the opportunity to unlock more traps using either Silver or Gold.
Windows 10 and Xbox One Compatibility
Progress and items will be synced across Windows 10 PC and Xbox One. You can play on Windows 10 PC, and when you log in on Xbox One with the same account, pick up where you left off.
Watch Lionshead Studios discuss the decision to adopt the free-to-play model.
Source: Microsoft and Lionhead Studios
