Fable: The Journey

Following a rather tepid critical reception for Fable: The Journey, Microsoft has announced that developer Lionhead Studios will see a round of layoffs. Lionhead’s been at the helm of Fable since 2004.

MCV confirmed the news earlier today, noting that there would be shifts in Microsoft’s UK offices:

“At this time a small number of positions have been identified as at risk of redundancy and the affected employees were notified today. We are working very closely with those people during this difficult time, to help them explore alternative opportunities within Microsoft – including new roles at Microsoft Studios which is growing in the UK and actively hiring across all locations, including Lionhead, Rare, Soho Productions and our recently announced new studio in London.

Once the layoffs are compete, roughly 100 employees are expected to move to Microsoft Studios in the United Kingdom by the end of 2012, although that doesn’t account for the number permanently displaced.

About 10 percent of Lionhead’s workforce will be affected in total. It’s a disturbing sign to see layoffs hit such a talented studio, which was accrued several impressive awards during the years for the Fable franchise.

Source: MCV