It has always happened to Microsoft Studios, it was one of its directors who always abandons the ship in full development. It happened with Halo Infinite and now it happens with the reboot of the Fable franchise.
Anna Megil, who previously worked on Guild Wars 2, Dishonored, and Control, said on Twitter that she has “I’ve spent several wonderful years doodling in my fairytale country house, but it seems the time is right for new challenges.”
“Working on Fable was a dream come true for me and it’s heartbreaking to leave it behind. But Playground has assembled a heroically talented team, so I know they’re in good hands. I’m excited for what comes next, for them and for me.” Megil said.
Playground co-founder Gavin Raeburn, along with other former Playground Games staff members, launched Lighthouse Games at the beginning of this year.
Friends, I have news. In August, I’m stepping away from my role as Narrative Lead on Fable. I’ve had several wonderful years scribbling away in my fairytale cottage, but the time feels right for new challenges
— Anna Megill @cynixy.bsky.social (@cynixy) July 14, 2023
I’m taking some time off to rest from a wildly busy year (I wrote TWO books, y’all), but I’ll be ready for a new project in October. Hit me up for a chat if you have anything fun going on ✨
— Anna Megill @cynixy.bsky.social (@cynixy) July 14, 2023
Lighthouse Games it is the second triple-A studio created by former Playground staff this year. In January it was announced that some of the key talent behind the Forza Horizon series had left Playground to form a new triple-A development studio called Maverick Games.
Regarding Fable, Phil Spencer said: “The only thing I can really say about Fable is seeing the pedigree of the team and Playground, and where they set the standard for themselves in building a game. I think that was demonstrated by the Forza Horizon 5 preview they had.”
