Peter-Molyneux
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Sir Molyneux set to deliver keynote at GDC '09
The 2009 Game Developers Conference that's set to take place from March 23rd through the 27th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco is going to kick off with a KABOOM! That KABOOM will originate from one Peter Molyneux, Lionhead Studios' big cheese who'll be keynoting the conference during a session called "Lionhead Experiments Revealed." Molyneux's keynote will be followed up with various learning sessions throughout the week, including sessions by developers from Harmonix, Ubisoft, Bungie, Epic and more. Remember too that last year's GDC brought us an official Gears of War 2 reveal, so it would be a fair assumption to believe Microsoft has some gaming goodies planned.
Peter Molyneux to reveal Lionhead 'experiments' at GDC '09
At least, that's what we imagine the Fable II designer will be doing in a talk entitled, "Lionhead Experiments Revealed." As part of the game design track at 2009's Game Developers Conference, which will run from March 23rd to March 27th in San Francisco, Peter Molyneux's lecture promises to be a candid look behind the scenes, complete with "visual and playable examples" of several concepts currently being toyed with at Lionhead Studios. Though none of them are guaranteed to show up in forthcoming projects, it should provide a tantalizing glimpse up Molyneux's sleeve. Which is not only the greatest sleeve ever, but can fit any person at any time and will force you to reconsider the role sleeves play in our modern society. Probably.Also slated to dispense wisdom on GDC's game design track are Dan Teasdale of Harmonix, who will recount design lessons learned from making Rock Band, and Jonathon Morin from Ubisoft, who will explain the level design structure in Far Cry 2. As always, Joystiq will be at the event, nodding politely and nodding off during all the boring parts.
Peter Molyneux hints at Fable 2 full game download
Could Microsoft be looking to test the waters of full, current-gen game downloads that EA's already swimming in with the disc-less Burnout Paradise on PSN? Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Lionhead's most important head, Peter Molyneux, said he thinks a digital release of Fable 2 – X-Play's GOTY – via Xbox Live "would be a great thing for this studio to work on."But Peter, where's the hint in that? Ah, it was when asked specifically if there are already plans for this to happen that the famed designer said, "I can't say anything else on it – I would be killed to death." Killed. To. Death. So, if it really were happening, he'd risk being killed to ... a fate beyond death?
MMOGology: Braindead
You tiredly trudge up the cliff-side path, the rhythmic squish of your soaked boots beating a slow dirge. Cresting the ridge of the trail you see the full moon shining over Bloodstone's harbor where several galleons rot in their moorings. It almost looks like a peaceful town from up above the sweat and fish-soaked stench of the city. You sigh. It's been an exhausting trip dodging banshees and hollow men through the slime of Wraithmarsh. All you can think about is a mug of ale, a warm bed in the inn and perhaps a little company to take your mind off things. Bloodstone is known for its "hospitable" women after all. With a renewed sense of purpose you pat your faithful dog on the head and take the sloping trail down into town. As you reach the outskirts of Bloodstone the rancid smell of a fish merchant's stall nearly slaps your nose off your face. You vainly wave your hand to clear the air."Wot's a matta gov?" the merchant asks, sneering. "Can't 'andle a little fresh fish?""That fish is as fresh as my feet," you reply. The short tempered merchant draws a rusty cutlass and grimaces. Several ruffians milling about sense an impending fight and begin to circle you."If ya don't like it, you and that mangy dog can bugger off!" he responds, kicking your dog in his hinder. Your dog whimpers and sits next to you, tail between his legs. The bolder members of the encircling crowd brandish knives and mock you and your dog. They see a tired traveler and easy pickings. As tired as you are, you can't help but laugh to yourself and shake your head. Your eyes begin to glow a soft white hue. The humid air of Bloodstone begins to crackle. Time to teach these lowlifes a lesson.
Molyneux & Co. still hyping: 'Big' Fable 2 announcement next week
Oh, Lionhead. The Fable 2 publisher, no stranger to hyping its products (with both good and bad results), is at it again. A posting on the developer's website reveals, "We've got some news [emphasis theirs] for all Fable II fans next week, dare I even say it's quite a big announcement? Yes of course I dare say it's a big announcement regarding Fable II, next week!" We're not quite sure why they felt the need to make "Good" its own image file for emphasis, but it looks like we'll find out soon enough. "," we say, "
Industry vets sound off on sex, violence, ratings and design
Peter Molyneux, Greg Zeschuk, Cliff Bleszinski and David Jaffe are four of the industries most respected, creative developers working today and also have the distinction of creating some of the industry's most controversial titles. From the over-the-top violence in Gears of War to the sexual content found in Mass Effect, this quintet of creators know their way around industry hot-buttons.Over the past few months the team at the content knowledge site What They Play have interviewed each of the creators for their distinctive views on the sex, violence, ratings and design in videogames."If the blood is graphic, exploding out and all over the screen, you instantly know you're successful. I'd use flowers and confetti but I don't think it would be nearly as effective," Bleszinski said of the violence level found in the upcoming Gears of War 2. "You know, there's a huge M on the freaking box. If your eight year-old kids can acquire $60 and you're not aware what they're doing with it, you've got bigger problems than your kid playing God of War. You're a sh*tty parent," adds Jaffe.BioWare president Greg Zeschuk, whose 2007 role-playing title Mass Effect was lambasted by the mainstream media for its sexual content, pointed out how our society is dictating content. "It's all obviously a reflection on society," says Zeschuk. "The bottom line is that violence is just more acceptable than sexual content in the U.S., which makes an interesting situation for game developers. You have to really balance these tolerances."Check out the entire feature at What They Play and let us know what you think about sex, violence, ratings and design of videogames in the comments.
Fable 2 reviews making Molyneux 'incredibly emotional'
Well, so much for our (admittedly flimsy) theory that the well-mannered Lionhead figurehead is secretly a robot. Peter Molyneux has told CVG that reviews for Fable 2, his long awaited RPG epic, have triggered an emotional response within him. "I found myself becoming incredibly emotional as I read peoples reviews and saw how differently the reviewers were reacting to Fable 2," he said. "I'd like to say a personal thank you to every reviewer out there for their patience and belief."It's no wonder Molyneux has given the critics a thumbs up -- some ended up liking the game more than he did. And reviewing Fable 2 is no trivial matter, we'll have you know. "Fable 2 must have been one of the hardest games to review. The world is so big and the story and gameplay are enormous. How reviewers manage to distill such an experience into a few pages is incredible." Ooookay, you can stop now, Peter. We've already bought the game!
Metareview -- Fable 2
We don't know if it was Microsoft's leash on designer Peter Molyneux or if Lionhead Studios finally focused its talent after a decade in existence, but Fable II apparently delivers a solid, enchanting action-RPG experience. X3F has a glowing non-numerical review covering many of the game's big picture concepts without getting into nitty-gritty (possibly spoiler) territory. Our great take away from reading other site's reviews is that Peter Molyneux was apparently spot on when he gave the game a "9 out of 10," saying it's the "best, most complete game" he's done. Eurogamer (100/100): "Inclusive and often thought-provoking, this is a daring portrait of a game-world with all the failure cut out, and it's hard not to love a game that loves you so much in return. Fable II will charm you, thrill you, and leave you very, very happy." CVG (92/100): "It's still not the revolutionary piece of software Mr. M lauded it to be, but Fable II finally sees Lionhead's original concept realised, and all round it's clearly the developer's best game to date. Well done Peter, you finally did it." GameSpy (90/100): "Fable II presents you with difficult, meaningful decisions that shape the development of the world around you. You'll experience life from a young age and see your character grow up to become a powerful force in Albion. Whether or not you become a force for good or for evil is completely up to you. We thoroughly enjoyed Fable II, and heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good role-playing game" IGN (88/100): "The past four years were well spent by Lionhead. Fable II has a great combat system, some excellent atmosphere, a smart experience system, and lots to do. It's only when you start exploring the social aspects that things take a downturn. The expressions system is too goofy for the more serious tone of Fable II and almost every interaction feels artificial. The sandbox elements aren't nearly as enjoyable as the adventure aspects." Gamespot (85/100): "It's hard not to get sucked into Fable II. The world is so charming and your choices so profound, that it's easy to look past the game's shortcomings. The punishment for death is pointless and the story carries little weight, but the experience is still immensely rewarding. ... Your emotional attachment to your virtual dog will be real, making you reliant upon his companionship as you trek through these lands. In a game about choices, the wisest one you can make is to play the game."
Fable 2 online co-op patch done, ready for day one
After having all the fun sucked out of that Collector's Edition, it's nice to see Lionhead Studios putting something back into Fable 2 ... even if it is a prominent feature that was promised to be included anyway. That's worth half a cheer, right? According to the game's development blog, the patch enabling online fiend slaying and frolicking has been completed and will be ready for download on day one. That's October 21st if you're in America, and October 24th if you live in Europe. We look forward to leaping into your world and beating meeting your lovely wife.
Molyneux: Fable 1's moral choices were 'rubbish'
This past May, during Microsoft's Spring Event, Chris "cool dude" Paladino from the Gamerscore Blog had a chance to sit down and interview the man behind Fable 2, Peter Molyneux.During the video interview, Molyneux admits that the moral choices a player made in the original Fable and how they affected the world was complete "rubbish." According to Molyneux, we can expect more than moral choices simply affecting one's appearance, Fable 2's moral choices will change your pet's looks, the community, how people react to you and the scenarios you'll be introduced to.Also, when Molyneux was questioned whether or not he played Fable as good or evil, he responded "when I have bad days, people in my games suffer." We never would have expected our Peter to be such a torturing man, interesting.
Molyneux asks for special review consideration; we ask 'what would other industries do?'
Reviewers received Fable 2 this week and found within the package a letter from developer Peter Molyneux asking for a few things. Variety explains one of the first things the letter asks (using the word "please" five times) is that the reviewers let a person who doesn't play games try out Fable 2 and to gauge their experience. Two paragraphs are also devoted by the designer to the game's well publicized and initially missing online co-op.Molyneux apparently details the online co-op feature in the letter, which will be added soon after launch. Variety ponders if publications should wait until the feature comes out before reviewers write their pieces, or if outlets should make a note saying this important feature couldn't be tested at the time? So, we asked Variety (well known for its movie and music reviews): what would one of its film or music critics do if they were asked to review an unfinished product? Find out the answer after the break.
Molyneux all but confirms Fable 2 DLC
OK, so notorious over-promiser Peter Molyneux did stop short of guaranteeing that the soon-to-be-released Fable 2 would actually receive downloadable content. But he did tell VideoGamer.com that Lionhead would be "pretty dumb" if it wasn't planning it. In case you don't speak Molyneuxese, that means he wanted to wanted to tell them all about it, but his PR handler had his hands around his own throat, making the international sign for "I'll choke you to death."So, what can you expect from the ephemeral content? Molyneux explained he wouldn't "want it to be just a whole load of new weapons and armour," and that it would be nice if fans "didn't have to wait months and months for it as well." Here's hoping the PR guy leaves the room for a smoke soon so we can find out what Pete is planning.
Molyneux: Fable II online co-op patch may make launch
Lionhead CEO Peter Molyneux is saying that Fable 2's online co-op could be available on launch day. Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog announced over the weekend that the feature would not be available at launch, but should be auto-patched in later, hopefully within a week.Speaking at a video game festival in Paris yesterday, Molyneux allegedly said that Fable 2 would include online co-op at launch, though clarified today that he could not confirm the timing, saying the team had an "ambition" for a day one patch. Having that wiggle room of a week would probably be best for Lionhead, but we're happy to take the online patch at launch too.
Report: Molyneux "ambitious" for day one online co-op [Update]
Update: In an interview with Videogaming247 Molyneux said he is "ambitious" for a day one patch but cannot confirm it will make day-one. The legendary designer did say the process is going well and that the team is close to a solution. The original post and original keynote information is availabe below which cited Molyneux had denied the delay.According to French gaming site Game Focus, Lionhead CEO Peter Molyneux has denied recent reports that his upcoming role-playing title Fable 2 will not include online co-op at launch. Molyneux batted down the recent news during a keynote at the Festival du Jeu Vidéo (Video Game Festival) in Paris, yesterday. Late last week the Microsoft operated GamerScore Blog announced the "no online co-op" news to gamers, suggesting the mode could be added within a week of launch. GSB apologized for the absence and even quoted unnamed employees of Lionhead Studios, thanking fans for their patience and understanding. So, what happened? There are three possible solutions to this equation: Microsoft and Lionhead had a miscommunication and the mode will be made available, Lionhead knows the mode is ready to go for launch or Molyneux is sure the European launch of Fable 2 will land at the same time as the update. Fable 2 is set to launch in North America on October 21 and in Europe on October 24 so he may be citing that date specifically. Considering the title has already gone gold and the mode is in question we're sure it isn't available on the disc and, regardless of time frame, will only be available via auto update. Microsoft has yet to respond for our request to comment on the matter.
Fable 2 shipping without online co-op, will be added post-launch
We were positively thrilled when Lionhead announced at E3 2008 that their upcoming peasant-murdering, prophylactic-infused RPG, Fable 2, would allow us to murder said peasants with friends in distant lands via an online co-op mode. Unfortunately, a recent post on Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog made a disheartening declaration -- while the local co-op remains in tact, the developer is "still making tweaks" to the game's online mode, so it won't be included with the title come launch day.Before you swear off Molyneux's highly anticipated brainchild, know that later in the same post, it's explained that the feature will come to the title in an auto-update -- Lionhead and Microsoft Game Studios are hoping to make it available within a week of the title's North American launch. We're just glad to know that Fable 2's online co-op mode didn't go the way of the real-time growing trees.[Via X3F]
Fable 2 ships non-line, online co-op to be added later
Remember at E3 2008 when Peter Molyneux dropped the co-op over Xbox Live bomb during the Microsoft Press Briefing? Good times. Oh by the way, Fable 2 doesn't ship with online co-op. Microsoft's community team at the GamerScore Blog have dropped the news that Fable 2 will only ship with a single-player and local co-op experience but no need to grab your pitchforks and rioting boots because online will be added into the game later via an auto update. We suppose some people will be upset about it but considering the GSB team expects the co-op to be added soon after release, Microsoft hopes for an update within a week or release, we aren't freaking out yet. However, considering most reviews will take the omission into account we wouldn't be surprised to see Fable 2 take a few dings on the Metacritic front. If that means anything to you, at all.Gamerscore Blog ends the post by sending over a thank your from developer Lionhead for your understanding and patience. The team at Lionhead are very excited to have you play their grand RPG, so much so that the game went gold before, you know ... it was finished.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Molyneux okay with Fable 2 defining his legacy
After Fable 2 went gold and having some time to reflect, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux is so happy with the final product, that he's comfortable with having Fable 2 being the game that defines his "position in the industry." "At the end of the day you can stand up in front of people and wave your arms, but unless you actually create a product, you don't deserve that attention," Molyneux told GamesIndustry.biz saying that Fable 2 "should define my position in the industry, and if it's not good, that says something about me. And if it is good, that also says something about me. I'm incredibly proud of Fable and with what the team has managed to do with it."Awww shucks, Mr. Molyneux is not only happy with the final product Fable 2 has turned out to be, but he also isn't giving us any excuses to why it wasn't his ideal vision. We can't wait to give it a go and make our determination of Molyneux's worth. How exciting!
Fable 2 goes gold, now seeks platinum
Lionhead Studios announced earlier today that Fable II has gone gold, which means that everything appears to be on track for a release Oct. 21 in NA, Oct. 24 in Europe. To celebrate, the Lionhead team went to the pub last night and got a little tipsy. No word yet if anyone cheated at any games -- or if it was all part of Molyneux's master plan.[Thanks, Rooshma]
Fable 2 Pub Games receives patch, gold exploit fixed
It appears that the "intentional" money-grubbing exploit in Fable 2 Pub Games was a limited time offer -- the game's development team has followed through on their promise of an update for the XBLA companion to Lionhead's upcoming action-RPG, removing the gold-garnering glitch and resetting the Fortune's Tower (the aforementioned glitched game mode) leaderboards. Mercifully, they've apparently allowed the title's nefariously wealthy exploiters to keep their piles of loot. We'll see if it was worth it when their Fable 2 characters are mysteriously stricken with an incurable case of dysentery -- provided Molyneux's threat wasn't just a bluff.
Molyneux: the PS3 is waiting for a defining title
Game designer - and Microsoft employee - Peter Molyneux said in an interview with GamesIndustryBiz that the PlayStation 3 is still waiting for a game that defines the platform and sets it apart from its competitors. "Nintendo did a brilliant job of doing that at launch with games like Wii Sports and Wii Play - maybe Fable 2 is a defining title," said the proud father of the upcoming Lionhead RPG who admitted to not being tremendously objective when referring to Fable 2. Molyneux then stated the PS3-exclusive LittleBigPlanet, which launches a week after Fable 2, has the potential to be a defining title. "I'm incredibly proud of what they've done, and it's just an amazing experience to see how their game has progressed," he said of the Media Molecule developers who are mostly made up of former Lionhead staff. Sorry flame war lovers, Molyneux just ended classy on y'all!
