Former Fable lead’s new game could be facing a copyright nightmare
As one of those behind the fantasy favourite that is Fable, Peter Molyneux is a pretty big deal. The former franchise lead might've made his fumbles in the industry, but that hasn't changed him much, as he's still the same bizarre and boundary-testing dev we've always known him to be.
Though best known for his successes as the head behind Fable, Molyneux has been keen to push forward with his new project known only as MOAT. Unfortunately, there are worries he can't keep his head out of the past, as he's revealed a bizarre fact about the new title that could tether it to Fable.
MOAT is set in Albion, apparently
Though you'd think Molyneaux would be happy to leave the Fable series as the Fable series since he departed Lionhead Studios and Microsoft in 2012, it looks like he might have other plans.
Speaking on Twitter, Molyneux announced a brand-new blog where he'll post his updates on game development, but it's the announcement tweet that has claimed the most intrigue. Molyneux has stated that MOAT - previously thought to be entirely standalone - will be set in Albion.
For those who don't know, Albion is the region in which the Fable series is set. Perhaps Molyneux is going a little bit overboard with hyping the new project, but there's a seemingly solid roadblock standing between him and making Albion the home of MOAT.
Albion is owned by Microsoft
Click to enlargeWe're not sure if Molyneux checked in with the owners of Fable despite his huge hand in creating it, but as Fable and its offshoots are officially owned by Microsoft, it means Albion isn't exactly his to borrow.
Others have noted this, with some being confused about what on Earth is going on. As pointed out by GamesRadar, there's even a ResetEra thread titled, "Peter Molyneux's next groundbreaking idea: copyright infringement." Someone said, "The setting and world of fable is most assuredly covered under copyright law."
There was still plenty of support, with one writing, "I don't know if it's the same Albion from Fable or if it's another universe, but I'll be following it. What you created in Fable was incredible and I will never forget it. I wish you good luck with this new project and I hope it goes well."
If this is officially approved by Microsoft or just a sly dig at the gaming giant, we simply don't know yet. Either way, it implies a legal struggle might be on the way, and MOAT could dry up before it's even had a chance to thrive.
