Peter Molyneux, the renowned developer known for titles like Fable, Black & White, and Dungeon Keeper, has always been someone who thrives on recognition. His excitement was palpable when Microsoft decided to acquire Lionhead Studios, the company he co-founded. Reflecting on the past during a recent interview with Edge Magazine, Molyneux shared, “Lionhead was 350 people, with a burn rate that meant I had to change my underpants twice a day, and these escalating costs of development.” He reminisced about the studio just before the acquisition in 2006. “Fable II was showing promise, but still needed work. And so we were acquired by Microsoft. It was a very different company then compared to what it is now, as they had this sense of shame from the backlash over Windows Vista. The gaming division felt like this one gem that everyone loved,” he stated.
Missed Opportunities and Reflections
Molyneux also expressed regret regarding his experience with Fable 3, stating he “should have fought for more time” to perfect the RPG, which garnered mixed reviews. In a past discussion, he noted that there was also a Lionhead battle royale game that never saw the light of day due to Xbox shutting down the studio.
Another memory that Molyneux fondly recalled was his initial meeting with Phil Spencer, who was at the helm of Microsoft Game Studios during the Xbox 360 era and later became head of Xbox before advancing to VP of gaming. “He’s one of the best people I’ve ever collaborated with,” Molyneux remarked. “I’m not just trying to flatter him; he truly loves the gaming industry and possesses exceptional intelligence. He has spent his entire career at Microsoft. Phil even worked from the Lionhead offices, which allowed us to collaborate closely. He expressed to me, ‘You know, Peter, I’d really love to utilize your talents more broadly at Microsoft.’”
Despite Phil Spencer being a more contentious figure today—especially after recent cancellations of multiple projects and a significant price hike for Game Pass—Molyneux continues to regard him highly. “I’m someone who really thrives on praise, so when he proposed, ‘We want to make you a Microsoft partner,’ I thought: Fantastic, they really appreciate me! It felt like going back to school, longing to be liked—that’s the essence of it. I allowed myself to forget the challenging times I experienced as senior vice president at EA.”
Molyneux’s journey through the gaming industry remains a fascinating blend of ambition, teamwork, and the pursuit of recognition, demonstrating his enduring passion for creating memorable gaming experiences.