The upcoming reboot of Fable is set to introduce an ambitious open world populated by over 1,000 unique non-player characters (NPCs). This innovative approach has presented significant challenges for the development team at Playground Games, particularly for the art department tasked with creating a bed for each character. The project aims to enhance the life simulation elements that defined the original trilogy, while also ensuring that each NPC reacts differently to player actions.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, studio general manager Ralph Fulton elaborated on this expansive vision. The team has coined the term “The Living Population” to describe the NPCs, emphasizing their autonomous behavior. “We wanted every NPC to be persistent,” Fulton explained. “You could, if you were so minded, follow an NPC around all day, and they will autonomously do the things that they do every day.”
According to Fulton, players will see NPCs engage in daily activities such as going to work, enjoying leisure time, and returning home to sleep. This dynamic system will allow the environment to respond to player choices in real-time. For instance, if a player decides to buy all the buildings in a town and evicts the residents, the NPCs will adapt their routines accordingly.
Fulton recounted the initial reactions from the art team when they recognized the implications of having such a large number of NPCs. “You start going, ‘Oh, okay, so every NPC, and there’s more than 1,000 of them in the game, needs a bed.’ And you have that conversation with the environment art team, and they’re like, ‘They need what now?’” He noted that this requirement has shifted the development process, emphasizing the need for both functionality and aesthetic appeal in the game design.
The reboot of Fable is scheduled for release later this year on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, PC, and PS5. While excitement builds among fans, Fulton clarified that the reboot will not feature a dog companion, addressing a common question with a light-hearted acknowledgment: “I was hoping that nobody would ask that question.”
As the launch date approaches, the development team continues to refine the game’s intricate systems, ensuring that each NPC contributes to a rich and immersive player experience. The return of Fable promises to blend nostalgic elements with innovative gameplay, setting the stage for a captivating adventure in a fantastical world.
