Fable II was one of the defining titles of the Xbox 360 era. Developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios, it expanded the original game’s world while giving players greater freedom to shape their character and story.
During my time leading Rare’s production team, we regularly supported other first-party studios across Microsoft Game Studios. By the time we became involved with Fable II, much of its art direction and UI had already been established. Lionhead primarily needed additional production support to help bring the project over the line.
I worked directly with Lionhead’s art team to create iconography for the menus and in-game HUD. Their icons had an unusually painterly quality, feeling more like miniature works of art than conventional interface symbols. My team and I had to study and replicate this distinctive style closely so that our work felt completely consistent with the existing game.
My team also created a selection of weapons and accessories, helping Lionhead meet key delivery deadlines. The work required close collaboration, careful attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to another studio’s creative and technical requirements.
Fable II received strong reviews and remains one of the standout games of the Xbox 360 generation. It was rewarding to contribute to such a distinctive title and help another talented Microsoft studio complete the project.
During my time leading Rare’s production team, we regularly supported other first-party studios across Microsoft Game Studios. By the time we became involved with Fable II, much of its art direction and UI had already been established. Lionhead primarily needed additional production support to help bring the project over the line.
I worked directly with Lionhead’s art team to create iconography for the menus and in-game HUD. Their icons had an unusually painterly quality, feeling more like miniature works of art than conventional interface symbols. My team and I had to study and replicate this distinctive style closely so that our work felt completely consistent with the existing game.
My team also created a selection of weapons and accessories, helping Lionhead meet key delivery deadlines. The work required close collaboration, careful attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to another studio’s creative and technical requirements.
Fable II received strong reviews and remains one of the standout games of the Xbox 360 generation. It was rewarding to contribute to such a distinctive title and help another talented Microsoft studio complete the project.
