About Lionhead

Lionhead Studios was founded in 1997 with the goal of making innovative and ground breaking games in a happy and creative environment. Almost 15 years later with games such as Black & White, The Movies and the Fable series to its credit. Lionhead believes it has lived up to those early aspirations. In case you were wondering, the name ‘Lionhead’ came from co founder Mark Webley’s hamster who died shortly after the studio was named. He is still greatly missed.

The Fable Heroes team

Acquired by Microsoft in 2006, Lionhead is now part of Microsoft Studios. Based in Guildford, Surrey – on the Surrey Research Park, where we are lucky enough to have a lake with ducks & fish! – the studio boasts some of the most creative and talented members of the gaming industry.

In March 2012 Peter Molyneux announced he was leaving Lionhead. John Needham was appointed Studio Head in May 2013.

Woody outside the Lionhead offices

Every year Lionhead hosts Creative Day, a day dedicated to showcasing the talent of the studio and allowing all members of staff, from all departments, to develop and present their own game ideas. Fable Heroes is one such project that was born from Creative Day. If you’d like to know more about how this project came to be, have a read of our Heroes Blog written by Ted Timmins.

We’re proud to say that we have been awarded a couple of BAFTAs in our time. In 2001 we were given an academy award for Interactivity (Black & White), in 2005 we were awarded a BAFTA for Simulation (The Movies) and in 2009 we were given one for Action and Adventure (Fable II). All our awards are on show for everyone to see in our reception!

If you are interested in working for Lionhead, please see our Job pages for the latest open positions. Also, if you have any fan art or just want to write us a letter, you can find our address on the ‘contact us’ page. All Fan Art will be displayed in our canteen for the whole studio to gaze upon.

Our full list of releases:
•    Black & White (2001)
•    Fable (2004)
•    Fable: The Lost Chapters (2005)
•    Black & White 2 (2005)
•    The Movies (2005)
•    Fable II (2008)
•    Fable III (2010)
•    Fable Heroes (2012)
•    Fable: The Journey (2012)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003464555343 David Smith

    Poor hamster :(

    well we ever get a Pic of it on here?

    oh and btw we want a new Black and White Game

  • Hecaitomix

     It`s a real shame that such a good studio is owned by Microsoft.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003464555343 David Smith

       well it could be worse you know
      it could be owned by EA

      • Hecaitomix

        Yes, but under EA`s control, they would develop games for all platforms instead of pushing the Xbox exclusive portfolio.

        • http://www.facebook.com/Dr.Crazy Anders Jesus Pettersen

          Yeah but you would need origins to play it :(

          • Hecaitomix

            Hmm…would be okay for me. It`s the same closed DRM-system as Steam or Games for Windows Live. I see no difference.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/F4ZH4T5HFNBISQQ323GMKOUOIY Dale

    I still play black and white 2 + expansion, for years, I have been waiting for number 3, the best games you guys ever made. fable was ok, but black and white just took up years of enjoyment, fable lasts about 2 weeks. heres hoping for a black and white 3.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002211325800 Patrick Selter

    Yes, i want a new Black&White game too! I am programming (with the scripting tools) a big mod called “Genesis mod”, because i want a “new Story”! Because aBlack&White 3 with a new Story and gameplay is not planned, i make a own mod with a own story and little Extras, for example Epics (like b&w2) in b&w1! But a new black&White (a b&w, who is based on b&w 1, BUT have the graphics and performances of b&w2) is better!;)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002211325800 Patrick Selter

    Yes, i want a new Black&White game too! I am programming (with the
    scripting tools) a big mod called “Genesis mod”, because i want a “new
    Story”! Because aBlack&White 3 with a new Story and gameplay is not
    planned, i make a own mod with a own story and little Extras, for
    example Epics (like b&w2) in b&w1! But a new black&White (a
    b&w, who is based on b&w 1, BUT have the graphics and
    performances of b&w2) is better!;)Type your comment here.

    edit: pls delete this comment! I have click a wrong key and have it post again, sry!!!

  • joshua gillette

    Please patch fable 3 for pc with fps fix to ensure solid 60 fps. I did the whole force vsync in driver settings thing and while it works enough to see how great it could be, with out actual game support it doesn’t work 100%. If at the very least, and I say this with all my heart, you are making another Fable, Please make sure the PC version runs at 60 fps. If you want to complain about bad sales, please understand pc games just shouldn’t run any less than 60 fps. Literally all of my friends only have that to say, and it was a big enough problem to not buy the game altogether. Lets put it this way; play fable 1 on pc with all settings on high, then play fable 3 and do the same. Fable 1 looked way better huh? I have played fable 1 12 times through and guys I need another fable game…..

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Hagop-Ousdaoghlian/605752221 Hagop Ousdaoghlian

    The name of the game studio being related to a hamster’s name sounds like a pack of lies to me …i sense something bigger behind the logo …the idea behind the black and white series is way too major and not far from the truth in order for the name of the company to be such a coincidence as the name of a dead hamster …Please …you’re not fooling me . Then again ..could be false perception .

  • http://www.facebook.com/cfeuer1 Cameron Mancha

    Black & White 3 pretty please!

  • http://twitter.com/guinnesslee Hon Lee

    Bring back Theme Park!!! First game I ever played that I enjoyed!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002158767208 Cylien Hoffmann

     I miss “Black and White 3″ on your release list. This game is so crazy awesome!

  • http://twitter.com/BlueDiamond79 Emma Langdale

    Black & White 3 please! Still play 2 now :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000718125944 Bridgette Pollaski

    READ THIS, IF YOU ARE A FABLE FAN LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT KIND OF FABLE! ALSO READ IF YOU ARE FROM LIONHEAD! :D
    Umm… hi, I am a gamer for the “Fable” series and I was wanting to give some suggestions for “Fable 4.” I don’t know if you’ll be reading this, or you have already made the game but I have some helpful suggestions for the game. First off, the weapons, please make it so it’s not all just one weapon to upgrade. I like the variety, just like in “Fable” and “Fable 2.” Also a lot of people don’t like guns, but if your next story line is more present than I guess it would be necessary. Maybe you could add crossbows instead? Also bring back the armor, also outfits too. And you probably all know is we miss the challenge in the game overall! “Fable 3″ took me one day to finish! Let me get to the good part, the magic and spells. I don’t know if you just didn’t want to make spells in “Fable 3″ or you thought it would be easier, but the amount of spells I’m going to say was pathetic. I’m sorry but it’s true. Also the NPC interaction should have a little bit more options, I like the setup for that in “Fable 2.” Oh and the monsters or the evil creatures, whatever you want to call them, I really like the variety in “Fable.” (I kind of miss the screamers and trolls [Not like the ones in "Fable 2" but the ones in "Fable" where you can hit them anywhere.]) And my biggest topic of all, the houses and towns. It would be nice if you could actually build your house or be able to edit the house you already have. Another thing is that I like the music in “Fable.” Finally, if your looking for story ideas, here are some: The Old Kingdom, Present Day, The period between “Fable” and “Fable 2,” and The life of William Black. If you took the time to read this thank you, and if you consider the ideas thank you, and finally thank you for making “Fable” :)

  • uisess

    hello

  • Mason Donnohue

    Lionhead, take a break from Fable. Make MORE BLACK & WHITE LIKE YOU PROMISED!

    • tfboerste

      I want a fable 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Mason Donnohue

        They promised Black & White would have as many games as Fable. Black & White came out first, and it is the better game.

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1455082155 Jason Jordan

          hehehe, ur funny
          Fable is way better XD

  • tfboerste

    Can’t someone make the village maker website again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000546281090 Daniel Nikitin

     Make a Black & White 3!!!! Just put fable aside for a few years and fulfill everyone’s true wants! Its been a long time since a Black & White game came out and its not too late to rebuild the franchise. I’m telling you, everyone will love it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1455082155 Jason Jordan

    Nice ideas. XD

  • Adzego

    it will be awsome to see fable the lost chapters remastered
     

  • Christian Belz

    Please work on B&W 3 !
    I just finished B&W1 again and wanted to start B&W2 once more. But i couln’t find the Box. :-(
    So i went to the next store and bought another one. It’s definitly worth it! :-)

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002211325800 Patrick Selter

       Yes, Black&White is one of the most favorited LH games for the most gamers! We want a Black&White 3!!!

  • pokemond83

    when is the black and white 3 coming out . its one of my favourite game of all time. i hope it comes in the near future as a online game . i love lionheadstudios

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000528241681 Jacob Smith

    I am a big fan of your work over the years, and for me your ultimate game was ‘Fable: The Lost Chapters’ so i think in sort of a tribute to Peter leaving your beloved company you should remake ‘Fable TLC’ for 360, if you do this i can almost guarantee it will be one of your top best selling games ever.

  • http://www.facebook.com/thebigboduke Bo Duke

    i didnt play Fable 1 but i did enjoy Fable 2 and Fable 3…. im not understand why Fable: The Journey is Kinect only….i can personally say that i highly doubt that i will play it simply because its kinect only…please explain to me….i honestly dont seem any logic in this decision, what-so-ever…. and not to mention, there are going to be no range or melee weapons, that was one of the best things in fable 2 and 3, especially 3 (because you had to collect 50 legendary weapons), this game makes no fucking sense to me…

  • Netspook

    Still not doing anything to address the performance issues for the PC version of F3? No patch? There are countless of forum posts and articles everywhere about these issues, and no decent fix exists, though some players with monster rigs can tweak it to become bearable. For those who don’t know: your PC may be able to run Skyrim on max settings, but F3 (even with ALL setting on lowest, and reduced resolution) is like a slow motion movie for most people. Never spending money on Lionhead titles again, you guys have zero respect for your customers, and your silence about these issues feels like a “screw you, we already got your money” message from you.

  • josh_mccann

    SOME ONE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD>>>>>>PLEASE HELP>>>>>>
    FABLE 2 A heros tale @  http://fable2.xbox.com/Experience.aspx
    is finally back up, but its still not working.. at the very end when the
    page were it give you prize it says link is broken or your misdirected…
    please help.. whats wrong.. how do i unlock my stuff

  • JamesMonty

    Not being funny, im a big fable fan since i was a kid but we all have to admit fable 2 and 3 are a HUGE disappointment and was way to easy, fair enuf the latest fable had good graphics and and i think the spell fusion idea was brilliant but if the creators of fable stop and listen to the fans and if they did they would make an HUGE profit. I have an idea for a Fable game that iv occassionaly draw up, i think instead of goin forward i think they should go back as you know the spire grants one wish and Theresa is a gardian but what if Someone make a wish for things to go back to the ways of the Ancient times Before fable?, where you would play as an son or Daulghter of an Ancient Lord who exsiles you to safety and the story would be about you gathering a team of the very first Hero’s( or possibly the 4 hero’s in fable the 4 graves in the court yard) And how you create the Guild and like fable 3 you can choose how it is built, and what choises you make govens wether the guild is evil or good, an none of this lets fight in a dress when ur a dude nothing but REAL Magic not stupid gloves, Weapons that can and some that calnt morphe and armors that are Plated, Spiked, robed ya know like Bright Plated Armor, also only Bows and cross bows but no guns for the love of god no guns :P please tell me what you think who know if enuf ppl get together we could get thing sorted P.S Black and white in overall is EPIC PLZZ bring a 3rd
    Jay Monty

  • http://twitter.com/wildestcatever Danar Sadewo

    i like fable series, i truly enjoy it. But is there any possibility that you guys would visit other ideas?
    i enjoy immensely The movies even though of its flaws.
    I love Black and white 1 and 2.
    Is there any possibility that a new franchise would born from lionhead studios after Mr. Molyneux left?

  • Jubilant_Jess

    love the Fable series, but if you guys make another one, you should definitely shoot for something more like the first one. it’s the best out of the three :) i really like how any and all choices the players make have both a good and evil side you can go for, and the storyline is completely neutral, unlike the third where it is very much written for a good character. i also really enjoyed all the small choices that were available in the first Fable, such as different armor types, many different weapons, having so many expressions that are possible to use, and being able to choose whichever is desired instead of having it being automatically chosen for the player. another thing i miss from the first fable is having fun, challenging side quests. i feel like the third fable has the story line, and the option of running back and for delivering things for people, and that’s it. i miss having the unique side quests with worth while rewards. i also feel as if your sense of humor was lacking in the second and third Fables. it seemed as if the first one was jam packed with irony, tomfoolery, and running jokes. don’t get me wrong, i do enjoy the bit there is in the first two Fable games, but i do miss how much there was in the first. some other things i very much enjoy form the fable games, specifically the second and third, are the dogs you have in each. i loved how you could change the kind of dog you had in the second, thus changing what your dog was best at. i also very much enjoy the fighting style and the quick way in which the character changes between the weapons and magic. thanks so much for reading this, i look forward to your games that are to come :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/blake.ramos Blake Ramos

    Guys, look into this. Please. The person who wrote this article knows what he is talking about and I feel like it’s safe to say he can speak for pretty much all of us.http://www.gamesradar.com/fable-4-what-we-want-see-lionheads-sequel/#leave-comment
    Trying something new is awesome. We as fans love that fact more and more as new ideas, graphic engines and other technology arises. That is what we want, that is what we crave… But please, stay true to Fable, its appealing dynamics that make it unique, and us fans. So much was cut and dumbed down in Fable 3, many people had the right to feel bamboozled.Where were the huge free-roam landscapes and customizations promised? Where was the multitude of magnificent weapons? It seemed a lot were just modified (progressively morphed rather) and recycled from Fable 2. What happened to the expression wheel? As fun as it was to intimately dance face-to-face with another male NPC, sometimes I’d rather give him a fist bump, compare the size and durability of our huge swords maybe (*wink wink*), or appeal to his brutish ways and absolutely destroy my character’s pants with a magnificent fart than lift him up in the air to get him to become my friend. And whoops, what happens if you lift him one too many times, now he’s my lover? I’m all for free love and same sex partnership/marriage, but some play-throughs I just want to go in and get my ‘friend’ discount without him hitting on me all the time and asking for a ring I already gave to someone else. It’s hard to keep walking away from him knowing that I’m just leading him on ;P. Lastly, what happened to your dog being a faithful companion, your one solid never faltering friend that will follow and protect you with all his might? Sure it followed you wherever you went, dug up some treasure here and there but let’s be honest, what did he/she actually accomplish other than to give us the appeal of having a cute critter at our side in Fable 3? We want it to do something amazing (maybe let us choose the breed of dog for a specified play style- rottie/pit/german shepard specialized for fighting, bloodhounds for exploring and treasure finding, etc) but if it’s going to do nothing then what’s the point? Maybe let it breed. What if my kid wants a spaniel as a friend cause he missing me while I’m away being a Hero? What if my family happens to live in a bad neighborhood? I’d feel safer if I had another dog like a rottie/pit to protect them at home. All those extra points aside, like the writer says, a intensive character customization will give us a more personal draw to your game and the world around us rather than a dog who does nothing.On another point, I and many other fans would have been willing to wait an extra few months at least to let you get those nasty bugs smoothed out. Hell, I’d venture to say we’d have even waited a year or two to have the 3rd come out fantastic, with everything and more carried over from the first 2 games. We waited patiently during the time gap between the 1st and 2nd games did we not? Not only did you create something new and great in that time frame between 1 and 2, you stuck true to Fable and gave us (almost) everything that was promised. We love you guys, you have created games that will be remembered for a lifetime… thus far. Listen to us, listen to the people who love what you give us, the people who support your industry. There needs to be a change. It did have its shining moments, but we (and you) cannot afford to have another game like Fable 3 coming out. Lots of high hopes and fans’ loyalties are on the line now, lead us through to something amazing.

  • James McFadyen

    I think i speak for everyone when i say…ahem Lionhead…

    “Your health is low”