Microsoft have confirmed (via the Gamerscore Blog) that online co-op play in Peter Molyneux’s upcoming Fable 2 will not be available at launch. A downloadable update is expected soon after the game’s release, possibly within the opening week. Local co-op will be available to those so inclined, as will chat and trade between other Fable 2 players on your friends list.
This news is somewhat disapointing for gamers who have been awaiting this game with bated breath since it was first announced – which now seems like decades ago. We’ll keep you updated on this story as and when new information is available.
Fable 2 is exclusive to the Xbox 360 and is due for release on October 21st in the US, with the UK launch following a few days later on October 24th.
Expect this type of behaviour to be more common with future releases. Game patches are rife in the PC world. Now that internet access for consoles is common, post release patches will only become more frequent.
Let’s face it, game publishers are under heavy pressure to release games on time. In the past, if there have been problems, they are forced to delay the release. There was no changing the game unless you wanted to do a recall. Now though, they have the power to patch console games, and they’ll surely use it.
So which is better, releasing a slightly feature deficient game on time, or delaying the game until all features are good? I think that patching is better, as long as the missing features don’t inhibit single player mode.
Hey Deek;
I’m a bit torn on which is more acceptable, but I think we can agree that almost everyone will dive into the single player mode and brush up their skills before jumping online. Providing a patch is right around the corner, I’m personally ok with it. Underscoring that the single player mechanics better be perfect…
Of course there are exceptions. It’s being abused in the iPhone App store, with some games being published without sound, serious glitches, etc.
Thanks for cruising by the Evil Hq!
That is so messed up I have been playing the first Fable like it was crack for the past couple of months and now co op is delayed… I really hope that they use the extra time to make the multi as lag free as possible cause if its all laggy there wont be any excuse…