Fable 2 Sends Love

Technology seems to be knocking at the door of “separate reality” as programmers and engineers push the envelope towards human integration and interactivity. Nowhere is this clearer than in the gaming industry, as one after another programmers scratch at the edges of human emotion and enjoyment.

Peter Molyneux is setting out to put love into the next version of Fable. In this version of the ever popular RPG, Molyneux sees love as the key element that has been missing in game. According to Molyneux, fear, excitement and achievement have already essentially been conquered in a multitude of game, but he is sure that other emotions like love are possible to evoke as well.

The new Fable 2 world will be 30 times larger than the last version according to a BBC article by Darren Waters. The new platform has more weapons, monsters and variety than could be conceived of when the first Fable was created, but Molynuex says this is not enough.

Gamers in the new version will be able to create a family and watch their kids grow over time, I expect in the same way the Sims games do. Emotions in games, and on the Web for that matter, is one big stumbling block that has yet to be completely hurdled.

“Everybody is talking about emotion, story, engagement and narrative,” Mr. Molyneux said. “We have tried to approach it in a different way. We are going to explore love.”

One of Lionhead's solutions to the emotion barrier is to build a family network off of the main character. The feelings of attachment and identity are evidently pathways to what might be considered love, and Fable 2 will have several elements aimed at provoking deeper feelings. One of the most interesting features, designed to evoke empathy, is a dog.

The dog's part in the new story line will be as friend and companion to the main character apparently. This digital interactive “Fido” will act as a central part of game play by guiding, informing and fighting with the characters. This is really a quite brilliant, if not original idea. I am thinking of the Windows XP search dog myself, though I hope Fable 2's pooch has bigger teeth.

Each pooch will be unique to every gamer and people will be able to introduce their dogs to one another in online game play. This could add a whole new dimension to the phrase: “My computer locked up!” According to the press release, gamers will also be able to have sex and have babies. I know this will cause some controversy, but I will be hooked if my sorceress wife looks like Angelina Jolie. Heck I was in love with Jessica Rabbit for two years when Roger Rabbit came out, and that was a cartoon!

I can't wait to see what these guys come up with, and emulating the Sims is really a great idea. Some of the greatest achievements of mankind have come out of excellent emulation of really great ideas. I was serious about Angelina though guys, if you build her they will come!