Fable Legends is kind of a cautionary tale about the video game industry, and not all games that have developed a massive world and lots of adventures for their players succeed.  Even though Fable Legends was linked to a very successful video game trilogy for Windows and Xbox One, the game has officially shut down.  This is what is known about Fable Legends coming to an end, with the possibility of refunds being made available. 

According to Gamespresso.com,  the reason for the shutdown is that Microsoft announced last month that it would be closing Lionhead Studios, the makers of the game.  Servers for Fable Legends were actually still up for the beta test that was taking place on both Windows 10 and the Xbox One, but now these servers have been taken down.

Lionhead Studios made a statement where they said "All stories have to end eventually, but the memories of Heroic triumphs and Villainous Plots will last forever. Thank you for your support--you are all Legends!"

Fable Legends is one of those games that has a very troubled history, but started out like a AAA game.  It was announced in August of 2013 with a cinematic trailer which featured narration by famous British actor Michael Gambon.  There was a limited, closed multiplayer beta that began in October 2014, so it appeared that the game was on track. 

Microsoft then announced in January of 2015 that Fable Legends would be released on Window 10, as an exclusive to the Windows 10 store, but it would have some cross-platform multiplayer action between Microsoft Windows and Xbox One.  The game was then delayed to 2016, and it was said to be offered in the second quarter of this year as a free-to-play game.  Microsoft had high hopes that Fable Legends would be around for 5 to 10 years, with regular content keeping the game fresh. 

According to Gamespot, the ability to purchase Fable Legends' in-game currency was switched off last March.  If you are a user who purchased this particular "gamer gold" and never had the chance to spend it, Microsoft will give you a refund. 

So, with Fable Legends being dead, does that mean that Fable franchise is officially dead?  One thing that can be learned in today's world of video games, and that is the best franchises never die.  In order words, it would not be surprising if the world of Fable found a way to live on somehow.   

In fact, there is a report citing sources inside of Lionhead claiming that there have been talks about continuing development of Fable Legends.  Lionhead employees were asked if they would be interested in continuing work on the game as opposed to being let go with a severance package.  Perhaps Lionhead will work as an independent studio.