Ok so I read the News article about how Fable 2 won't have online co-op for a week and it lead me to think that it might indicate when the new dashboard update is. I won't go into the whole diatribe of my thought process, I wrote a blog (on giant bomb) and did a podcast about it.

Simply put, has Lionhead been forced to postpone their release of the Co-op component of Fable 2 because it only runs properly on the new dashboard update: 'Xbox Experience'?

Your thoughts....

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My website is in my profile why not check it out?

My thoughts are that you should actually post your thoughts here instead of pimping your podcast.

I have alot of thoughts on the subject (and so do the other members of the podcast) but I'll indulge your criticism and comply.

I think the reason that the CO-op isn't coming out when Fable 2 comes out is that it doesn't work with the 'OLD' dashboard, and that Lionhead had been working with the new dashboard update until they came to test it. At which point someone said: 'Oh shit, it doesn't work with the old update'

To which some microsoft boffin replied:

"It'll only be a weeks wait till the new xbox experience, why not just disable it for a week, the new update comes out on the 31st anyway"

I go into a little bit more depth, but that's the basic point.

I'm also inclined to believe this could possibly be a reason for the delay on co-op.  I guess there's no real way of knowing though unless someone officially releases a statement.

BUT! Press have already played versions of Fable 2 with the co-op enabled, without the dashboard update, so it can't be anything to do with the update. I would understand if Lionhead were wanting to use the party system to full effect, but with only 2 player co-op, there would be no use for that.

"BUT! Press have already played versions of Fable 2 with the co-op enabled, without the dashboard update, so it can't be anything to do with the update. I would understand if Lionhead were wanting to use the party system to full effect, but with only 2 player co-op, there would be no use for that."

I think they were only trying local and link up co-op.
Live co-op i think only works on 'xbox experience'.

Hmm.....

Or more likely is that Peter M continues talking out of his ass like he always does and they still of course want to get the game out the door asap so they aren't even including it at launch...this is more so the answer.

"Or more likely is that Peter M continues talking out of his ass like he always does and they still of course want to get the game out the door asap so they aren't even including it at launch...this is more so the answer."

not a bad point

Well, no.

"My thoughts are that you should actually post your thoughts here instead of pimping your podcast."

"Well, no.

Press has already player Live co-op (there is no system-link co-op, they were just using partner net, which is Live for developers).

The mechanics on how games connect through servers and etc. Won't and can't change with the new dashboard, sure you'll have new shortcuts to do it, but changing the way it happens on machine level is unnecessary and would create major hurdles for older games.

"

Imo, Gears2 will have the update on the disk. (which means it will launch before november 7th)

They are probably patching some server issues, or something that relates to the internet, thus the reason why they are patching ONLINE co-op whilst LOCAL/SYSTEM LINK co-op are fully functional at launch. Generally, at this point before a game's release, they are in the middle of production/distribution of the 'finished' product. Lionhead's game, Fable 2, is a single-player game at heart. They would be screwing over the loyal fans of their studio if they delayed the game an extra month or so in order to ship a game with some minor internet-related issue fixed. That's why they probably went ahead with the decision.

On the producer side (the dudes with the cash a.k.a. Microsoft), it is expected that they will be running a profitable company. Five seconds on the user-end vs. one month and millions of dollars on the producer's end, and loss of shareholders due to poor management from the company (I know, corporate function isn't exactly our main concern, but the developers need money to make games, eh)? Give me a sane company and they will choose the patch, and not the needless loss of resources (time and money).

In this day and age, that's just how things work. So, if you want to bitch, bitch about large corporations, not about hard-working individuals doing their very best to bring out a game in order to fulfill your insatiable desire to play. Yes, it is disappointing that they have to release a patch right next to launch. But, bluntly put, shit happens.

yea probably dashboard i just wished u could have 2 heroes instead of a hero and a thug

"Well, no.

Press has already player Live co-op (there is no system-link co-op, they were just using partner net, which is Live for developers).

The mechanics on how games connect through servers and etc. Won't and can't change with the new dashboard, sure you'll have new shortcuts to do it, but changing the way it happens on machine level is unnecessary and would create major hurdles for older games.

"

"My thoughts are that you should actually post your thoughts here instead of pimping your podcast."

"GiantGUS said:

"Well, no.

Press has already player Live co-op (there is no system-link co-op, they were just using partner net, which is Live for developers).

The mechanics on how games connect through servers and etc. Won't and can't change with the new dashboard, sure you'll have new shortcuts to do it, but changing the way it happens on machine level is unnecessary and would create major hurdles for older games.

"

However Fable 2 could be optimized for the new dashboard and take advantage of new tech that involves live that isn't backward compatible with the current dashboard (why would it need to be). It's perfectly plausible. It may work now, but it might work BADLY."

"BinaryDragon said:

"GiantGUS said:

"Well, no.

Press has already player Live co-op (there is no system-link co-op, they were just using partner net, which is Live for developers).

The mechanics on how games connect through servers and etc. Won't and can't change with the new dashboard, sure you'll have new shortcuts to do it, but changing the way it happens on machine level is unnecessary and would create major hurdles for older games.

"

However Fable 2 could be optimized for the new dashboard and take advantage of new tech that involves live that isn't backward compatible with the current dashboard (why would it need to be). It's perfectly plausible. It may work now, but it might work BADLY."

The only problem is that the old blade dashboard will still be available after release for people who want to use it.

Or are you talking about the new 'xbox experience'?"

"Well, no.

Press has already player Live co-op (there is no system-link co-op, they were just using partner net, which is Live for developers).

The mechanics on how games connect through servers and etc. Won't and can't change with the new dashboard, sure you'll have new shortcuts to do it, but changing the way it happens on machine level is unnecessary and would create major hurdles for older games.

"

Update is early november probably November 2cnd if I had to guess since that is the monday before gears 2 and there will be some features that we dont know about it coming out also. No exceptions just because fable 2 doesnt have co op online in the first week has to do with them rushing slightly.

To all, sorry for 'advertising' I didn't realize that I was, just wanted to talk. I didn't see the need for all the negative posts or sarcasm. I've edited my first post so that it is no longer doing so, I hope this places me back in your good graces.

My deepest apologies.

I still think this has something to do with the dashboard update. :D (which is making me a bit exited to be honest)

I dunno. I could go all fanboy here, but instead, I'll just say: POSSIBLY.

Hmmm...they could just say that and everyone would calm down, or they could remain in the dark and piss many people off, like they are doing now.

"Hmmm...they could just say that and everyone would calm down, or they could remain in the dark and piss many people off, like they are doing now."