Founder Peter Molyneux Leaves Lionhead Studios

Kotaku brings news that Peter Molyneux, founder of the studio and the designer mind behind titles such as the original Populous, Black & White and the Fable franchise, has left Lionhead Studios and his role as creative head of Microsoft Studios Europe. Peter will now focus on a new company called 22 Cans, as we learn through his Twitter, but it’s worth noting that he will continue to work on Fable: The Journey until completion:

“It is with mixed emotions that I made the decision to leave Microsoft and Lionhead Studios, the company that I co-founded in 1997, at the conclusion of development of Fable: The Journey.,” Molyneux said in a statement to Kotaku. Fable: The Journey is this year’s forthcoming Fable game for the Xbox 360 Kinect. Molyneux will continue to be involved in that title as a creative consultant.

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“I remain extremely passionate and proud of the people, products and experiences that we created,” Molyneux said, “from Black & White to Fable to our pioneering work with Milo and Kate for the Kinect platform. However, I felt the time was right to pursue a new independent venture. I’d like to thank the team at Lionhead, as well as our partners at Microsoft Studios for their support, dedication and incredible work over the years.”