Fable III Interview

IGN caught up with Fable III lead designer Josh Atkins for a Q&A about the game’s “touch” mechanic, the different ways we can interact with NPCs, the effect followers have on the game’s narrative, and more.

IGN: Like conversations, touch is also unique between two specific people. I shake the hand of a good friend differently than a co-worker. Unless touches and responses are as unique in Albion as they are on this side of the screen, doesn’t that threaten to break the spell?

Atkins: The moments between your hero and a villager will definitely be different based on the kind of relationship you have with that villager. In Fable III, we have created a very detailed relationship system that clearly indicates how that villager feels about you and the current status of your relationship. For example, what you say to someone you have never met and what they say back to you will be very different than an NPC who is your friend, your best friend or your lover.

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IGN: Once converted into a follower, how else can the citizens of Albion help you? One thing I’m curious to see is how my relationship with followers changes once I ascend to the throne.

Atkins: Your relationship with your followers and with the citizens of Albion substantially changes once you become the ruler. Your followers will come to you over the course of your rule and ask you to maintain the promises you made to them, and their allegiance to you will sway in the balance. However, your relationships with the common citizens of Albion will also change once you become ruler. Should you do something wonderful for the masses, you will see a response the next time you are our roaming the world. For example, once you are ruler, you will have a chance to truly help the people of Aurora. If you do it they will shower you with gifts when you next return to their land. However, if you don’t help them, don’t expect such a warm welcome.