There was much hype surrounding Lionhead Studios' Fable Legends, despite the game suffering from massive delays. Last month, there was even a report that the developer would be using physics tricks to "push the boundaries of visual fidelity" in the game.

Fable Legends is a free-to-play multiplayer spin-off of the Fable RPG franchise, with the title allowing gamers to play as a villain that looks to repel heroes by using traps and summoning monsters. The game showed a commitment by Microsoft to bridge the gap between the PC and the Xbox One, as Fable Legends was being designed to be a cross-play title between the two platforms. The title has been in closed beta for a long time, with the open beta supposedly ready to launch soon.

However, after the game's open beta was subjected to another delay, Microsoft made the surprising announcement that it has cancelled Fable Legends and is proposing to shut down Lionhead Studios.

In an announcement posted on the Fable Legends website, it was revealed that the closed beta of the game will be shut down on April 13 at 3:00 p.m. GMT. Players that have been granted access to the Fable Legends closed beta can still continue to play the game until the mentioned date and time.

The announcement added that gold purchases from the game's bank will immediately be disabled, and that no new players will be allowed to gain access to the closed beta.

For gamers that purchased gold in the game, they will be provided with a full refund for the amount that they have spent. An email containing more information regarding the planned refunds will be sent to the eligible gamers within seven days.

"These decisions were not made lightly, nor do they reflect the talent of the studio, rather they are taking effect as Microsoft Studios continues to focus its investment and development on the games and franchises that fans find most exciting and engaging to play," the announcement said regarding the game's cancellation and the proposed closure of Lionhead Studios.

The meaning behind Microsoft's statement of focusing on games and franchises that are most exciting and engaging for fans is unclear though, as Microsoft has often showcased Fable Legends in events such as the Electronic Entertainment Expo.