Fable II to be offered in downloadable chunks

Has been split into five chapters.

Microsoft has announced that Fable II, the best-selling role-playing game of all time on Xbox 360, is to be released in episodic form on Xbox LIVE. The launch of Fable II: Game Episodes will debut September 29 with the release of the first episode for free download exclusively on Xbox LIVE.

In the first episode, players will experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult in the world of Albion. After completing the chapter, players have the choice to then purchase the next instalment or the entire game (in select regions). Fable II: Game Episodes delivers the entire Fable II experience in five consecutive instalments, with all the Achievements and challenges of the disc-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, Knothole Island and See the Future.

The episodes are also fully compatible with the disc-based, retail version of Fable II, allowing players to enter Albion and continue their story should they purchase Fable II at retail.

“With the launch of Games on Demand on Xbox LIVE, we have a great tool in place to deliver classic titles in an incredibly convenient fashion,” said Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “With the Fable II episodic model, we’re encouraging people to experience the first chapter of the game for free, then move onto other chapters when they are ready. It’s a unique model and one that will appeal to gamers who’ve been hesitant to dive full into the original retail release.”