Molyneux confirms episodic Marketplace release for Fable III

Peter Molyneux's told attendees at GameHorizon in Newcastle that Fable III will be released in episodic chapters via Xbox Live Marketplace "soon after" the retail release of the game in October.

The concept was first tried when Molyneux announced at the Microsoft press conference at gamescom last August that Fable II would be released in the same way.

The first episode went on to do 1.5 million downloads, with the whole thing raking in over $15 million in revenue, he added at the event.

He said back at GDC in March that scheme was "successful."

"Soon after the retail launch we're doing episodic," said the Lionhead boss. "We break it down in chapters. We give away the first chapter entirely free, the first hour.

"When you reach a certain point in the game it says 'thank you for playing the pilot of Fable 3, do you want to spend an extra 2-5 or whatever dollars to buy the next episode, or buy the whole lot?' Press 'yes' and you will immediately continue playing."

He also said he during the session that he wants Fable III to sell 5 million units, bringing in $150 million in revenue.

Fable III releases at retail in October for Xbox 360. It'll launch as a download on PC.

Thanks, GI.