Fable Legends closed beta goes offline next month

Fable Legends' closed beta will end next month, developer Lionhead Studios confirmed. A post on the game's website states that players will have until April 13 at 3 p.m. GMT to access the multiplayer online game.

Until then, the beta will remain accessible only by current participants; no new players will be admitted. Additionally, the in-game bank has been disabled. Those who have purchased gold, which costs actual money to buy, will be offere refunds. Lionhead will send out more details about the refund program within the week, according to the post.

Yesterday, Microsoft announced that it had canceled production on the full version of Fable Legends, which was being developed for Windows PC and Xbox One. Additionally, the company said it would close down the influential Lionhead Studios, which it acquired in 2006. In accordance with U.K. law, the company has entered discussions with those employed at Lionhead to begin closure of the studio.

"These decisions were not made lightly, nor do they reflect the talent of the studio," the developer wrote of the decision on the Fable Legends website, clarifying that "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."

Lionhead announced Fable Legends, the latest game in its popular Fable franchise, in 2013. The free-to-play game, initially set to arrive in 2015, was delayed until this year. An open beta was expected to launch this spring.