Lionhead launches updated forums for role-playing game franchise a week before Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Lionhead Studios today launched new Fable forums (via CVG), one week before studio owner Microsoft is expected to announce new Xbox One games at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Microsoft's E3 2013 briefing takes place Monday, June 10. The company has pledged to release 15 Xbox One exclusives in the platform's first year, eight of which are all-new franchises.

"Join fans from across the globe to discuss all things Fable; from the latest news & announcements to guides, walkthroughs and fan content," Lionhead said. "Wherever your interests lie, you're bound to find the perfect bunch of people to discuss them with."

Lionhead's most recent project was last year's Kinect-exclusive Fable: The Journey.

The developer has not provided any details on its current project, though recent reports peg this game to be a next-generation title with massively multiplayer online elements.

Lionhead recently hired MMO veteran John Needham to lead the studio. The developer also recently posted a job advertisement for an animation director calling for someone with a "proven ability to bring new ideas to new franchises whilst ensuring its heritage is respected."

The studio is also seeking a developer with experience making games on Epic's Unreal Engine 3 and/or Unreal Engine 4. Past Fable games have been built using various iterations of the Unreal Engine.

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Analyst Michael Pachter estimates prices for upcoming consoles from Microsoft and Sony, says Nintendo must have strong E3 showing.

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter has weighed in on what he believes the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will sell for when they both launch later this year.

In a note to investors obtained by Games Industry International, Pachter said he believes the Xbox One will retail for $400, while the PlayStation 4 will debut at $350.

Pachter's pricing estimations are based on bill of materials figures of $275 for the PS4 and $325 for the Xbox One.

Though Pachter believes the Xbox One will be the more expensive console at launch, he also predicts that Microsoft may offer a subsidized model, available at a lower price when consumers agree to a subscription plan.

"We believe the ability to watch live TV from a cable, telco, or satellite set-top box through Xbox One could entice an MSO to drive subscriptions through a subsidised box in exchange for a multi-year contract," Pachter said. "The 'always connected' requirement for the Xbox One likely means that a broadband connection will be required, suggesting to us that ISPs may have an incentive to offer a subsidy as well."

GameStop chief financial officer Rob Lloyd said last month during a post-earnings financial call that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are likely to be less expensive at launch than their predecessors.

The Xbox 360 launched in 2005 for $300/$400, while the PlayStation 3 debuted in 2006 for $500/$600.

Regarding Nintendo and the struggling Wii U, Pachter said the company must use its scaled down 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo showing to prove to consumers that compelling games are coming for the system.

"Nintendo risks losing additional share to its console competitors if the quality and volume of content available for Wii U does not pick up markedly in the near-term," he said.

"In addition, if the Wii U's popularity does not improve by the end of the year, many third-party publishers may pass on producing games for the console. We note that EA recently announced that it had no Wii U games in development, and it remains a possibility that the publisher will abandon the platform entirely," he added. "Should other third parties follow EA's lead, the Wii U could be relegated to a first-party-only platform."

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343 Industries hiring designer to develop groundbreaking multiplayer modes and features for an upcoming entry in series.

Halo developer 343 Industries is looking to take multiplayer to new heights.

A recent job advertisement at the studio calls for a multiplayer designer who will design and develop "revolutionary multiplayer experiences" for an upcoming Halo game.

This game was not named, though Halo 5 and Halo 6 have been previously confirmed as part of the Reclaimer Trilogy. Microsoft also has confirmed Halo Bootcamp, though this project is not connected to the Reclaimer Trilogy or the Xbox One.

The successful applicant will contribute to the design and development of multiplayer features and create all-new multiplayer game modes using 343's internal scripting engine.

A desirable candidate should have "extensive" competitive multiplayer experience from past Halo titles and at least one shipped AAA title that features their work in multiplayer. This person should also have experience creating multiplayer experiences from design to execution.

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