New rumors have hit the Internet today claiming that Microsoft plans to launch the next version of its Xbox game console sometime in 2013. These new rumors come from the Develop web site which claims to have heard this target date for the launch from several unnamed sources in the game industry. One source claims that Microsoft developer Lionhead is working on the game for the console with the code name "Fable Next." Fable is the RPG game franchise that Lionhead has developed for Microsoft over the years with three games already released and a fourth for the Xbox 360 already announced as being in the works.
Develop"s article also claims that despite an earlier comment by publisher Electronic Arts, one of EA"s internal development studios already has what the article calls "rudimentary Xbox console technology on desks." Finally the article claims that Epic Games" next version of its Unreal Engine game development tools could be made available before 2014, a date that was recently announced by Epic Games" main programmer Tim Sweeney.
Earlier this year, rumors began appearing on the Internet suggesting that Microsoft would officially announce plans for the next Xbox console at E3 2012 with the actual launch to happen in late 2013. Yet more rumors indicated that Microsoft game developer Rare was already working on a "mature themed" game for the next console, along with Lionhead and Forza Motorsports developer Turn 10.