Long before Xbox boss Phil Spencer actually became the head of the brand in 2014, he was playing an important role in shaping its future back in the early days - and Fable creator Peter Molyneux has shared some kind new words about his experience with the now-Microsoft Gaming CEO.
Molyneux has been talking to Edge Magazine (well done to GamesRadar for the spot!) about when his studio Lionhead was acquired by Microsoft in 2006, telling the outlet that Spencer "used to work out of the Lionhead offices" and therefore the two of them spent a lot of time together.
Reflecting back, he says that Phil is one of his favourite ever co-workers:
"He's one of the best people I've ever worked with. I'm not saying this to butter him up - he's someone that absolutely loves the game industry, and is unbelievably smart.
But he's worked in Microsoft his whole life. Phil used to work out of the Lionhead offices, so we spent a lot of time working together. And he said, 'You know, Peter, I'd really love to use your talents a bit more widely at Microsoft.'"
One of the things that the Fable creator is really appreciative of is how Spencer believed in him and Lionhead Studios, stating that he's "absolutely motivated by praise" and that Phil essentially made him feel wanted at Microsoft.
He also says the experience helped him forget how awful it had been serving as a senior vice president at EA!
"Now, I am someone who is absolutely motivated by praise, so when he said, 'We want to make you a Microsoft partner, I thought: Fantastic they really like me!' It's just going back to school, this kid wanting to be liked, really – that's what it all comes down to."
Of course, Molyneux is no longer directly involved with the Fable reboot that's being handled by Playground Games, but he's busy with his own project called Masters of Albion that we're hoping will receive an Xbox console version at some point in the future. Based on these comments, it sounds like a strong possibility at least!
For now though, let's reminisce a little bit - we'll leave you with some footage of Peter from an old Fable interview below: