Hey fellow adventurers! As we look ahead to 2026, I can't help but get excited about the upcoming games that promise to capture that magical feeling we all love. Sure, we're all eagerly awaiting that Fable reboot, but what if I told you there's another game brewing that's deeply connected to the spirit of the original Fable series? Let me introduce you to Criminals Within – an asymmetric co-op game that's being developed by Space Rock Games using Unreal Engine 5. What makes this particularly interesting, you ask? Well, the team behind it includes veterans who actually worked on the original Fable games! Now, doesn't that pique your curiosity?

When I first learned about Criminals Within, I immediately wondered: what inspired this medieval fantasy adventure? According to Space Rock Games' Managing Director Zsombor Pirok, the influences are like a who's who of my favorite gaming experiences. Can you guess what tops the list? Fable: The Lost Chapters – that classic RPG that defined an entire generation's approach to fantasy storytelling with its light-hearted humor and fantastical universe. But that's not all! The team also drew inspiration from:

🎮 It Takes Two – for its groundbreaking co-op design

🎮 Remnant: From the Ashes – for its combat-focused co-op gameplay

🎮 Sea of Thieves – for its timeless art style

🎮 Classic DreamWorks movies – for their cinematic storytelling

Isn't it fascinating how developers blend these different influences into something new and exciting? Pirok explained it perfectly: "Fable's fantastical universe was always one of our favorites, and its light-hearted humor was something that defined that game. It Takes Two is groundbreaking in its co-op design, and co-op is a huge part of Criminals Within."

Now, let's talk about that art style. Have you ever noticed how some photorealistic games age poorly while others maintain their charm for decades? The Criminals Within team clearly thought about this when developing their visual approach. Pirok shared that they specifically wanted an "ageless" style, drawing from:

Inspiration Source	Contribution to Art Style
Fable: The Lost Chapters	Stylized fantasy aesthetic
Sea of Thieves	Timeless, painterly quality
Disney's Hercules	Classic animated film translation to 3D

"When developing the visual style showcased in the trailer," Pirok explained, "we explored various influences, both 2D and 3D. On the gaming front, we took inspiration from both the original Fable: The Lost Chapters and Sea of Thieves. Drawing from the world of movies, we examined the art style of Disney's Hercules and envisioned how it would translate into a 3D environment. The end result is a fusion of these different inspirations."

But here's what really gets me excited – the actual people behind this game! Space Rock Games isn't just any new studio; they've assembled a dream team of industry veterans. Imagine having developers who worked on the original Fable games contributing to a new project in 2026! Pirok couldn't contain his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to have some of the original creators of those games among our ranks. Caroline, our amazing technical artist, had actually worked on both Fable 1 and 2, while Josh, our technical lead, had been a programmer at Path of Exile."

Let me break down why this experience matters so much:

🔹 Design authenticity – They understand what made Fable's humor and world-building work

🔹 Technical expertise – They know how to deliver polished RPG mechanics

🔹 Multi-platform knowledge – They can optimize for different systems

🔹 Cutscene mastery – They can create compelling narrative moments

"They bring various experiences that are very helpful when it comes to the design of the game, the humor, and the technical delivery of it," Pirok emphasized. He added that this collective wisdom "will help us tremendously in creating awesome cutscenes and delivering Criminals Within to multiple platforms."

Now, I know what you might be thinking – this sounds great, but what's the actual game about? In Criminals Within, you and a friend team up in an asymmetric co-op experience where you play as either:

• Jarel the thief – specializing in stealth and cunning

• Helena the royal guard – focusing on combat and protection

Together, you'll embark on a quest across a medieval fantasy universe filled with dragons, a kidnapped prince, and who knows what other adventures! The asymmetric design means you'll need to work together strategically, each using your unique abilities to overcome challenges.

Here's what makes Criminals Within particularly appealing for 2026:

🌟 Friend Pass System – Making it easier to play with friends

🌟 Unreal Engine 5 – Utilizing the latest technology

🌟 Proven Team – Developers with track records from major studios

🌟 Co-op Focus – Designed from the ground up for shared experiences

Isn't it refreshing to see a new studio leveraging both classic inspiration and modern technology? As Pirok noted, "Although Criminals Within is Space Rock Games' first game as an independent developer, its wealth of industry experience combined with its utilization of the latest Unreal Engine 5 technology puts it in a good place for producing something that could be very special."

As we wait for more information about the Fable reboot, Criminals Within represents something equally valuable – a continuation of that spirit of fantasy adventure and cooperative gameplay that made the original series so beloved. The team's connection to Fable's legacy isn't just superficial; it's woven into the very fabric of their development philosophy.

So, what can we expect as we approach 2026? Based on everything we know, Criminals Within appears poised to deliver:

1. Authentic fantasy storytelling with Fable-inspired humor

2. Innovative co-op mechanics building on It Takes Two's legacy

3. Timeless visual design that won't age poorly

4. Polished gameplay from experienced developers

5. Accessible multiplayer through the friend pass system

In a gaming landscape where many studios play it safe, it's genuinely exciting to see a team drawing from such rich inspiration while creating something new. The fusion of Fable's charm, It Takes Two's cooperative innovation, and modern technical capabilities could result in something truly special for fantasy RPG fans.

As we count down to 2026, I'll definitely be keeping my eye on Criminals Within. After all, when you combine veteran talent with passionate inspiration from gaming classics, you create the perfect recipe for an adventure worth waiting for. Who's ready to team up and explore this new fantasy world when it arrives?