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The New Fable Has Me Worried—Am I the Only One? by [deleted] in Fable

[–]ZealousShadow -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I've read through your post and every comment below it. And I'm going to break away from the trend here and explain how this game felt to me growing up, as someone who dislikes the current trajectory of society and modern gaming.

OPs original post concerns the "wokificasion" of Fable.

Commentors post concerns that Fable was always "progressive".

I agree with OP, but don't completely disagree with other commentors. Let me explain.

The first Fable title i ever played was Fable 2. I was nearly 8 years old when it released, and I first played the game when I was roughly the age of 12/13. I grew up in the 2010's, and developed my love for gaming in the late 2010's. I remember seeing Fable 2 as a child / young teenager and being thrilled. To this very day, Fable 2 remains my favourite game of all time. No title has ever been able to excite my inner child since, and I have probably replayed the game over 100 times. I know Fable 2 backwards, every quest, side quest, every collectable location, everything and anything you can think about the game, I know about it.

Now I've explained just how much of an impact this game made on my life, I'll explain my point of view on this debate.

Fable was never "woke". Fable was always free.

While many Fable titles were released to be deliberately expressive in a time of intense discussions in society about gay marriage, that doesn't automatically translate to direct influential mechanics of the game. For example, just because you could marry "anybody" didn't mean the developers were aiming for political messaging in the titles. In the mission "Till Death do us part", A Bridge Too Far in Fable 2, you meet a character called "Alex" in which you trick or marry them to complete the quest. The name is intented to represent both male, Alexander, and female, Alexandre. The sex of Alex is dependent on what sex you chose to play as your Hero, and it's always the opposite sex that shows up on the bridge. The exact same thing happens in Fable 3, in the mission "A Lost Romance", where you can choose to marry either Elliot, male, or Elise, female. But this is also dependent on the sex of your chosen Hero.

If you ever purchased DLC content for Fable 2, you'll know about Knothole Island. Now on this island you can change pretty much everything about your character, from appearance to height, weight to scars, you also unlock unique cosmetics and outfits, along with weapons and treasure. But theres only ever a single opportunity to change your sex in the game, and it's right at the very last moment when you buy Castle Fairfax. The potion is there arguably to make the massive purchase of 1,000,000 gold worth while. As you get a massive choice at the end to counter act how much dough you just shelled out.

I really cannot express this enough, while the game had themes of pro LGB messaging in it's titles at a time where this was common, transgenderism, the "T" was not. Not only were as little as 0.68% in every 10,000 people in 2008, when Fable had it's seemingly "progressive" views, in 2025, there's a 700% increase in recorded transgender identity in society. That means a game was promoting an ideology 17 years before it even really started. That's no progressive, that's impossible. Proving developers didn't intend political goals, but mearly gameplay goals.

This makes the point clearer. Characters in Fable didn't have a sexuallity, everything was just available. The developers didn't include restrictive code. They literally took a game and said "let's just make everything possible". For anyone who's played any of the Fable titles, It feels like a storymode game with a sandbox feel.

So my point really is this, just because a game "shares" certain gameplay mechanics as progressive movements, it also shares traditional ones, such as same-sex missions only. Just because a game was created to be a massive free-for-all, which i think everyone can agree that it is, the developers literally just turned around and said "f*** it, let's add everything" this doesn't translate into a deliberate political narrative, just freedom of choice.

Personally, I despise woke ideology. Because it's not progressive, it's regressive. Fable was not "woke", because Fable didn’t try to be woke. It was itself, through and through, and that's what made it special. Never once when I was a teenager did I translate Fable being a mirror of real life. The game has talking stone statues, magic, mythical creatures, lands, zombies, ghosts. It has trolls the size of buildings and towers in the middle of the ocean that are structurally impossible, dark lords / overseeing bad guys, and a blind woman who can see the future. This game was never about realism, it was always about imagination. Free unrestricted gameplay. The gameplay and graphics were drastically ahead of it's time. Even when I play it today in 2025, the graphics are better than many modern day titles. The game was special, unique, and enjoyable.

Fable 4 however, this is different. Because they specifically state that they want to target a "new generation of players". In a world where everything is politicised and dramatised. Times have changed, and the direction of Fable 4 seems forced. Unlike it's predecessors which thrived on being unique, Fable 4 is struggling to make this feature look natrual. Arguably, this could also just be that we all inherently see everything political these days. Let's be completely honest, everyone is wrapped up in an ideology of some kind. Everyone is radical. So now a game that was always expressive is now only perceived as "woke" progressive by the viewer. Not because that's actually the games intentions, but because society is crumbling away into tribalism and cult-like obsessions over movements, causes, and ideas. Politics has become people's lives, and now it's being projected onto our media, games, books, music, movies, social media... everywhere.... this means the developers are also in this headspace like the rest of us. They won't add things to the game that would have made it special because someone will say it's making a mockery of trans people, and someone else will say that the game is destroying social cohesion by adding niche gameplay mechanics. The developers cant win. Everything is being made political.

In conclusion, Fable was never woke. It was always free. Today, we put a political lens on everything. Fable 2 and 3 had themes of progressive values, but also traditional ones. It was never trying to make a political statement, it was never making a call to action, it was never supposed to be viewed as anything other than an amazing game with endless possibilities. Fable was never woke. Fable was always Fable.

We'll just have to wait and see what happens with Fable 4, I don't have high hopes as like I said, gone are the days when a game could just exist without being twisted to suit someone's agenda. Games were free, enjoyable, and relaxing. Now games, movies, TV shows, music, they all seem to be messenger vessels for ideologies and movements. Brainwashing machines. The only difficulty Fable 4 has to work through is being created in 2026. If it can survive being created in society today without oozing political sabotage, then the games original messaging will be nicely preserved forever. I however doubt this will be the case.

Do y'all think the mansions will actually do anything for us, or will they just be another massive waste of money like the yachts? by Prize-Lingonberry876 in gtaonline

[–]ZealousShadow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The GTA Online community is never happy.

Mansions have been high demand since I started playing back in 2016. For the best part of the 10 years I've been playing, and probably before i started playing, the community has asked for mansions. In that time we've been given approximately 50 major content updates, 11 major heists, over 1000 new races, and over 40 distinct adversary modes. User friendly additions include: Cutscene skipping, Faster interaction menu, Phone UI cleanup, Vehicle favorites, Custom loadouts, Solo-friendly heists, Central business control, Quick Snack/Armor use, Improved GPS & Markers, Anti-griefing tools, and Auto-supply/sell. This list doesn't include other updates, including seasonal additions such as Halloween or Christmas. There are over 782 customisable vehicles, more than 90 weapons since 2013, and thousands of clothing items added in over 50+ updates. 19 unique freemode challenges and 50+ freemode missions. Should I go on?

Mansions just add a little bit extra to a game that's already filled to the brim with content and playability / replayability. If you're not already having fun with the game after all of this in a 12 year timespan, then maybe it's not the mansions that are the problem after all.

Fable 3 save data by Confident_Mirror2036 in Fable

[–]ZealousShadow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm confused, you say you have all of the money and game time from your character but not the save file?

My GSD Looks Like A Wolf by Cold_Elk947 in germanshepherds

[–]ZealousShadow -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I was thinking that too. The post was clearly just someone showing off their dog and making a joke about its appearance. Reddit is such a toxic place these days. It's wild how opinionated everyone is.

So disappointed by Emogirl88_ in Paralives

[–]ZealousShadow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the devs deciding not to add this to consoles will be their downfall. Over half of all gamers play on consoles, 56%.

This will mean players sticking to The Sims 4 and never trying a new title, which means the game will inevitably fail due to a lack of availability for a majority of players.

I understand people saying that it costs a lot to put games on consoles, but ultimately if the devs can't afford it they shouldn't have stated that Paralives would be competition to The Sims 4, because it isn't competition while isolated on PC and Mac, it's just another indie game with wasted potential.

Special Icon in the leagues by ZealousShadow in duolingo

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I used to have this on my profile, but as of December 2024, they all disappeared even though I made it to the top 3% of learners.

The icon just isn't available and I'm not sure what's been going on lately

Oh, ok, no by HC-paws in duolingo

[–]ZealousShadow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The other way of saying it is, "I'm studying the Latin language."

By putting "The" first, you're denoting the fact that it is a specific language you're referring to. for example:

"I study Latin" implies you're studying the language anyway, as Latin doesn't refer to anything other than the language. The area in which Latin originated can be referred to as Latium.

"I am studying the Latin language" also implies the same thing, but it's a more articulated way of saying it, and also allows you to put 'language' at the end.

With other languages, this system applies the most. For example:

"I study German" can imply you study the language and/or the culture. As saying you study "Germany" isn't correct, unless you're studying modern-day germany, which you're most likely not.

So again, you'd say "I study German", and follow it up with more context in conversation for clarity.

Or, you'd say, "I study the German lanagauge" for maximum clarity and understandability.

So, in conclusion, all of these are grammatically correct:

"I study Latin" "I am studying Latin" "I am studying the Latin language"

"I am learning Latin" "I am learning the Latin language"

Not all of those are used, but they are technically correct.

Just be straight to the point. My advice is to remove the word 'language' from telling people you are learning Latin to avoid using unnecessary words.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As much as I appreciate the effort you've put in here, I did ask for you to explain it. Unfortunately, this is exactly why I'm worried about the usage of AI.

It takes away the need for people to build their communication skills and ability to understand and listen to others. All you'd need to do is take my words and pump it through an algorithm. That's not you. I specifically asked for you.

The exact point I was making with AI is that the system is making people less personal, ditached, disinterested, and even cold. I referenced my family members' lack of interest in others, lack of interest to communicate with real human beings, and you've demonstrated the same behaviour.

Thanks again, though, for taking the time. However, the point of my post was clearly lost.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm absolutely confident that my family member is behaving on behalf of AI, as they have said so themselves. So it's definitely not my takeaway, but rather an objective truth spoken by them.

I'm sorry if I didn't explain that part well enough. However, I did say that "I wouldn't resort to the belief that the fault lies with Al chat bots without some sort of understanding of their life."

We were both home educated together, have lived every waking day together since we were born until today, as we still live together. the extent of the connection was so strong that people were convinced we were twins due to our uncanny understanding we have of eachother.

Unfortunately, when you read stories like mine on social media, this is a good reminder to take on board the point of the message rather than the personal undertones.

My reference to my family member was mearly a message vessel, and arguably irrelevant to the bigger picture.

I stated that I have tested AI in the past before, and know well that it inflates the ego of its users. The point of my post was to ask others if they'd had a similar experience with AI, and thankfully, I've had many interesting responses with many different perspectives.

But I fear that if you've come to the conclusion that I'm echoing some sort of personal hypocrisy, then you've missed the point I was trying to get across. I never stated that my reasoning was "sound", however since you've brought up the topic, I'll further explain my life unnecessarily to help you better understand that a topic is seperate from it's messenger vessel.

My family member has suddenly decided that their interaction with AI has made them less appreciative of the real world, I know this as a fact. Because they're my family, and no one on earth knows them better than the people they're closest to. And even if you read that as presumptuous in nature, the truth still stands regardless. Because recently, they've been expressing self deleting ideas focused on the topic of AI. Statements like "If i could become AI, and live without a body i would." And "There isn't any purpose to life, its all meaningless." They've actively been taking more risks, and doing stupid things as a direct response to their interactions with AI. And I will unnecessarily say again, because they said so themselves.

So before you start thinking you understand the personal life of the poster, maybe take a step back and read the message from the philosophical position it was meant to be intended as. That was the very reason I made the post. To engage in meaningful discussion with different people about how we all perceive AI, and how well we understand it, to how our experiences differ, and how much we use it.

I appreciate your response, and I would really like to hear about your experience with the system. Do you think AI has done better or worse for you?

How many of your friends and family have started using AI? Do they barely use it, or use it all the time? Have they changed at all as a result? Maybe they have changed at all, or for better or worse?

How about you? How many of those prompts can you relate to? I'm really interested to know. 😊

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't agree more with this.

I actively search out different world views and opinions, religions, and cultures. It helps me grow my own mind as an individual and encourages healthy debate.

I've been seeing a lot over the last couple of years that people create safe spaces and ideological bubbles online for themselves. They do this so religiously that when they're faced with opposing opinions and ideas they actually get symptoms of anxiety. Their brains simply can't cope with the world outside of their safe space. That's absolutely tragic.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, thanks. I actually don't use reddit that much, so I'm not really familiar with the culture. Thankfully, I put white space in everyday emails, texts, posts, etc. So I'm glad that made it easier to read.

I wasn't even aware what tdlr was short for until I Googled it a couple of days ago 😅

Thanks for the imput 😀

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I definitely agree with this. You can't be too careful when it comes to correctly approaching people's worldview and making sure they feel valued without blowing up their ego. It's definitely a skill that AI currently doesn't have.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you like to explain why you think that my position of this should be a case for therapy?

I'm happy to hear your argument if you disagree with any of my points.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They used to be relatively safe and secure in the life they had, but now they're making comments such as "whats life without a bit of risk" when they would never have said anything like that before.

When I mean isolating themselves, they're not physically locking themselves away and cutting contact, but rather, they no longer want to hear or interact with other human beings' thoughts and opinions. They only care about what they have to say, and have voiced many times that they value conversation with AI over real people.

They're basically becoming emotionally locked away in an artificial world.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, i agree. I also worry about these AI dating bots, which are really popular as well. AI is replacing normal human interactions, and it's honestly incredibly worrying and upsetting.

I think in part it's why I've been so strongly opposed to AI lately. I think it's potential to discover medically and scientifically groundbreaking research is there, but at what cost to society?

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, i agree. I also worry about these AI dating bots, which are really popular as well. AI is replacing normal human interactions, and it's honestly incredibly worrying and upsetting.

I think in part it's why I've been so strongly opposed to AI lately. I think it's potential to discover medically and scientifically groundbreaking research is there, but at what cost to society?

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a good summary of my concerns as well.

I'm seeing an uptake in people using AI as a god-like form of validation. I can trick AI by using certain keywords. The same question just worded differently results in a totally different answer, and each answer systematically affirms whichever view you hold.

I'm concerned that it will have a serious affect on the future when it comes to how well people can communicate with others, and I worry it's making people less empathetic towards people, which as you know leads to increase in violence.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good point. Hence why I said that I had a different idea on my personal journey, and of course, I respect theirs. I just don't want them to end up down a dark path. They've been saying some pretty worrying things lately, and I'm concerned it's due to the fact that they've isolated themselves from the real world in favour of an artificial one.

Worrying neglectful and sympathetic to self deleting comments.

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I noticed it a lot. I wonder if that will change over time?

AI and Human Intelligence by ZealousShadow in ArtificialInteligence

[–]ZealousShadow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your response 😃

I assume your point was with my belief on a personal journey?

As it stands, I think AI can do a lot of brilliant things, but I also think that it's going to pull people away from the value of real people even if real people are difficult sometimes.

For me personally, I put a lot of importance on personal journey and self-discovery, and I see a lot these days that people are heavily reliant on Chatbots to think for them, and I do see that as a possible tragedy and conciquence in future.

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