Peter Molyneux Apologizes for Over-Promising

John Funk

U.N. Owen Was Him?
Dec 20, 2005
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Peter Molyneux Apologizes for Over-Promising

Infamous videogame over-promiser Peter Molyneux wants to apologize for making game features up on the spot to stop game journalists from falling asleep.

Lionhead's Peter Molyneux is an interesting fellow. He can say that (the then-upcoming) Fable III has the never made a great game [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/99805-Molyneux-Fable-3-Has-the-Greatest-Cast-Ever]." Gamers probably know him best for his grand visions and promises that never quite make it into the final shipped versions of his games - such as being able to plant an acorn in Fable and see it grow into a tree.

Molyneux was awarded a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Fellowship tonight, following on the heels of legendary gaming guru Eurogamer [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/98574-Shigeru-Miyamoto-to-Be-Awarded-BAFTA-Fellowship], the Fable creator took the opportunity to apologize for failing to deliver on some of his promises for games past.

"I'd like to thank the press, by the way, for listening to my stuff," said Molyneux in his acceptance speech. "Sorry - I've slightly over-promised on things on occasion," he understated. "I could name at least 10 features in games that I've made up to stop journalists going to sleep and I really apologize to the team for that."

I have to admit, I wasn't expecting "made up a feature to stop a drowsy games journalist from falling asleep in an interview" to ever be a reason for anything - especially when bro-hugs work so much better [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/conferences/gdc2010/7287-Fable-3-Bro-hugging-Peter-Molyneux]. To be honest, I'm fairly sure that he's probably joking there (though with Mr. Molyneux, it's hard to tell), even if his apology for over-promising is itself sincere.

"Every day I wake up and thank the stars that I'm still here now," said Molyneux to conclude his speech. "I love my job so much and I really feel like going home and working harder than I've ever done to prove that I deserve this award."

Peter Molyneux is the fourth game developer to receive a BAFTA Fellowship. Other recipients include the aforementioned Miyamoto, SimEverything creator Will Wright, and Pong creator Nolan Bushnell.

Don't worry, Peter. We still love you. Without you, the industry would be marginally less wacky, and that would be a shame.

(Via Eurogamer [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-03-16-molyneux-sorry-if-ive-over-promised])

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omicron1

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Mar 26, 2008
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Judging by past experience, I'd say this means a new Peter Molyneux game announcement is right around the corner - and it will again feature plenty and to spare of promises.
 
Dec 14, 2009
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Coming soon, from Lionhead. The Promise Preventor 9000, immediately interrupts all 'enthusiasm' within a 2 mile radius, utilising a high pitched noise!

100% effective, it also, shits gold and makes sandwiches!

pre-order yours now!
 

Nalesnik

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Nov 10, 2008
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...I forgive you, Peter.
But only because your you. Just remember to stop adding gimicky features, and focus on the core game itself, and you'll do fine. =)
 

Jamboxdotcom

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Nov 3, 2010
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hahahaha... oh man, that made me chuckle. he's definitely a chronic "over-promisor", but he's still a brilliant one. also, love the comments so far. and honestly, his broken promises have hurt me less than the ones other people made, like the "Fallout 3 will have over 1000 possible endings" bullcrap.
 

Blind0bserver

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Mar 31, 2008
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Two quick things;

1) I'm fairly certain that Peter Molyneux already apologized for this kind of thing at least once. Possibly twice. If it comes down to it I'm sure an article can be found on this very site.

2) Don't be sorry, Peter, your constant attempted one-upsmanship of yourself is why we love you.
 

Jumpingbean3

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May 3, 2009
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John Funk said:
Peter Molyneux Apologizes for Over-Promising

[ Infamous videogame over-promiser Peter Molyneux wants to apologize for making game features up on the spot to stop game journalists from falling asleep.

He can say that (the then-upcoming) Fable III has the never made a great game [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/99805-Molyneux-Fable-3-Has-the-Greatest-Cast-Ever]."
Am I the only one who gets a sort of Bi-polar Depression vibe from that?
 

Hippobatman

Resident Mario sprite
Jun 18, 2008
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I love this man. While he may not deliver what he promises every time, he has the passion, vision and enthusiasm to compensate for it. I can't help but admire Mr. Molyneux for all his energy when it comes to his work.

I'd say we need more people as outspoken about one's visions, and mistakes, as Peter Molyneux in the video game industry.

Keep on raving, you crazy British bastard! :)
 

Zero_ctrl

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Feb 26, 2009
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Just lay off of the Fable series.
Lionhead had some pretty good games before that even.
Maybe it's time for a new IP?
 

gbemery

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Jun 27, 2009
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John Funk said:
"Every day I wake up and thank the stars that I'm still here now," said Molyneux to conclude his speech. "I love my job so much and I really feel like going home and working harder than I've ever done to prove that I deserve this award."
I wonder if he just said that to keep the audience from falling asleep during his acceptance speech?
 

icyneesan

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Feb 28, 2010
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Oh Molyneux, for years your shenanigans have entertained and delighted me. Please don't change.