Peter Molyneux leaves Lionhead and Microsoft

Lionhead Studios co-founder and Fable creator Peter Molyneux is exiting his positions as Lionhead boss and Microsoft creative head for a yet-to-be-announced independent venture, he has said today.

“It is with mixed emotions that I made the decision to leave Microsoft and Lionhead Studios, the company that I co-founded in 1997, at the conclusion of development of Fable: The Journey,” Molyneux told Kotaku.

“I remain extremely passionate and proud of the people, products and experiences that we created, from Black & White to Fable to our pioneering work with Milo and Kate for the Kinect platform. However, I felt the time was right to pursue a new independent venture. I’d like to thank the team at Lionhead, as well as our partners at Microsoft Studios for their support, dedication and incredible work over the years.”

In a statement, Microsoft wished Molyneux the best of luck on his new venture.

“As co-founder of Lionhead and an integral part of Microsoft Studios, Peter was the creative visionary behind the blockbuster Fable franchise, and one of our most passionate and influential developers for the Xbox 360 platform. He has made an indelible mark on the games industry and we wish him all the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Until its completion, Molyneux will serve as a creative consultant on Fable: The Journey, due for Xbox 360 Kinect later this year.

Update: It looks like Moylneux’s yet-to-be-announced venture has been announced. Peter Molyneux tweeted today, “I have left the lovely amazing Microsoft and Lionhead. Now for something really amazing, scary and brave a new company called 22 Cans.”

As pointed out by The Verge, the e-mail listed under the company’s domain name – 22Cans.com – was once registered to a “tim.rance” address, but has since been changed to [email protected]. Tim Rance helped co-found Lionhead Studios back in 1997.