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Online is an integral part of video games in the modern age. For better or for worse, the last generation of console was dominated by online gaming with competitive matchmaking becoming a norm for most AAA game titles, helping make the eSports culture more mainstream. The popularity of series such as Halo , Call of Duty and FIFA meant that for many gamers, online play was the main reason to keep playing a game. The consequences of this were that several publishers became slaves to the trend, putting (forcing?) in needless multiplayer modes that took away from certain game as a wh

It was the console to beat all others. Nintendo announced its new system two years before its unveiling. It was named, "Revolution" and had everybody buzzing. We now know it as the Wii-- a less than threatening name that is more suited to Nintendo's goals. "Revolution" served as a wonderful project title filled with mystery and excitement. However, according to Reggie Fils-Aime, it would not translate well under many other languages. Plus, a name like that would have probably caused an uproar from Americans stating the Japanese are out to get them again. That didn't happen...at least to my knowledge. Wii is friendlier and less menacing. Nintendo was right about the Wii's original namesake, it did cause quite the revolution in the video game industry because of its highly advanced motion sensor system.

One of the franchises that came out largely unscathed by excessive multiplayer capabilities was the Fable series. While Fable III did boast co-op capabilities, Lionhead Studios has never done anything quite on the scale of what it is attempting with the newly announced Fable Legends . The franchise's next-gen debut, an Xbox One exclusive, is an ambitious online jump for the series, allowing up to four players the opportunity to work together in order thwart another player taking on the role of the vill

This event is such a big deal for some that it's probably more exciting than Christmas. The Electronic Entertainment Expo, more commonly known as E3, is the greatest event on every video gamer's calendar. It all began back in the 1990s to little fanfare. Despite the lack of attention, there were some monumental announcements. It was at this E3 that Sony made its debut to the gaming industry. The Sega Saturn was available to test play as well as the Nintendo Virtual Boy. Nintendo also revealed its Ultra 64 console, stating it will be ready next year. A few notable game titles at the show included Ridge Racer, Panzer Dragoon and Virtua Fighter. E3 started slow, but because this was the first expo dedicated to video games, more companies and fans realized they weren't going to miss out next year.

The nominations were decided by all 9 of the Game Rant staff in attendance at E3 and are based upon our previews, demos and hands-on experiences with all of the available titles at the event this year. Share your thoughts on the picks and tell us what you believe deserves to win each category! - Follow me on Twitter @ rob_key

For many gamers, Fable 's 2004 debut marked a high-water point for the quirky, irreverent series. With its expansive scope, cosy tone and unashamedly puerile humor, the title earned its way to plenty of plaudits, and even more admiring follow

Leading up to E3 2012, many of the big game announcements were unveiled early, from Star Wars 1313 to Gears of War: Judgment . Still, there were a few pleasant surprises during the five major press conferences -- Watch Dogs and Beyond: Two Souls to name just two -- in a year that focused heavily on software as the current console generation approaches the end of its life cy

Welcome to This Week in Gaming, where we take a look back at some of the most newsworthy events in gaming history from last year to even decades ago that happened this very week. Take a gander at some of the highlights and see which spark nostalgia and which may still be news to you.

**Fable Anniversary ** will be released on February 4, 2014 in North America and February 7, 2014 throughout Europe. The game is currently exclusive to the Xbox 360 platform. Launch Day bonus content is available for a limited time o

In an interview with Digital Spy , Head of Lionhead Studios John Needham explained that this new online direction for the studio isn't going to be exclusive to Fable Legends . Following the departure of Peter Molyneux , Needham - who has an MMO pedigree - took over the studio in his stead. With that pedigree, visit website he said that all future games from the studio will boast "connected" aspects. Being candid about his roots, Neeham said, "We're online game guys, that's the studio. We love online games, we love interaction with real people, and we want to bring that magic to Fable" . He explained that interaction between characters and NPCs is what made the world of Albion a special place to play in. The goal of Fable Legends is to experiment with that dynamic and see what would happen if you substituted those interactions and brought in real players to the