The creators of Dungeon Keeper, Black & White, and Fable have assembled.
The final work of one of the world’s top three developers, scheduled for early access release on April 22nd.
Create by day, survive by night… A modern-day god game that combines strategy and action.
The legendary game designer Peter Molyneux, who is praised as one of the world’s top three developers along with Sid Meier and John Carmack, will be releasing the god game ‘MASTERS OF ALBION’, which is the return work and “the last work of his life”, through PC Steam Early Access on April 22, 2026 at 6 PM (UK time) .
Developer 22cans has already raised expectations by releasing the first full-fledged gameplay video, a 6-minute video that shows the game’s core structure.
Peter Molyneux and a star-studded Dream Team of veterans join the team.
Peter Molyneux is an industry legend known for his work on the Populous, Dungeon Keeper, Black & White, and Fable series. Since founding 22cans in 2012, he has focused on mobile games, but returns to the PC market with “MASTERS OF ALBION.”
This project includes Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey and BAFTA-winning composer Russell Shaw , Black & White 2 Designer Iain Wright , LittleBigPlanet Art Director Many veteran developers who worked with Peter Molyneux during his prime, including Kareem Ettouney, participated.
Marc Silk, whose voice is familiar from the Black & White and Fable series, joins the narrator, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for fans.
Molyneux described the work as “the culmination of my career” and “my last game to correct past mistakes,” publicly reflecting on the over-promising that was pointed out as a problem in previous projects and expressing his determination to deliver a proper work.
24 Hours of Albion, From Peace to Chaos
The newly released footage consists of a continuous gameplay sequence that seamlessly shows a single day (Day 11) in the game. During the day, players design a village and manage the lives of its residents, but at night, a monster attack transforms the gameplay into a completely different experience.
The structure in which all systems are organically interlocked in real time, from building design to equipment production, quest progression, resident management, and even fighting against the chaos of the night, emphasizes that this game is not a simple simulation, but a living, breathing god game.
Peter Molyneux said, “This is the moment when the game truly begins to breathe,” and explained, “The essence of a true god game is that creation and responsibility, power and consequence, exist simultaneously.”
Creation by day, survival by night
‘MASTERS OF ALBION’ is a unique god game that combines strategy, simulation, town management, and real-time defense . Starting in the undeveloped town of Oakridge, players intervene in the world as a god.
During the day , you can: ▲design and instantly construct buildings; ▲hire and assign workers; ▲freely customize appearances, patterns, and decorations; and ▲directly design all production elements, including food, clothing, weapons, and armor. Another key feature is that all changes are reflected immediately, without timers or waiting times.
Gamers will be able to use the core ability, the ‘God Hand’, to provide powerful interactions such as throwing buildings, possessing creatures, and directly interfering with lightning and fire.
At night, however, the game shifts to a survival-focused approach. You must build defensive turrets and walls to guard against monster attacks, and hire heroes to strategically deploy them. If necessary, you can even possess a hero directly to engage in battle, or use the divine hand to unleash lightning and fire to annihilate your enemies.
A narrative where gamers’ choices change the world.
“MASTERS OF ALBION” takes place in the open world of Albion, a world open to free exploration. Players can experience the world firsthand through the perspectives of various beings, from gods to heroes, workers, dogs, and even chickens.
The game features a large-scale narrative-driven storyline, driven by a main quest marked by golden scrolls. Players’ choices will alter the kingdom’s power structure, triggering betrayals, conspiracies, and political conflicts that will impact Albion.
In Albion, a world where magic has returned after centuries, gamers will wield ancient powers and the power of masks as the ‘Chosen One’ to determine the fate of the world.
22cans, reborn as a small indie studio
22cans is an independent game studio founded in February 2012 in Guildford, UK, by Peter Molyneux. Molyneux co-founded the company with former Lionhead CTO Tim Rance and company director Peter Murphy, after leaving Lionhead Studios.
Molineux attracted significant attention, receiving over 1,000 applications in its early days, and recruited key talent, including Jack Attridge and Jamie Stowe. In 2015, Simon Phillips was appointed CEO, shifting Molineux’s focus solely to game design.
Molyneux has been developing Masters of Albion at his own expense for approximately three years with a team of 20. Currently, 22cans operates as a small indie game studio, and the Masters of Albion development team is comprised of industry veterans who bring their experience from Dungeon Keeper, Black & White, and Fable to the project.
Pier Molyneux’s return, a story of both anticipation and anxiety
Opinions on “MASTERS OF ALBION” are sharply divided. Peter Molyneux’s name carries a duality in the gaming industry. While he achieved legendary status with his masterpieces from his Bullfrog and Lionhead days, his career after 22cans has been met with controversy.
In particular, the crowdfunding project Godus was never completed and was delisted from Steam in 2023, and the subsequent development of the NFT game Legacy drew criticism. PC Gamer maintains a critical perspective, raising the issue of past broken promises in an article titled “Should Molyneux Be Welcomed Back?”
Meanwhile, anticipation is rising for the recently released six-minute gameplay video, which has been praised as “a game that actually works.” PC Games N commented that “it has the potential to fill the void left by Black & White.”
Molyneux also expressed confidence at Nordic Game 2025, saying, “The magic of Dungeon Keeper and Black & White has returned.” Even among those who participated in the game’s testing, some said it felt like “playing Fable all over again.”
A new game on the test bench with nostalgia , it’s up to the gamer to decide.
‘MASTERS OF ALBION’ will be released on Steam Early Access on April 22, 2026 , with console versions to follow. Wishlisting is currently available on Steam.
“MASTERS OF ALBION” is more than just a new release. For those who remember past masterpieces, it’s a test of nostalgia and a test of skill. And for a new generation, it could be their first introduction to the “god game” genre.
Whether ‘ MASTERS OF ALBION’ will be Peter Molyneux’s chance to redeem himself or remain just another experiment will be determined when gamers hold the hand of God themselves on April 22nd.
Steam Store Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3165650/Masters_of_Albion/
