IO Interactive is gearing up for its next big release with 007 First Light, but the new James Bond game isn’t the only thing that the Hitman developer has planned for the future. A recent interview has revealed that Project Fantasy, the online RPG from IO Interactive, is in a positive state.
Over the years, IO Interactive has made a name for itself through the Hitman games, but the developer has been branching out in some exciting ways. IO Interactive will release 007 First Light on May 27, and it’s looking like a fun new era for not only James Bond games, but also for the studio. 007 First Light looks like an intriguing blend of Hitman and Uncharted, but Project Fantasy is going to be an even bigger departure from IO Interactive’s established formula.
007 First Light Could Get a Sequel ‘If This Goes Really Well’
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak suggests the studio could make more Bond games after 007 First Light if the title is a big enough success.
IO Interactive’s Project Fantasy Could Be the Developer’s Next Game After Hitman and 007 First Light
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak recently sat down for an interview with The Game Business Show and revealed that Project Fantasy’s production is currently going according to plan. Abrak didn’t really have much to share with the podcast about the project, but it’s a positive update for gamers who were worried that Project Fantasy had been scrapped after Xbox canceled games and ended third-party partnerships last year. Project Fantasy is being funded by an unknown partner, but many have theorized that Xbox is the company that is backing the project.
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Abrak kept tight-lipped about the mysterious partnership, though. He said, “So, first of all, I’m not going to answer what partner it is. I’m not going to confirm or deny anything.” Even though he didn’t confirm or deny Xbox’s speculated involvement in the game’s development, he shared a little bit of insight into Project Fantasy’s progress, saying, “To the second part of the question, it is in a very healthy place, it’s still financed, and it’s amazing.” There aren’t many details about Project Fantasy available, but it’s expected to be a multiplayer RPG.
Although IO Interactive has made a name for itself as the team behind the Hitman series, the developer’s original dream was to create an MMO called Rex Dominus. The project was set aside, but some gamers have been hoping that Project Fantasy is a new and improved iteration of that vision. IO Interactive has built a strong reputation as a developer that is well-versed in crafting games with a variety of fun choices and player freedom. Hitman‘s level design allows a lot of creativity, and 007 First Light‘s gameplay is teasing a similar approach. That kind of gameplay would be fascinating to see in a large-scale multiplayer fantasy RPG.
It is in a very healthy place, it’s still financed, and it’s amazing.
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It’s exciting to hear positive news about Project Fantasy, but it will probably be a while before IO Interactive has anything to actually showcase. Right now, IO Interactive is fully focused on 007 First Light‘s release date, and it’s going to be compelling to see how gamers react to a fresh game from the developer. Hitman has had a strong run, but it’s time for the studio to expand its horizons. 007 First Light is already an intriguing change, but it’s going to be even more interesting to see just how different Project Fantasy is when IO Interactive finally reveals some footage.
