After 007 First Light, IO Interactive’s next game probably won’t be another James Bond or a Hitman, but rather something else entirely
Following the positive critical and commercial reception of 007 First Light, IO Interactive has announced that their next major project will not be another James Bond game or continuation of the Hitman franchise. Instead, the studio’s largest development team is focused on Project Fantasy, a completely original intellectual property. This strategic decision marks a significant pivot for IO Interactive, demonstrating the studio’s ambition to develop new franchises rather than rely solely on established licensed and proprietary properties.
While the success of 007 First Light could theoretically support a trilogy, IO Interactive’s leadership has chosen to allocate their primary development resources toward original creative ventures. Project Fantasy represents a commitment to building fresh intellectual properties despite the commercial momentum generated by the Bond title. This approach allows the studio to leverage its technical expertise and creative vision while expanding beyond the franchises that built its industry reputation.
The announcement reflects a broader strategy in the gaming industry where successful studios balance work on established properties with investment in new creative directions. For IO Interactive, this means venturing beyond licensed James Bond content and their signature Hitman series to explore entirely new gaming concepts and worlds.