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Xbox ends deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's Project Fantasy; redundancies expected
Xbox has ended its deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision, attributed to Xbox reshaping its investment priorities, is expected to lead to redundancies at IO Interactive. Despite the setback, IO Interactive remains committed to releasing the game.
Xbox claim they're "not reducing [their] investment in games" despite looming cuts, as report claims under 2.5% of Microsoft's total workforce are in the firing line
Despite reports of potential studio cuts and funding deal withdrawals, Xbox asserts it is not reducing its overall investment in game development. A new report indicates that planned Microsoft layoffs will affect less than 2.5% of the company's total workforce, with cuts expected early next week.
Uppsägningar hos Io Interactive när Xbox drar in finansiering
Io Interactive has announced layoffs due to the termination of a partnership with an external party for their fantasy RPG, 'Project Fantasy'. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft, which was set to be the financier and publisher, has withdrawn its support. While the project is not canceled, its future is uncertain without external funding. Xbox stated that their investment strategy is shifting, not decreasing overall.
IO Interactive Layoffs: Xbox Pulls Project Fantasy Funding — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
IO Interactive is continuing work on Project Fantasy despite Xbox pulling its funding, and will now seek alternative funding or self-publish. This is part of a larger "reset" at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, with reports indicating several studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, Arkane, and Double Fine are in talks to avoid closure. Xbox is reassessing its investment priorities to better fund its existing franchises and ensure a reliable pipeline of exclusive content.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
Top 10 best video games of 2026 – from 007 First Light to Resident Evil Requiem
This article ranks the top 10 video games released in the first half of 2026, highlighting titles like 007 First Light, Pokémon Pokopia, and Resident Evil Requiem. The list excludes remasters, remakes, yearly sequels, expansions, and early access titles, focusing on original new releases across various platforms including Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Microsoft Won't Publish IOI's Project Fantasy
IO Interactive announced the end of a partnership with an external party regarding their fantasy-themed online RPG, Project Fantasy. Microsoft will not be publishing the game, which was initially revealed in 2023.
Marvel’s Blade Could Be Cancelled as Xbox Considers Shutting Down Arkane Studios – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is considering cancelling Marvel's Blade and potentially closing Arkane Studios in Lyon due to budget concerns and impending layoffs. Other studios like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs are also reportedly on the chopping block, with potential layoffs extending to id Software and Blizzard Entertainment.
IO Interactive’s Project Fantasy Faces Layoffs After Xbox Ends Partnership
IO Interactive has announced layoffs due to Project Fantasy and the end of a partnership with an external party, confirmed to be Xbox. Despite the staffing changes and the partnership's conclusion, the company remains committed to the online fantasy role-playing game. This situation mirrors other projects that faced upheaval after Xbox ended partnerships, though Project Fantasy is not cancelled.
IO Interactive warns of 'staffing decisions' as Xbox pulls out of deal to publish Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced that Xbox has withdrawn its partnership to publish and fund their online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision may lead to short-term consequences for the developer, including potential staffing changes. The game was previously stated to be in a healthy development state as recently as May 2026.
Xbox pulls funding for 007 First Light dev's new fantasy RPG, prompting layoffs as Microsoft insists "we're not reducing our overall investment in games"
Xbox has withdrawn funding for IO Interactive's upcoming online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to layoffs at the developer. Microsoft stated that while overall investment in games remains the same, the company is shifting its investment focus. IO Interactive confirmed its commitment to completing the game despite the funding change.
Possible Layoffs At IO Interactive As Xbox Pulls Out Of Funding Deal For “Project Fantasy”
IO Interactive has reportedly scrapped its "Project Fantasy" game after Microsoft withdrew funding for the deal. The studio is expected to downsize, though it hopes to revive the project in the future. This comes after the success of their title "007 First Light."
Microsoft reportedly add Arkane and their Blade game to the potential shuttering pile
Microsoft is reportedly considering shutting down Arkane Studios and canceling the Blade game, with potential layoffs affecting up to 1000 employees across Xbox. Other studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are also rumored to be on the chopping block. The company is also reportedly divesting its partnership with IO Interactive on Project Fantasy.
Microsoft pulls out of IO Interactive’s Project Fantasy
Microsoft has ended its partnership with IO Interactive on the upcoming fantasy RPG Project Fantasy, which was intended to be an Xbox exclusive. IO Interactive is committed to continuing the project despite the setback and is implementing staffing changes. Microsoft stated this decision reflects a shift in investment focus rather than a reduction in overall gaming investment.
Xbox Focusing On “Highest Priorities,” Claims It’s Not Cutting Back Overall Spending On Games
Microsoft's Xbox division is re-focusing its spending on 'highest priorities,' leading to the cancellation of funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy. A spokesperson stated that overall investment in games remains the same as last year, but the types of projects being backed are changing. This shift is part of a broader business 'reset' at Xbox, which may include layoffs and studio changes.
IO Interactive to lay off employees after Xbox pulls support for untitled fantasy game
IO Interactive is laying off employees after Microsoft-owned Xbox withdrew funding and publishing support for its in-development fantasy game, codenamed 'Project Fantasy.' The studio confirmed the news on X, stating they must adapt to the consequences, including staffing decisions, and are committed to supporting those affected. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though overall investment in games remains the same.
Memory manufacturers sued in class action suit alleging price and supply fixing
Memory manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are facing a class-action lawsuit alleging they fixed component prices and reduced supply. The suit claims the companies coordinated their exit from DDR3 and DDR4 RAM production to focus on high-bandwidth memory for AI data centers, leading to significant price increases. This alleged manipulation has impacted console manufacturers like Sony and Nintendo, who have cited memory shortages as a factor in recent hardware price hikes.
Ahead of next week's expected Xbox bloodbath, IO Interactive loses funding for its online fantasy RPG
IO Interactive has lost external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to anticipated layoffs. Microsoft confirmed it was the partner that pulled funding as it re-evaluates its investments. This news comes shortly after the successful launch of 007 First Light, but casts a shadow over the future of Project Fantasy and potentially other studios working with Microsoft.
Io Interactive Laying Off Staff After Partner Withdraws from Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced layoffs following the withdrawal of funding for their new intellectual property, Project Fantasy, by an external partner, rumored to be Microsoft. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to the project's completion. This decision comes amid broader shifts within Xbox's business strategy under new leadership.
Hitman, 007 First Light Studio Begins Layoffs As Its Fantasy RPG Project Suffers Setbacks
IO Interactive, the developer behind Hitman and 007 First Light, has begun layoffs due to setbacks with its unreleased fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy. The studio confirmed that Xbox has pulled its funding for the project, though IO Interactive remains committed to its completion. The layoffs are described as short-term consequences of adapting to this change.
