Io Interactive
Io Interactive business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Gaming Hardware Spending in US for July 2026 Was The Lowest Since 2020, Says Analyst
US gaming hardware spending in July 2026 reached its lowest point since 2020, falling 29% year-on-year to $282 million, according to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella. This downturn affected all platforms, with PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch sales declining, exacerbated by a 16% increase in average hardware prices due to component shortages. Despite overall declines, the Nintendo Switch 2 led in unit sales, while Resident Evil Requiem topped software charts.
007 First Light Has Sold 4 Million Units
IO Interactive's 007 First Light has sold four million units since its release last May, making it the second-highest-selling title in the United States year-to-date. The game is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch port planned for September 16th. Future updates include New Game Plus, Path Tracing support, and new missions and gadgets.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 15, 2026 – Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered shoots to the top for Nintendo Switch 2 launch
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered debuted at number one on the UK software sales chart for the week ending August 15, 2026, driven by its launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo titles Pokemon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, and Mario Kart World also performed strongly, holding the second, third, and fourth positions respectively.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 8, 2026 – Resident Evil Requiem on top, Pokemon Pokopia leads for Nintendo Switch 2
Resident Evil Requiem has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending August 8, 2026. Pokemon Pokopia leads for Nintendo Switch 2, rising to third place, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remains at fourth.
Crossfire Developer Lays Off 14 Employees After High-Profile Reveal – Rumor
That's No Moon, the studio developing a new third-person shooter based on Smilegate's Crossfire IP, has reportedly laid off 14 employees. This news follows the game's recent trailer debut at Summer Game Fest. The studio has not officially confirmed the layoffs, which come amid a wave of similar workforce reductions at other gaming companies.
007 First Light, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and More Playable on Switch 2 at Gamescom
Nintendo, Sega, and Xbox will be present at Gamescom, showcasing titles like Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, Splatoon Raiders, and Pokémon Pokopia’s Expansion Pass. Attendees can also expect to play third-party games such as 007 First Light, Minecraft Dungeons 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, EA Sports FC 27, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, the latter being the first Call of Duty title for the Nintendo Switch. Other potential reveals include a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and FromSoftware's The Duskbloods.
FirstLook launches creator-first platform Creators.gg with launch partners IO Interactive and Brain Jar Games
FirstLook has launched Creators.gg, a new platform designed to connect game studios with content creators of all sizes, rewarding performance over follower count. The platform offers creators early access to playtests and unreleased content, with launch partners including IO Interactive and Brain Jar Games. CEO Eden Chen stated the goal is to build rewarding relationships and ensure fair compensation for creators' engagement.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 1, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders holds on strong, physical Xenoblade 1 for Nintendo Switch 2 debuts
The latest UK software sales chart for the week ending August 1, 2026, shows Splatoon Raiders holding strong at number two. The physical release of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition debuted at number sixteen.
GDC Side Quest - A Sit-Down With The Indomitable Sam Beart
Acclaimed actor Samantha Béart, known for her roles in Baldur's Gate III and The Excavation of Hobbs Barrow, discusses her craft and observations on actor participation in game development. The interview also touches on the potential for a Baldur's Gate III television series.
How iGaming Software Developers Borrow DNA from Xbox Hits
The iGaming industry is increasingly drawing inspiration from console games, particularly Xbox titles, to enhance the player experience. Developers are replicating visual elements like neon HUDs and gritty menus, incorporating cinematic music, and adopting game mechanics such as progression bars and environmental unlocks. Major titles like Resident Evil, Call of Duty, and Street Fighter have also been licensed for official slot machine adaptations.
007 First Light Developers Discuss the Glacier Engine in New Behind-the-Scenes Video
IO Interactive released a behind-the-scenes video detailing their proprietary Glacier game engine, used in 007 First Light. The engine, which has roots in Hitman: Codename 47, has undergone significant evolution, with its current modular design emphasizing iteration speed and reusability. The video features insights from senior product manager Andy Touch and technical director Henrik Schlichter.
Double Fine Productions suffers layoffs weeks after going independent
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees, nearly 25% of its workforce, just weeks after becoming an independent studio following its separation from Xbox. The studio stated the layoffs were necessary for its survival and to adjust to its new size as an independent entity. This follows Xbox's broader restructuring efforts which have also impacted other studios.
007 First Light's Switch 2 release date may be closer than we realised
A leak from Amazon Japan suggests that the Nintendo Switch version of IO Interactive's 007 First Light may be released on September 16th. This date aligns with the developer's previous statements about a summer release for the Switch 2 version. The game recently received its first major patch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and has sold nearly 3 million copies since its launch.
007 First Light is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 16th, Per Store Listings
A new store listing from Amazon Japan indicates that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light will be released on September 16th. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak previously stated the port needed more time to ensure quality, aiming for a late summer release. The game, which launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on May 27th, puts players in the role of a young James Bond.
UK software sales chart for the week ending July 25, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders immediately hits #1
Splatoon Raiders debuted at number one on the UK software sales chart for the week ending July 25, 2026. Several other Nintendo titles, including Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Pokemon Pokopia, also charted well. The list features a wide range of games from various publishers.
007 First Light's first major patch is here – and it's a doozy if you're playing on PS5
IO Interactive has released Patch 1.1.0 for 007 First Light, addressing over 200 community-reported issues and introducing two new TacSim missions and unlockable rewards. The patch size varies significantly by platform, with the PlayStation 5 version being the largest at 23.84 GB, while PC and Xbox Series versions are considerably smaller. The studio has stated that further improvements and content updates are already in development.
MindsEye has multiplayer and a grenade football mode now, which the handful of people still playing it will no doubt be…
Despite a poor reception and sales, developer Build A Rocket Boy has released a significant update for its open world shooter MindsEye, adding a team-based multiplayer mode called 'grenade football'. The update also includes new racing circuits, social features, and improvements to enemy physics, AI, and vehicle handling.
Something for the Weekend – 25/07/26
This week's gaming news includes the release date announcement for God of War Laufey, a delay for Tomb Raider Catalyst, and Xbox testing advert-supported game streaming. New titles like Wreckreation 2 and Modern Warfare 4 were also revealed, alongside reviews for Splatoon Raiders, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, and Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Buffs, Nerfs, and Bugs
IO Interactive has removed Denuvo DRM from 007: First Blood. Valve's latest Proton update addresses a game-breaking bug in Diablo IV on Linux systems.
Quoteworthy
Amazon has indicated a desire for IO Interactive to develop a sequel to the game 007: First Light, citing its success. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner is also mentioned in relation to the article's content.