07 First Light
News, coverage and analysis tracking 07 First Light across the outlets.
10 Best Looking Games of 2026 So FarThis article ranks the 10 best-looking games released in the first half of 2026, highlighting advancements in graphical fidelity and immersive world design. Titles like Resident Evil Requiem, RIDE 6, and Forza Horizon 6 are praised for their stunning visuals, character models, and environmental details, showcasing how current hardware allows developers to blur the line between reality and virtual worlds.
IO Interactive closing Istanbul studio after regaining control of Project FantasyIO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio following Xbox's withdrawal of financing for the online RPG Project Fantasy. Although IO Interactive has regained full ownership of the project, the studio must now find a new balance and focus on its main internal titles. The closure is described as a necessary step to ensure the long-term future of the independent AAA developer and publisher.
10 Best Games of 2026 So FarThis article ranks the top 10 video games released in the first half of 2026. Titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert, and Forza Horizon 6 are highlighted for their innovative gameplay, compelling stories, and impressive visuals. The list also features LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, Mouse: P.I. For Hire, Pragmata, Saros, Nioh 3, 007 First Light, and Pokémon Pokopia.
UK software sales chart for the week ending July 4, 2026 – Rhythm Heaven Groove debuts in the top 5, Star Fox still going strongThe latest UK software sales chart for the week ending July 4, 2026, shows Rhythm Heaven Groove debuting at number 5 and Star Fox holding strong at number 4. EA SPORTS FC 26 leads the chart, with a variety of other titles from Nintendo, Capcom, and Electronic Arts filling out the top 20.- UK charts: The Adventures of Elliot arrives at No.6Square Enix's new HD-2D adventure, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, debuted at number six on the UK's physical game sales charts. The best-selling game overall was 007 First Light.
Resident Evil Requiem, 007 First Light, and Crimson Desert Are 2026’s Top-Selling PS5 Games – RumorA report from Alinea Analytics estimates the top-selling PlayStation 5 games of 2026, with Resident Evil Requiem leading sales at 3.5 million copies. Other titles mentioned include 007 First Light, Crimson Desert, and Forza Horizon 5, with Forza Horizon 6 also anticipated. The report focuses on physical sales figures and revenue generated on the PlayStation 5 platform.
PlayStation’s Disc-Free Future Is Starting to Look Like a Walled GardenSony Interactive Entertainment's decision to cease manufacturing physical game discs after January 2028 has been met with significant backlash, with many viewing it as a move towards a restrictive digital-only ecosystem. This shift prioritizes Sony's control over ownership and revenue, potentially alienating consumers and impacting retailers who rely on physical sales. The company's move is seen as a strategic business decision driven by increasing digital sales and a desire to control the market, rather than consumer preference.
Nintendo pre-order updates – July 5, 2026 – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Chef Kawasaki amiibo, moreNintendo has released its latest pre-order updates for July 5, 2026, featuring a variety of games and amiibo across multiple regions. Notable new releases include The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered and the Chef Kawasaki amiibo. The list details upcoming titles for Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, with release dates and available retailers.
Famitsu software sales (6/22/26 – 6/28/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released its latest Japanese software sales data for the week of June 22-28, 2026. Star Fox debuted at number one on the Nintendo Switch 2, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream continues to perform well on the standard Nintendo Switch. The data includes sales figures for both new releases and ongoing popular titles across multiple platforms.- Four days left to challenge Wiz Khalifa in the new HITMAN World of Assassination Elusive Target missionIO Interactive has provided an update on the Elusive Target mission "The Wizard" in HITMAN World of Assassination, featuring Wiz Khalifa. The mission, available for free until July 5, 2026, on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, has seen over one million active players. A new DLC pack, "The Wizard Pack," is also available for purchase.
007 developer suffers layoffs and Blade faces cancellation as Xbox cuts fundingMicrosoft is reportedly considering closing at least five studios, including Arkane Studios, which is working on Marvel's Blade, and has pulled funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy. These cuts follow Xbox boss Asha Sharma's promise of a company 'reset' and are expected to lead to significant layoffs. While Arkane's Blade is at risk of cancellation due to budget overruns, IO Interactive remains committed to Project Fantasy despite the funding setback.
007 First Light studio IOI facing layoffs as Xbox pulls funding for Project Fantasy RPGXbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision will lead to layoffs at the Hitman and 007 First Light developer. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though they maintain their overall investment in games remains the same.
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 lineDespite 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 finansieringIo 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.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next projectXbox 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 RequiemThis 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.
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."
Ahead of next week's expected Xbox bloodbath, IO Interactive loses funding for its online fantasy RPGIO 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 FantasyIO 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.