07 First Light
News, coverage and analysis tracking 07 First Light across the outlets.
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Famitsu software sales (6/29/26 – 7/5/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of June 29, 2026, to July 5, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove for Nintendo Switch topped the charts with 393,378 units sold. Several titles, including Ganbare Goemon Daishuugou and R-Type Dimensions 3, debuted on the list across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms.
IO Interactive Shuts Down Istanbul Studio After Project Fantasy Deal With Xbox Falls Through
IO Interactive has announced the closure of its Istanbul studio and layoffs due to the collapse of a funding deal with an external partner for Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and plans to continue its development independently. This decision was made to ensure the long-term survival of IO Interactive as an independent AAA developer and publisher.
10 Best Looking Games of 2026 So Far
This 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 says Project Fantasy isn't dead, but confirms that layoffs are happening
IO Interactive has confirmed layoffs and the closure of its Istanbul studio following the loss of external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of the project and plans to continue developing it independently, shifting focus back to its core internal titles. This news comes after the successful launch of 007 First Light, despite uncertainty regarding future James Bond game development.
Hitman and 007 First Light dev IO Interactive regains "full ownership" of its mysterious online RPG project after Xbox reportedly pulled funding
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its online RPG Project Fantasy after Xbox reportedly pulled its funding. The developer will now independently fund and continue development of the project, while also making staffing changes and closing its Istanbul studio to focus on its core internal titles.
IO Interactive closing Istanbul studio after regaining control of Project Fantasy
IO 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 Far
This 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 strong
The 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.6
Square 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.
PlayStation’s Disc-Free Future Is Starting to Look Like a Walled Garden
Sony 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.
Resident Evil Requiem, 007 First Light, and Crimson Desert Are 2026’s Top-Selling PS5 Games – Rumor
A 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.
Nintendo pre-order updates – July 5, 2026 – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Chef Kawasaki amiibo, more
Nintendo 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 30
Famitsu 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 mission
IO 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 funding
Microsoft 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 RPG
Xbox 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 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.
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.
