07 First Light
News, coverage and analysis tracking 07 First Light across the outlets.
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new fantasy RPG, prompting layoffs as Microsoft insists "we're not reducing our overall investment in games"Xbox has withdrawn funding for IO Interactive's upcoming online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to layoffs at the developer.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.
Hitman, 007 First Light Studio Begins Layoffs As Its Fantasy RPG Project Suffers SetbacksIO 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.- 007 First Light, Hitman Developer IO Interactive Announces Layoffs After 'Relationship With an External Partner' on Fantasy Project EndsIO Interactive, the developer behind Hitman and the upcoming 007 First Light, has announced layoffs. This comes after a fantasy project, reportedly set to be published by Xbox, faced an unexpected setback due to a severed relationship with an external partner.
The Best Xbox And Game Pass Games Of 2026 So Far – The Must-Plays From January To JuneThe first half of 2026 has been a strong period for Xbox and Game Pass, featuring a diverse range of critically acclaimed titles. Highlights include the horror game REANIMAL, the reinvented Resident Evil Requiem, the unique word-based roguelike Beyond Words, and the highly anticipated Hades II. Other standout releases include TerraTech Legion, Dungeon Clawler, Forza Horizon 6, and the new James Bond title 007 First Light, many of which launched day one on Game Pass.- Game ReviewsDSOGaming has published a review for the game 007 First Light on PC. The review likely covers gameplay, graphics, and overall impressions of the title.
PlayStation hardware sales fall to their lowest May total since 2000 | US Monthly ChartsPlayStation 5 unit sales in the US saw a significant 58% year-on-year drop in May, reaching their lowest point since 2000, following a price increase. Xbox unit sales also hit a record low for May. Despite this, overall US hardware spending rose 38% due to strong Nintendo Switch 2 performance, and total US video game spending increased by 3%.
PlayStation and Xbox console sales hit record lows in US amid price hikesUS console sales for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S have reached record lows in May, attributed to significant price increases. While overall hardware spending grew due to the Nintendo Switch's strong performance, the average price paid for consoles has risen substantially. This trend is expected to continue until major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 in November.- Morning PatchesSeveral games have received official updates, including 007 First Light version 1.0.6, Aeterna Noctis - Ultimate Edition, and BREAK ARTS III version 2.0. Factorio also released its Friday Facts #444 detailing the 2.1 Experimental branch.
Looks like there's no firm favourite for 2026's GOTY just yet, though there are two standoutsAs 2026 progresses, the race for Game of the Year is still wide open, with no clear frontrunner among players. Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert are currently the top two contenders based on a reader poll, though many participants felt none of the provided options were their definitive choice. The article highlights various other games receiving votes, including 007 First Light, Slay the Spire 2, and Marathon.
Best-selling games in the U.S. for May 2026 – Yoshi and the Mysterious Book cracks the top 10Circana has released the top-selling video game list for the U.S. in May 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remains a top seller at #5, while the new release Yoshi and the Mysterious Book debuted at #8. Other notable entries include 007 First Light, Forza Horizon 6, and Crimson Desert.
Famitsu software sales (6/15/26 – 6/21/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released its weekly Japanese software sales data for the period of June 15-21, 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch topped the charts with 34,957 units sold. The list includes sales figures for various titles across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.
May 2026 US Console Sales Marked The Worst May Ever for Xbox, Worst May for PlayStation Since 2000May 2026 saw the worst US hardware sales for Xbox and the worst May since 2000 for PlayStation, attributed to significant price increases across consoles. While Xbox unit sales declined, revenue grew due to higher prices, whereas PlayStation experienced drops in both units sold and revenue. Nintendo's Switch 2 continued to sell well, though future price hikes may pose a challenge. In software, IO Interactive's 007 First Light topped the charts, followed by Forza Horizon 6 and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
007 First Light Tops US Sales Charts For May 2026, Hits Fourth Place for Overall 2026 SalesIn May 2026, 007 First Light topped the US video game sales charts, followed by Forza Horizon 6 and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Resident Evil Requiem remains the best-selling game of 2026 year-to-date, with 007 First Light in fourth place. Total video game spending in the US for May 2026 reached $4.2 billion, a 3% increase over the previous year, with consoles showing a significant 25% rise in spending, despite a decline in hardware unit sales for both PlayStation and Xbox.
"Mission Impossible is high on my list" – how Paramount plans to use co-dev to exploit its archive, while building its own all-new IPParamount has merged its video game divisions into the new Paramount Games Studio, led by EVP Dan Prigg. The studio aims to leverage Paramount's extensive IP archive through co-development and internal projects, targeting PC, console, Roblox, and mobile platforms. While exploiting existing franchises like Mission Impossible and Star Trek is a focus, the studio is also developing original IP, aiming for games to potentially inspire future linear entertainment.- Razer Put RGB Lighting In A Gaming Chair, And Honestly, It Was Only A Matter Of TimeRazer has introduced the Soma Chroma, its first wireless RGB gaming chair, priced at $500 and launching in July. The chair features reactive lighting around the shoulders and head, capable of syncing with over 300 games via PC. It also includes 10 lighting presets and can be powered by a power bank through a USB-C connection.
Razer announces Soma Chroma RGB gaming chairRazer has announced the Soma Chroma, a new gaming chair featuring customizable RGB lighting that can sync with gameplay from over 300 integrated titles. The chair, priced at $499 USD, is designed for immersion and offers a battery power option for unrestricted movement. It is scheduled for release on June 25, 2026.
Zelda Breath of the Wild's most important lesson lives on in 007 First LightThe article analyzes how the game design philosophy of improvisation in 007 First Light, developed by IO Interactive, makes its combat system engaging. This approach is compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's weapon degradation mechanic, which also encourages players to adapt and think on their feet, ultimately leading to more dynamic gameplay experiences.