Hitman
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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.
Hideo Kojima's experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from Microsoft cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from recent cancellations and funding cuts within the Xbox division. Despite Microsoft reevaluating its gaming priorities, sources indicate that OD will continue to be published by Xbox. The game, described as a new form of media blending film and gaming, is being developed by Kojima Productions and features involvement from director Jordan Peele.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be Worse
The gaming industry experienced a particularly bleak week with multiple significant layoffs, studio closures, and price increases. Microsoft's Xbox division saw widespread job cuts, while Sony announced plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028. These events, coupled with delays and the ongoing impact of AI discussions, paint a grim picture for the industry's immediate future.
"I get very excited about trying to invent something new" – Assassin's Creed composer Jesper Kyd reflects on his three-decade career
Composer Jesper Kyd reflects on his three-decade career, highlighting his work on franchises like Assassin's Creed and Hitman. He expresses excitement for creating new themes and innovating in game music, while also acknowledging the practical need for sequels and tested concepts in the industry.
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Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy.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.
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.
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.
IO Interactive look set for layoffs as their external partner for Project Fantasy pulls out
IO Interactive is facing imminent layoffs due to the termination of its relationship with an external partner for its unannounced game, Project Fantasy. While the studio remains committed to the game's development, the split necessitates staffing changes. Project Fantasy was previously revealed in documents to be intended for publishing by Xbox Game Studios.
FINAL BOSS AAA Merch Store Launches Today with Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid Collections
FINAL BOSS, a new merchandise store for gaming brands, has launched today, powered by DPI Merch. The store features collections from iconic franchises including Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, Banjo-Kazooie, Fallout, Hitman, Plants vs. Zombies, and Guild Wars, with more products planned for release. DPI Merchandising LLC specializes in creating high-quality gaming merchandise for industry titans.
007 First Light: How IO Interactive Gets Bond Right
IO Interactive's "007 First Light" successfully captures the essence of James Bond, offering a compelling "year-one" origin story. The game excels in its characterization, particularly through Patrick Gibson's portrayal of a younger, developing Bond, and its modern, critical take on contemporary issues like artificial intelligence and corporate excess.
007: First Light sales hit 3M in less than two weeks
IO Interactive's latest game, 007: First Light, has achieved over 3 million sales in less than two weeks, making it the studio's fastest-selling title to date. CEO Hakan Abrak expressed confidence in the game's profitability, noting that sales have exceeded forecasts. The future of a potential sequel remains uncertain as Amazon, the rights holder for the 007 franchise, has alluded to IO Interactive potentially not returning.
007 First Light Budget Was Not $200 Million, Exec Says As Game Passes 3 Million Sales
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak stated that the James Bond game 007 First Light did not cost $200 million to develop, clarifying that the figure includes bonuses, marketing, and other expenses beyond the game's production cost. The game has surpassed 3 million sales and is tracking above internal forecasts. Abrak also discussed potential sequel involvement with Amazon and how future titles might see reduced development costs, referencing the Hitman series' budget reductions.
Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered Revealed With 2027 Launch Window
IO Interactive and Saber Interactive have announced Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered, a bundle of classic Hitman games rebuilt for modern platforms. The collection is expected to launch with a 2027 window.
HITMAN Classic Trilogy Remastered announced
Saber Interactive and IO Interactive have announced the Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered collection, set for release in 2027. The collection will feature upgraded visuals, enhanced environments, and high-resolution textures for the original trilogy, while preserving the core gameplay mechanics. It will also include a photo mode and an instant graphics toggle to switch between original and enhanced visuals.
IO Interactive announces its partnership with Saber Interactive to bring the Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered Trilogy to modern consoles and PC, Feral Interactive bringing Hitman: Absolution to Nintendo Switch 2
IO Interactive announced a series of updates for the Hitman franchise, including a partnership with Saber Interactive to remaster the classic trilogy for modern platforms and Feral Interactive bringing Hitman: Absolution to Nintendo Switch. The company also revealed a new Elusive Target in Hitman World of Assassination starring Wiz Khalifa, a vinyl collection with Laced Records, and the successful funding of Hitman: The Board Game.
What we've been playing - "Have you ever downloaded a game on Steam just to boot it up and delete it five minutes later?"
Several writers share their recent gaming experiences, including the meticulous character creation process for Dungeons & Dragons, the addictive gameplay of Mina the Hollower on Nintendo Switch, and the emotional conclusion of 007 First Light on PlayStation 5. Other titles discussed include Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and RuneScape, alongside reflections on taking breaks from gaming and enjoying real-world activities.
HITMAN Classic Trilogy Remastered announced
Saber Interactive has announced HITMAN Classic Trilogy Remastered, a new collection of the original three HITMAN games. The remastered trilogy is set for a 2027 release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, featuring updated visuals while preserving the core gameplay mechanics and player freedom that defined the franchise.
Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered Announced
Saber Interactive and IO Interactive have announced the Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered, an updated collection of the first three Hitman games. The remastered trilogy is scheduled for release in 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.