Project Fantasy
News, coverage and analysis tracking Project Fantasy across the outlets.
Latest coverage
007 First Light gets Switch 2 release date, with IO Interactive saying time for "optimisation and performance" was needed
IO Interactive has announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light will be released on March 18, 2027, after an initial delay. The studio cited the need for further "optimisation and performance" work on the new hardware. The game has been a commercial success, passing 4 million sales, and the studio is also independently developing its fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, after a setback with publisher Xbox.
007 First Light gets free new DLC today, adding New Game Plus and Photo modes, new TacSim missions and more
IO Interactive has released a free 'Extended Operations' DLC for 007 First Light, adding highly requested features like New Game Plus, a harder '00' difficulty, and a photo mode. The update also includes improved weapon handling and new TacSim missions, serving as a thank you to players.
IO Interactive announces new sales milestone for James Bond game 007 First Light
IO Interactive announced that its James Bond game, 007 First Light, has surpassed 4 million sales in less than three months. The developer thanked players for their support, with CEO Hakan Abrak previously reporting 2.7 million sales in the first week. The success of the self-published title strengthens the possibility of a sequel, though Amazon, the new owner of the James Bond IP, may seek more involvement.
IO Interactive regains ownership of Project Fantasy IP following end of Xbox deal, shuts down Istanbul studio
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its Project Fantasy intellectual property after Xbox withdrew from a funding deal. This development has led to the closure of the studio's Istanbul branch and staff layoffs, with the company now focusing on its internal core titles. Project Fantasy, described as an online fantasy RPG, will continue to be developed and funded independently by IO Interactive.
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.
After Xbox Pulls Funding, Hitman Dev Is Closing A Studio And Laying People Off
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio and laying off staff after Xbox withdrew funding for its upcoming RPG, Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of the project and its IP, but these cuts were deemed necessary for the company's long-term future and to focus on its core internal titles.
'These are hard, but necessary decisions' — Xbox pulled funding for Io Interactive's 'Project Fantasy' but the developer will continue working on the game independently
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, after Xbox withdrew its funding. The developer will continue to fund and develop the game independently, but will close its Istanbul studio and lay off an unconfirmed number of employees. This decision comes amidst broader restructuring and layoffs at Microsoft.
IO Interactive Closing Studio; Self-publishing Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced it is closing its studio and will self-publish its upcoming online RPG, Project Fantasy. This follows Microsoft's decision to end its partnership with the studio on the project, which was initially revealed in 2023.
IO Interactive Is Closing Its Istanbul Studio Following Loss Of Funding
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio due to a loss of funding for Project Fantasy, stemming from a partnership with Xbox. The company plans to continue developing the game independently.
IO Interactive regains full ownership of Project Fantasy following end of Xbox deal, shuts down Istanbul studio and lays off developers "to find a new balance"
IO Interactive has regained full ownership and control of its upcoming game Project Fantasy following the end of a publishing and funding deal with Xbox. To find a new balance for the studio's long-term future, IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio, laying off developers, and refocusing on internal core titles rather than external projects or mobile derivatives.
After split with Xbox, Hitman developer IO will "continue to develop" Project Fantasy independently, but they're closing their Istanbul Studio
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its fantasy project, Project Fantasy, after a split with Xbox. The developer will now fund and develop the game independently, but has closed its Istanbul studio as part of a restructuring to focus on its core titles. This move allows IO Interactive to maintain its status as an independent AAA developer and publisher.
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.
IO Interactive regains ownership of Project Fantasy, announces layoffs & office closure
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its online RPG Project Fantasy after an external finance partnership, reportedly with Xbox, fell through. This development coincides with the closure of IO Interactive's Istanbul office and unspecified layoffs within the company. The developer plans to continue funding Project Fantasy independently.
IO Interactive to shutter Istanbul studio following end of Project Fantasy deal with Xbox
IO Interactive will close its Istanbul studio following the withdrawal of Xbox's funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. The company cited the decision as necessary to maintain its independence as a AAA developer and publisher. IO Interactive has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and plans to fund and develop it independently.
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.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
Fantasy meets reality: Why turmoil at Xbox is impacting IO Interactive and Project Fantasy
IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is in turmoil after Xbox Game Studios Publishing reportedly pulled its funding. Despite this setback, IO Interactive remains committed to the project and is restructuring to continue development. This situation highlights the shifting priorities within Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, impacting independent studios reliant on external partnerships.
IO Interactive’s online fantasy RPG Project Fantasy sees Xbox pull funding and begins studio layoffs
IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is facing significant challenges as Xbox has withdrawn its funding. This decision has led to studio layoffs, though IO Interactive remains committed to completing the game. Xbox stated that while overall investment in games remains, their investment strategy is shifting.
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.
