Publishing Deals
Ongoing coverage on Publishing Deals.
Latest coverage
Xbox ends deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's Project Fantasy; redundancies expected
Xbox has ended its deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision, attributed to Xbox reshaping its investment priorities, is expected to lead to redundancies at IO Interactive. Despite the setback, IO Interactive remains committed to releasing the game.
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 Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative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.
IO Interactive warns of 'staffing decisions' as Xbox pulls out of deal to publish Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced that Xbox has withdrawn its partnership to publish and fund their online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision may lead to short-term consequences for the developer, including potential staffing changes. The game was previously stated to be in a healthy development state as recently as May 2026.
RuneScape Dragonwilds is headed to several Asian territories thanks to ‘landmark’ publishing deals
Jagex has announced a landmark publishing deal that will bring RuneScape: Dragonwilds to Japan via Graph and to South Korea and Southeast Asia through H2 Interactive. The game is set to launch its 1.0 version on September 15th, which may also coincide with its expanded global release. The article also details ongoing early access development and planned fixes for various in-game issues.
IO Interactive Delighted About 007 First Light Performance, Explains Development Budget
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak expressed delight over 007 First Light selling 3 million copies in its first week, exceeding expectations. He confirmed the game's reported $200 million budget includes development, marketing, and bonuses, though not solely the product cost. Future sequels will be published by Amazon Game Studios.
IO Interactive Won't Self-Publish Future James Bond Games; Amazon Will Have More Control
IO Interactive will not self-publish future James Bond games, with Amazon and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set to take over publishing duties for titles like 007 First Light. This marks a shift in the franchise's publishing strategy, giving Amazon and MGM more control over the series.
Hasbro cancel Dungeons and Dragons action game helmed by Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order director, leaving studio hunting for new publishing deal
Hasbro has canceled the publishing of a Dungeons and Dragons action game developed by Giant Skull, led by former Star Wars Jedi director Stig Asmussen. The decision was made earlier this year after reviewing an early concept, leaving Giant Skull to seek a new publishing partner. Hasbro stated they value their ongoing relationship with Asmussen and his team.
Dungeons & Dragons Game by Giant Skull Has Been Cancelled
Hasbro, through its subsidiary Wizards of the Coast, has cancelled a Dungeons & Dragons game being developed by Giant Skull due to the termination of their publishing deal. Industry veteran Stig Asmussen, founder of Giant Skull, confirmed the cancellation and is seeking new publishing partners. The game was not intended to be a successor to the Baldur's Gate franchise.
CI Games and Epic Games terminate Lords of the Fallen II publishing deal
CI Games and Epic Games have terminated their publishing deal for Lords of the Fallen II. The agreement, originally signed in June 2024, granted Epic exclusive PC distribution rights for the game's entire lifecycle. Lords of the Fallen II is still slated for a 2026 release on console and PC platforms.
Former Xbox exec regrets not securing Final Fantasy on the console, says Square Enix "wanted Sony to have competition but couldn't be too overt"
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries expressed regret over not securing more Final Fantasy titles for the original Xbox, stating that Square Enix wanted to provide competition for Sony but was hesitant to be too overt. He explained that Japanese publishers feared repercussions from Sony if they supported Xbox too strongly. Despite these challenges, Xbox eventually secured some Square Enix titles and key exclusives like Halo.
Hitman's planned crossover with MindsEye is cancelled as the publishing deal with IO Interactive is officially over
Build a Rocket Boy has announced the end of its publishing deal with IO Interactive, resulting in the cancellation of a planned Hitman crossover mission. The developer confirmed that its game, MindsEye, will still receive planned expansions and a multiplayer mode.
