IO Interactive, developers of the well-renown Hitman games, have announced that they are working on an online fantasy RPG. The new IP, currently known as Project Fantasy, is in the early stages of development.
“We are building a new world, a new IP – an online fantasy RPG.” The developer said in a blog post. “A world and a game built from the core to entertain players and expand for many years to come.”
“It feels familiar, yet at the same time IOI is going on a journey unlike any we have been on before.”
IOI says that the game is a “deeply personal one” that will seemingly take inspiration from tabletop games and classic choose your own adventure books.
“For many, this journey is also a deeply personal one that began long before we started making games for a living – and it started with the fantasy genre.” The post read. “From the “Fighting Fantasy” books compelling you to choose your path, alone, against wizards, lizards, and thief kings. To the togetherness, camaraderie, agony, and delight found around the tabletop.”
“For some it meant taking the role of a game master: Part storyteller, part AI opponent, part guide, part villain. For everyone around that table it meant creativity, imagination, building a world together, and a shared goal in creating a great game experience.”
The game will be a collaborative effort across IOI’s studios in Copenhagen, Malmö and Barcelona, with all three locations currently hiring for the game.
“We hope you sense the warmth, the danger, the togetherness, and the heart we put into it… And if you do, we would be honoured if you join us.”
Back in 2021, multiple reports from outlets such as Windows Central and Eurogamer claimed that IO Interactive were partnering with Xbox to produce a new AAA IP; it’s likely that Project Fantasy is the IP the reports were referring to.
In addition to Project Fantasy, IOI is also working on an officially licenced James Bond game currently known as Project 007. In a 2021 interview with Danish publication DR, studio head Hakan Abrak said that the Bond game will be a “wholly original” story with their own “digital Bond”.
[…] working on an officially licensed James Bond game, with the working title Project 007. Last month, IOI announced that they are also developing an online fantasy RPG, currently named Project […]