Most recently, IO Interactive repurposed its Hitman 3 release into ‘Hitman World of Assassination’ which entangles the original trilogy into one major title. And while the firm is active enough to restructure its Hitman series, little can be said for Project 007. The firm announced the new title years ago with promise of a trilogy. But the firm has sparingly said not much on the game.

Additionally, reports have circulated in recent months disclosing a new effort internally at IO Interactive on a new Xbox fantasy game. The dragon-themed project has been said to be “love child” for the developer with many of the veteran staff viewing the game as a passion project. In its previous annual report, the firm also reaffirmed a new IP was on the way.

According to IO Interactive in a new press release this week, the developer confirms ‘Project Fantasy’ is on its own two feet and shares the first concept art for the new IP.

Now we are sharing with all of you, that we are embarking on a new adventure! One that expands our creativity, our capabilities, and in some sense our identity. We are building a new world, a new IP – an online fantasy RPG. 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.

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. 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.

“This idea – that a diverse group of individuals with different skills and strengths can work together and become more than the sum of their parts – is what inspires us. It inspires the fantasy world we are building – and it inspires how we build it,” the statement continues. “IOI now spans multiple distinct studios, from Copenhagen and Malmö in the north to warm Barcelona in the south. All studios take part in making all our games, including this new endeavor.

“People from all over the world with diverse personalities and skillsets are coming together to forge a new beginning. This is just the start of our journey into this new world we are making. We hope you sense the warmth, the danger, the togetherness, and the heart we put into it… And if you do, we would be honored if you join us.“

Are you interested to see what Project Fantasy has to offer?

Source: IO Interactive