Ongoing Report Suggests IO Interactive Working On New Xbox Fantasy IP

In the undergoings for all things Xbox, the uncertainty from Microsoft is slowly becoming transparent with more projects on the way in recent months. Franchises like Halo, Forza Motorsport, and State of Decay – although landmark properties – surely are not what players anticipate to bring fresh takes to its ever expanding audience. However, rumors online continue to linger on the surface to keep fans on their toes.

Coming from Windows Central, it is told that IO Interactive is conjuring a new, unique IP for the Xbox platform which branches beyond the practical action scenes fans are familiar with Hitman already. Even going beyond what is expected for the forthcoming Project 007, the unnamed project is told to feature fantastical creatures and holds an emphasis on dragons.

Previously when speaking with Game Informer earlier on in 2021, IO Interactive CCO Christian Everdam explained that more ambitions are already in the studio’s pipeline outside of the coming James Bond game. Windows Central elaborates further in its ‘Xbox Rumor Report’ which you can watch the segment below:

As highlighted by Windows Central, gamesindustry.biz spoke with IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak who spared some information on the new game. “Without going into too much detail, we have a third universe that we’re working actively on, which is a bit different and absolutely a love child. It is something our core people, our veteran staff, have been dreaming about for some time.”

Additionally, Eurogamer chimes in to also share in corroboration with the claim by Windows Central. Atop of the subject being linked to Xbox Game Studios, the fantasy-based property is also echoed by the sources that spoke with the publication. Presumed to be yet another AAA project, a new job listing could perhaps being revealing more details.

From a job posting made by IO Interactive for a Executive Producer, the page asks for the possible candidate to “head our AAA multiplayer project.” In the past, there has been reference of a online-focused title with the opening of the team’s Malmo studio. Rectify Gaming speculated it to be in relevance to the recent rating for Freedom Fighters on PC, but, the new information suggests to be for the reported fantasy title.

Of course, the report while potentially holding water is still a rumor until properly announced. Windows Central goes on to suggest keeping expectations low as the game is still early in development and could evolve into something non-identical to what is currently reported. Recently, IO Interactive opened a new studio in Barcelona, Spain. You can read the full report by heading here.

What are your thoughts on IO Interactive possibly making a new Xbox IP?

Source: Windows Central