“Innovation and Fresh Ideas Remain Crucial”: IO Interactive Istanbul’s Lisa Kretschmer on State of Games Market

The gaming industry in 2024 faced significant global challenges, characterized by widespread studio closures and restructuring. Despite this volatile climate, the market demonstrated resilience through the success of both established AAA titles and breakout indie hits. The primary takeaway for developers is that market saturation is not the defining issue; rather, the central challenge is the necessity for innovation and the creation of unique, distinct niches to capture player attention in an increasingly crowded landscape.

IO Interactive’s operational strategy reflects this focus on growth and talent development. The company has expanded its footprint across five global locations, including a new studio in Istanbul. A key component of this expansion is the IOI Future Devs program, which integrates students into AAA workflows through part-time roles in quality assurance. This initiative serves as a model for fostering local industry connections and nurturing emerging talent, which remains a priority for the studio’s ongoing development efforts.

Looking toward 2025, the focus remains on ambitious AAA production, specifically the development of Project 007 and Project Fantasy, alongside continued support for the Hitman franchise. The company’s publishing division, IOI Partners, is also set to play a larger role in the ecosystem, notably through the publication of MindsEye. By combining the recruitment of local talent with international expertise, the studio aims to strengthen its position within the Turkish market while maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative gaming experiences on a global scale.