Stealth Game

IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak discusses the studio’s current trajectory, focusing on the upcoming release of 007 First Light, the studio’s expansion, and its long-term development strategy. Following the success of the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy, which reached 25 million units and 18 million players, the studio has leveraged its independence to pursue ambitious projects while maintaining a sustainable, community-focused development model.

The studio’s primary focus is the launch of 007 First Light, an original James Bond title developed over seven years. Abrak emphasizes that the game is an original narrative rather than a movie tie-in, designed to showcase the studio’s unique "DNA" while introducing new gameplay systems distinct from the Hitman series. Despite the high-budget nature of the project, Abrak asserts that the studio’s proprietary engine and efficient development practices allow for AAA quality at a lower cost than industry standards. The game is also slated for a Nintendo Switch 2 release, with the studio prioritizing polish to ensure performance parity.

Regarding broader operations, the studio remains committed to its own intellectual properties. While the company previously experimented with third-party publishing, the experience with MindsEye highlighted the need for deeper creative and production involvement in future partnerships. Meanwhile, Project Fantasy remains in a healthy financial state, and the studio is preparing to return its focus to the Hitman franchise to innovate and upgrade the series after the launch of its current projects. Abrak maintains that the studio’s independence allows it to carefully select projects that align with its creative vision, ensuring long-term sustainability in a competitive global market.

IO Interactive’s current strategic trajectory centers on achieving sustainable AAA game development by prioritizing production efficiency and long-term franchise value over rapid, wasteful expansion. Following the development of Hitman: Absolution, the studio shifted its operational philosophy to move away from "throwaway" production cycles. This transition led to the creation of a modular "brick system" for the World of Assassination trilogy, which allowed the studio to reuse foundational technology and assets across multiple installments. This approach significantly reduced development costs for subsequent entries while maintaining high critical acclaim, demonstrating that iterative, service-based single-player experiences can remain financially viable and increasingly profitable over time.

The studio’s current portfolio reflects this commitment to longevity and cross-platform accessibility. With the upcoming release of 007 First Light in 2026, IO Interactive is applying these efficiency-focused lessons to a major licensed property, aiming to blend narrative depth with the kinetic, free-form action mechanics evolved from the Hitman series. Simultaneously, the studio continues to support Hitman through new content, such as the recently announced co-op mode and native ports for the Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring that existing intellectual property remains a growing, evergreen asset.

IO Interactive currently employs over 500 staff members across multiple European locations. Despite the broader industry trend of aggressive scaling followed by recent market corrections, the studio maintains a cautious approach to growth, prioritizing cultural stability and creative autonomy. By balancing self-publishing efforts—including the recent publication of MindsEye—with the development of its own original and licensed IPs, the studio aims to maintain its independence. The ultimate goal is to sustain a high-impact, high-quality output that remains resilient against the unpredictable nature of the modern AAA market.