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IO Interactive regains full ownership of Project Fantasy following end of Xbox deal, shuts down Istanbul studio and lays off developers "to find a new balance"
Eurogamer.net • • technology
Key Points:
- IO Interactive has regained full ownership and funding control of Project Fantasy after Xbox ended its publishing and funding partnership for the game.
- The studio will now focus on developing and funding Project Fantasy independently, alongside its other projects, while shifting its business strategy toward internal core titles rather than external projects or mobile game derivatives.
- IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio and initiating staff reductions, although the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed.
- The renewed focus on internal IPs and core titles suggests that a new Hitman game featuring Agent 47 may become a higher priority for the studio moving forward.
- The future of potential follow-ups to 007: First Light and partnerships with Amazon MGM Studios remains uncertain amid these strategic changes.
