Hitman Developer Reportedly Working on Fantasy Game for Xbox
Hitman developer IO Interactive is reportedly working on a new fantasy IP for Xbox, according to reports by Windows Central and Eurogamer.
Windows Central claims the IO fantasy project is one of several Microsoft is working on with external developers to release under the Xbox Game Studios publishing banner. Eurogamer confirmed Windows Central's report and added the game would be triple A in scope, but is still in early development and is years away from release.
The game's world is currently planned as a large medieval-esque world that includes dragons.
IO Interactive boss Hakan Abrak has previously said IO was working on a third IP separate from both Hitman and its upcoming James Bond 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," Abrak said at a recent GI Live: Online speech. "It is something our core people, our veteran staff, have been dreaming about for some time."
IO already has plans to open a third studio location in Barcelona that will likely see the company dip its toes into publishing the games of other studios. In the same GI Live: Online speech, Abrak also said it's "very likely IO will have one of our games published by someone else. That's very possible."
Neither Microsoft nor IO has yet commented on the reports.
IO is currently ramping up hiring in preparation for its James Bond game, currently known only as Project 007. The studio hopes the game will turn into a trilogy, and aims to double its staff to 400 employees by the time it sees release.
A medieval fantasy game would be a major departure for IO. The studio has only ever set a single game outside of the modern era (2009's Mini Ninjas), but the level of detail in Hitman levels could translate well to building out a convincing fantasy world.
For Xbox, these Xbox Game Studios titles could be a major source of exclusives. The console will need it, as Sony is betting big on exclusives, aiming to bring more to the PlayStation 5 than any previous PlayStation console. A recent GDC survey found developers are more excited to work with the PS5 than the Xbox Series X|S, putting Xbox at a disadvantage from the jump. Microsoft will need to work to make up that ground.