Introduction
If you're a fan of IO Interactive's stealth-action masterpieces like Hitman: World of Assassination, you know the studio doesn't rest on its laurels. Amid the buzz surrounding the imminent release of 007 First Light on May 27, there's a quieter but equally exciting project: an online fantasy RPG announced back in 2023. And once that's out? IO plans to dive back into the Hitman engine room for serious upgrades. This guide will walk you through the key milestones and help you follow the studio's ambitious roadmap. No insider secrets – just the confirmed facts from IO CEO Hakan Abrak's recent interview with The Game Business.
What You Need
- A reliable internet connection – to check official IO Interactive channels (website, social media, press releases).
- Basic familiarity with the franchise – understanding of Hitman: World of Assassination's Freelancer mode and the Bond license helps.
- Patience – game development takes years; this guide covers a multi-year timeline.
- A note-taking app (optional) – to jot down release dates and project names as they appear.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar for 007 First Light's Release
What it is: The James Bond game announced as Project 007, now officially titled 007 First Light. It's set to launch on May 27, 2025 (confirmed by IO CEO Hakan Abrak in a recent interview).
Why it matters: This is IO's first original Bond title and their second major franchise after Hitman. It promises a unique take on the spy genre, separate from the Hitman formula. Abrak says, "Bond is a very different game than Hitman". Building a brand-new core loop and platform from scratch is "very, very hard".
Action points: Visit the official 007 First Light website for pre-order info, system requirements, and trailers. Add May 27 to your calendar. Track news on IO's social platforms for early impressions.
-
Step 2: Understand the Status of the Unnamed Fantasy RPG
What it is: An online fantasy RPG announced by IO Interactive in 2023. It has no official title yet (fan suggestions include “Baldy's Gate” as a joke, but serious bets are on something original). CEO Abrak confirmed in the same interview that this project is “very, very far along”.
Why it matters: This is IO's third simultaneous major project – alongside Hitman updates and the Bond game. It shows the studio's ambition to diversify beyond tactical assassination. The fantasy genre is a new arena for them, and they're building an entirely new foundation: “a foundation for a whole new system and game”.
Action points: Bookmark IO's official site and keep an eye on their careers page – they may hint at fantasy RPG roles. Follow gaming news sites for any teaser reveals. Be aware that after Bond launches, the fantasy game is next in line.
-
Step 3: Prepare for the Return to Hitman
What it is: After the fantasy RPG releases, IO will shift focus back to the Hitman series. According to Abrak, “We're looking forward to getting into the weeds with Hitman again. There hasn't been air for that, for going in and building systems from the ground up, but rest assured: we cannot wait to get into the engine room and upgrade, invent, innovate Hitman again for you guys.”
Why it matters: While Hitman: World of Assassination continues to receive content (like the popular Freelancer mode), a full-fledged new entry or major overhaul is apparently in the cards. This signals that Agent 47's adventures aren't over – they're just on hold while IO tackles other projects.
Source: www.pcgamer.com Action points: Keep playing Hitman: World of Assassination – any future updates or new content may be part of this engine upgrade. Also, note that IO will likely announce a new Hitman game only after the fantasy RPG ships. Set a reminder for 12–18 months from now to check for news.
-
Step 4: Monitor IO's Overall Pipeline
What it is: A high-level view of IO's strategy: 007 First Light (May 2025) → unnamed fantasy RPG (release TBA, likely 2026+) → next Hitman project (beyond that). This is a multi-year roadmap revealed by the CEO.
Why it matters: Understanding the sequence helps manage expectations – you won't expect a new Hitman game the moment Bond drops, and you'll know the fantasy RPG is coming after. Also, Abrak mentioned that IO chose “to do two of those at the same time” – meaning the Bond and fantasy games were developed in parallel, which is a huge undertaking for any studio.
Action points: Subscribe to IO's newsletter (via their website) for direct updates. Follow industry analysts like those at The Game Business for insider interviews. Be patient – game development is slow, but IO's track record suggests quality.
Tips for Staying Up-to-Date
- Don't obsess over release windows – Abrak's “very, very far along” for the fantasy RPG could mean anything from a year to two. Focus on official announcements rather than rumors.
- Check the IGDB occasionally – entries for the unnamed fantasy RPG appear as “IO Interactive’s Fantasy RPG” and may get updated when details surface.
- Engage with the community – Reddit, Discord, and IO's forums often catch early hints. For instance, the fantasy RPG's logo or concept art might leak via job postings.
- Remember IO's history – They delayed Hitman 3 to polish it. Expect similar caution for new IPs. Bond and the fantasy game are both from scratch – they'll take time.
- Use RSS feeds – Add IO's news feed to your reader. Any press release about the fantasy RPG or next Hitman will appear instantly.
- Keep a sense of humor – As one fan joked, the fantasy RPG could be called “Baldy's Gate” (a pun on Agent 47). Until the official title, speculating is part of the fun!
Final thought: 2025 is already shaping up to be a big year for IO with Bond's release, and the years after are equally promising. As Abrak says, “there hasn't been air” for Hitman innovation – but it's coming. Stay patient, stay informed, and you'll be among the first to experience IO's next chapters.