IO Interactive, the Copenhagen-based game development studio, has been hinting at a new foray into the world of fantasy role-playing games. However, we’ve heard very little about this new adventure from the creators of the iconic Hitman franchise – until now.
Unveiled in confidential Microsoft documents, the new venture, dubbed “Project Dragon,” is speculated to be an Xbox and PC exclusive, a significant development in the RPG landscape.
For two decades, IO Interactive has captivated gamers with its stealthy world of espionage and assassinations with Agent 47 at the helm. But the studio is now preparing to expand its horizons, diving into a new genre and setting with Project Dragon. The game is described by the developers as a “new world, a new IP—an online fantasy RPG.
Such an ambitious statement has already sparked much speculation and anticipation among the gaming community.
Project Dragon’s revelation originated from a collection of documents presented during the ongoing FTC trial investigating Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In the disclosed information, IO Interactive’s new fantasy RPG was listed under “Expected Release & Previously Shipped Games.” It was categorized as an “RPG Shooter” for the “PC, X|S” platforms, suggesting that the studio’s next venture might be exclusively available on Microsoft’s platforms.
What makes this revelation even more intriguing is the association of Project Dragon with “XGS Publishing,” a known alias for Xbox Game Studios. Given that the game has been listed under the umbrella of Microsoft’s publishing division, it seems that this new title might join the ranks of Xbox exclusives. Such a move could significantly bolster Xbox’s RPG offerings, especially considering that Microsoft recently passed on Genshin Impact, another RPG titan.
While details about Project Dragon remain relatively sparse, it’s clear that IO Interactive is pulling no punches in setting up an ambitious venture. The team has issued several job openings related to the game, emphasizing their commitment to the creation of an immersive and expansive online RPG.
IO Interactive’s move into the realm of RPGs, particularly fantasy, denotes a significant departure from their past titles. The studio’s diversification is a testament to its innovation and adaptability, as it seems prepared to venture beyond its comfort zone of stealth action games.
The potential exclusivity of Project Dragon on Xbox platforms aligns with Microsoft’s aggressive acquisition strategy to be more diverse with its offerings to boost its Game Pass service. Notably, the disclosed Microsoft document also lists IO Interactive as a potential acquisition, hinting that the studio could be next on Microsoft’s acquisition radar.
If IO Interactive were to join Xbox Game Studios, Project Dragon’s exclusivity could be even more as it joins the likes of the platform’s list of upcoming games, Avowed, Fable, and Starfield, among others.
However, one can’t help but wonder if IO Interactive is up to the task of developing a fantasy RPG. But, if Microsoft acquires the studio, it’ll have plenty of help from others that are more experienced in the same field. Besides, Xbox Game Studios seems ot be in the business of making games out of left field.
Case in point, who would’ve thought that Playground Games would make a fantasy RPG like Fable?
As IO Interactive prepares to trade the shadowy world of assassins for a fiery fantasy realm, gamers eagerly anticipate the opportunity to dive into this bold new venture.
Unfortunately, we shouldn’t expect to hear more about Project Dragon outside of confidential documents and leaks at least until after IO Interactive is finished working on its James Bond game.
