It was four years between Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day in 2002, through to Daniel Craig in Casino Royale in 2006. It appears that the wait between IO Interactive’s first announcement of its James Bond game and when it will come out will be just as long if not longer.
IO Interactive has been oddly silent about what should be its next big upcoming game after Hitman 3. But, as it turns out, there’s a good reason for the crickets – Project 007 isn’t coming out soon.
In the company’s recent annual report for the current fiscal year, management confirmed it is expecting a drop in profits over the “next couple of calendar years.”
Furthermore, management is blaming “long production phases,” citing that the company doesn’t have a full game planned for a release until at least the 2024/25 fiscal year. In other words, Project 007 will be in development for a little over half a decade.
If nothing else, more time in the oven should let IO cook up the best James Bond game of all time. It’s a tall ask for the studio’s first outing, but it’s not like it’s not up to the challenge. Keep in mind that Project 007 will see the return of Hitman: Blood Money’s director. Many consider the 2006 title the best Hitman game ever, so high expectations are a given.
In the meantime, IO Interactive is keeping fans busy with more Hitman 3 content.
