Hitman studio IO Interactive is reportedly working on an exclusive game for Xbox, according to a report.
A video posted byWindows Central Gamingsuggests that the Hitman developer has teamed up withMicrosoftto work on the new “dragon-themed IP”, which will reportedly be published under theXboxGame Studios banner.
The report refers to aGamesIndustry.bizinterview withIO Interactive‘s CEO Hakan Abrak, in which he confirmed the team was working on other projects besides an already announced James Bond title.
“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 in the interview.
“It is something our core people, our veteran staff, have been dreaming about for some time.”
Windows Central Gaming’sJez Corden tweetedthat he had evidence Microsoft and IO had been discussing the dragon-themed IP a while back, and that this interview with Abrak suggested the project was now underway.
This wascorroborated by Twitter user Kobrille, who specialises in reporting on Xbox Game Studios news.
On the day the Abrak interview was published, Kobrilletweeted: “Sometimes there are gaming news which seem boring on the surface, but actually are the beginning of something ambitious and have a direct connection to Xbox. That sometimes moment happened this week.”
So, yea. I guess this is out in the wild then.It’s early, and years away. But it’s exciting.https://t.co/7BBmRwTSwq
Following Windows Central Gaming’s report, Kobrille confirmed: “I guess this is out in the wild then. It’s early, and years away. But it’s exciting.”
Abrak recently said IO Interactive receiveda number of “really attractive” acquisitionoffers following its split from former parent companySquare Enix, but ultimately chose to go it alone.
As well as the reported dragon-themed IP with Xbox, IO is currently working onan officially licensed James Bond game, with the working title Project 007.
