Agent 47 vs James Bond: IO Interactive Outlines the Future of Hitman
IO Interactive has officially confirmed that the world’s most famous assassin is not heading into permanent retirement.
Despite a five-year gap since the last mainline entry, CEO Hakan Abrak insists that Hitman remains the studio’s “ol’ reliable,” with plans to modernize the series once current projects reach the finish line.
Key Takeaways
- IO Interactive will return to the Hitman series after the launches of 007 First Light and the upcoming Project Fantasy.
- 007 First Light is scheduled for a broad release this month, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version confirmed for late summer 2026.
- The studio’s mysterious online RPG, Project Fantasy, is in an advanced stage of development and remains fully funded and secure.
When is the next Hitman game coming out?
While a specific release date has not been set, IO Interactive will begin dedicated work on the next Hitman title following the completion of 007 First Light and Project Fantasy.
CEO Hakan Abrak confirmed in an interview with The Game Business, that they are currently focused on “upgrading, inventing, and innovating” the series’ core systems to ensure a significant leap forward for the franchise.
The current hiatus is not a sign of neglect but rather a result of the studio’s massive ambitions. Developing a brand-new foundation for James Bond required significant resources — essentially building a new platform from the ground up — which left little “air” for a simultaneous Hitman production.
Asking the important business questions to IO Interactive about James Bond and Hitman pic.twitter.com/kJgiSPdAnR
— The Game Business (@thegamebusiness) May 5, 2026
007 First Light: A Strategic Pivot for IO Interactive
The upcoming release of 007 First Light represents the most expensive project in the studio’s history. Despite the high stakes, Hakan Abrak notes that their internal engine and production efficiency allow them to deliver AAA quality for roughly half the cost of typical industry behemoths.
The project benefited from a shifting release calendar. Originally slated for earlier in the year, the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 provided the team with necessary “breathing room” to apply extra polish.
This ensures that the first James Bond outing under the Amazon MGM partnership meets the high expectations of both the license holders and the global community.
Also learn more about how 007 First Light balances Stealth with Action!
Project Fantasy and the Evolution of the IOI Engine
Parallel to the work on Bond, the studio is making significant strides with Project Fantasy. This online RPG is described as being “very, very far along” in development.
Despite recent industry volatility and reports of major publishers scaling back third-party deals, the project remains in a healthy, fully financed state.
The experience gained from building a fantasy world and an online RPG is expected to diversify the studio’s technical skillset. These new systems — ranging from advanced combat to complex social loops — will likely find their way back into the “engine room” when the team eventually returns to the Hitman universe.
Is 007 First Light coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, 007 First Light is confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a release window currently targeted for late summer 2026.
Although the version will arrive after the initial launch on PC and other consoles, the studio is dedicated to ensuring the port meets their high internal standards for performance and visual fidelity.
IO Interactive has a history of supporting Nintendo platforms, previously bringing Hitman World of Assassination to the original Switch via cloud technology. For the sequel’s hardware, the team is opting for a more robust integration to ensure James Bond feels at home on the new handheld.
Professional Standards and the Future of Agent 47
The studio’s third-party publishing arm, IOI Partners, faced a challenging year following the commercial struggles of MindsEye.
However, this has not deterred the leadership from their primary goal: maintaining a direct relationship with their community through self-published, high-quality titles.
When asked who would win a confrontation between Agent 47 and James Bond, Abrak offered a nuanced journalistic verdict. If the situation allows for premeditated planning and cold execution, the advantage goes to 47. However, if the scenario requires rapid improvisation and flair, 007 remains the master of the field.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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