IO Interactive has regained full control of its upcoming Project Fantasy game after ending a publishing partnership with Xbox. The studio is closing its Istanbul location and reducing staff to refocus on internal projects.
The Danish developer announced the changes on July 7. In a post on X, the company stated it has regained full ownership of the project and its IP following the end of external finance from Xbox.
IO Interactive said it will continue developing and funding Project Fantasy independently. The studio is shifting emphasis to its core internal titles rather than external projects or mobile derivatives.
As part of the adjustments, the company is closing its Istanbul studio and parting ways with some employees. The number of layoffs has not been disclosed.
Project Fantasy is described as a long-term world and game. The studio's recent release 007: First Light is not directly affected by the announcement.