Xbox withdraws funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy

Xbox has ended its partnership with IO Interactive to fund and publish the online fantasy RPG Project Fantasy. The move follows a recent restructuring at the company and comes shortly after IO Interactive's successful release of 007 First Light.

IO Interactive announced the development yesterday in a statement. It said a relationship with an external partner on Project Fantasy has come to an end and will lead to staffing decisions in the short term.

The studio added that it remains fully committed to the project. "This wonderful universe will see the light of day," the statement read.

Bloomberg identified the partner as Microsoft's Xbox division. An Xbox spokesperson said the company is focusing on its highest priorities while maintaining overall investment levels in games.

Project Fantasy began development around 2021 and was announced in 2023. It is led by IOI co-owner Christian Elverdam. Xbox's broader restructuring under new leadership is set to begin on July 6.

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Illustration of Amazon affirming partnership with IO Interactive for future James Bond games
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Amazon affirms partnership with IO Interactive for Bond games

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Amazon has clarified its ongoing relationship with IO Interactive following the successful launch of 007 First Light. The company stated it holds rights to future James Bond video games but said it is too early to discuss sequels. The comments address online speculation after earlier remarks by an Amazon executive.

IO Interactive announced staffing cuts on June 30 after an external partner withdrew from its new IP Project Fantasy. The studio remains committed to releasing the game despite the change.

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Microsoft is reportedly considering the closure of Arkane Studios along with four other studios as part of a broad reset of its Xbox division. The changes could also result in the cancellation of the Marvel's Blade game.

Microsoft is weighing options to restructure its Xbox division, including turning it into a wholly-owned subsidiary. The move aims to boost the business performance of the gaming unit.

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IO Interactive says it is really happy that recent previews of 007: First Light are making clear the James Bond game is not like its Hitman series. The studio wants players to understand the differences ahead of the May 27 release.

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