IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak stated that AAA single-player games can be developed for roughly half the budgets commonly reported in the industry. He highlighted the studio's efficient approach with its engine and talent to control costs on ambitious projects like 007 First Light. Abrak emphasized sustainable development over short-term recouping.
Rising budgets for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S games have pushed AAA blockbusters beyond $300 million in some cases, raising concerns about the viability of the AA middle tier. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak argued that studios with discipline can keep costs under control. He pointed to the Hitman trilogy as proof of delivering quality AAA single-player games while building lasting communities, culminating in the World of Assassination edition with a roguelike mode. Published on 2026-05-05, these comments reflect IO Interactive's long-term strategy for projects like 007 First Light, described as the studio's most expensive yet still far below industry norms before marketing. Abrak told The Game Business, “these games can be done for half of what you hear about out there.” In a prior interview, he estimated Hitman (2016) at around $100 million, Hitman 2 at $60 million, and Hitman 3 at $20 million, achieved by reusing assets like avoiding new toilet models each time. “It’s about bang for the buck,” Abrak said, focusing on team composition, production basis, and viewing games as journeys rather than quick recoups. He compared this to Saber Interactive's approach with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, made affordably using cheaper Eastern European labor.
