IO Interactive Closes Istanbul Studio, Lays Off Staff Amid Xbox Funding Cut
IO Interactive, the developer behind James Bond and Hitman games, has laid off staff and closed its Istanbul studio due to Xbox's withdrawal of funding for its online role-playing game, Project Fantasy. The studio retains full ownership of the project and will continue to develop it independently.
Key points
- IO Interactive, a Danish video game developer, has closed its Istanbul studio and laid off staff due to Xbox's funding cut for Project Fantasy.
- The studio has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and will continue to develop the game independently.
- IO Interactive will focus on its core titles, including James Bond and Hitman games, to ensure the long-term future of the studio.
- The studio is committed to supporting laid-off staff and finding them new job opportunities.
- IO Interactive aims to maintain its independence as a AAA developer and publisher, with Project Fantasy as a key project.
IO Interactive, the Danish video game developer behind James Bond and Hitman games, has made significant changes to its operations. The studio has closed its Istanbul studio and laid off staff due to Xbox's withdrawal of funding for its online role-playing game, Project Fantasy.
Despite the setback, IO Interactive has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and will continue to develop the game independently. The studio's focus will now shift to its core titles, including James Bond and Hitman games, to ensure the long-term future of the studio.
IO Interactive has expressed its commitment to supporting laid-off staff and finding them new job opportunities. The studio aims to maintain its independence as a AAA developer and publisher, with Project Fantasy as a key project.
The decision to close the Istanbul studio and lay off staff is a hard but necessary one, according to IO Interactive. The studio believes that this move will give Project Fantasy the best possible foundation to succeed under its own passion and direction.
IO Interactive's statement on X highlights the importance of retaining its independence as a AAA developer and publisher. The studio's commitment to Project Fantasy and its core titles will likely be closely watched by the gaming industry.
The impact of Xbox's funding cut on Project Fantasy is significant, but IO Interactive's determination to continue developing the game independently is a positive sign for the project's future. The gaming industry will be watching IO Interactive's next moves closely.
Sources
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