IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series and 007 First Light, is laying off staff following the end of its partnership with an external publisher for Project Fantasy, an online fantasy RPG. The studio remains committed to the project despite these staffing changes, which come after the successful release of 007 First Light, which sold 3 million copies shortly after its launch.
The layoffs coincide with broader restructuring efforts at Microsoft, which is reportedly reassessing its investments in gaming. While the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, IO Interactive has pledged to support those impacted during this transition period.
As IO Interactive navigates these layoffs, keep an eye on how the studio adapts its strategy for Project Fantasy. The ongoing restructuring at Microsoft may influence future partnerships and funding, impacting the RPG's development timeline and potential features.