IO Interactive has announced that it’s creating an online fantasy RPG. The Hitman developer is pivoting to a new genre with the new project being inspired by gamebooks like Fighting Fantasy that let readers choose their own path.
“We are embarking on a new adventure. One that expands our creativity, our capabilities, and in some sense our identity. We are building a new world, a new IP: an online fantasy RPG,” IO Interactive said in a statement.
The developer continued: “A world and a game built from the core to entertain players and expand for many years to come. It feels familiar, yet at the same time IOI is going on a journey unlike any we have been on before.”
A new adventure begins at IOI. Join the party and help us realize our vision for a bold new online fantasy RPG: https://t.co/NV4TKL1cuO pic.twitter.com/m2xDZCqbZx
— IO Interactive (@IOInteractive) February 28, 2023
The company explained that the diversity of roles within the Fighting Fantasy books reflected how it wanted to build the game. Tabletop game roles such as game master, storyteller, guide, and villain brought everyone together to create unique experiences.
Now, IO Interactive is looking to bring on more people for the fantasy project, saying: “All studios take part in making all our games, including this new endeavor. People from all over the world with diverse personalities and skillsets are coming together to forge a new beginning.”
In 2020, IO Interactive revealed that it was working on a James Bond game. Later in 2021, it said it was also working on an additional new IP as well, but didn’t offer any further details. It was then reported that it was a fantasy IP that included creatures like dragons. Now, the report has been confirmed.
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He’s been writing about the industry since 2019 and has worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR, and Variety.
When not writing about video games, George is playing video games. What a surprise! You can follow him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey