IO Interactive, renowned for the Hitman franchise, embarks on a new adventure: Project Fantasy. This ambitious undertaking marks a significant departure from their stealth-action roots, venturing into the vibrant world of online RPGs. This article delves into Project Fantasy, exploring IO Interactive's vision for the genre.

A Bold New Direction for IO Interactive

Project Fantasy: A Vibrant Departure

IO Interactive is charting a new course with Project Fantasy, a departure from the shadowy world of Hitman. Chief Development Officer, Veronique Lallier, describes it as a "vibrant game, not delving into darker fantasy," emphasizing its status as a "passion project" for the studio. While details remain scarce, Lallier expresses considerable excitement for the project, highlighting the significant investment in talent acquisition to support its development. Speculation points towards a live-service RPG model, although the studio remains tight-lipped about specifics, with the officially submitted IP, codenamed Project Dragon, currently classified as an RPG shooter.

Inspired by Fighting Fantasy

Innovative Storytelling and Community Engagement

Project Fantasy draws inspiration from the Fighting Fantasy book series, aiming to revolutionize RPG storytelling. Instead of linear narratives, IO Interactive plans to implement a dynamic system where player choices significantly impact the game world, shaping quests and events. Building on the success of Hitman, the studio emphasizes community engagement, promising to foster a strong player relationship to drive innovation and growth.

With its proven track record and commitment to innovative storytelling, interactive environments, and community engagement, IO Interactive isn't just entering the online RPG market; they're aiming to redefine it. Project Fantasy promises a unique and engaging player experience.