Hitman Devs Unveils Ambitious "Project Fantasy" to Revolutionize Online Role-Playing

IO Interactive, celebrated for the Hitman franchise, embarks on a new adventure with Project Fantasy, a promising entry into the online RPG landscape. This article delves into Project Fantasy and IO Interactive's vision for the genre.

A Bold New Direction

Project Fantasy: A Vibrant New Venture

Project Fantasy marks a significant departure for IO Interactive, moving away from the stealth-focused gameplay of Hitman. Veronique Lallier, Chief Development Officer, describes it as a "vibrant game, not delving into darker fantasy," emphasizing its status as a "passion project." While details remain scarce, Lallier expresses considerable excitement, highlighting the studio's commitment to the project through targeted hiring of developers, artists, and animators. Speculation points towards a live-service RPG model, although official confirmation is pending. Intriguingly, the game's internal codename, Project Dragon, is categorized as an RPG shooter.

Inspired by Fighting Fantasy: Innovative Storytelling and Community Engagement

IO Interactive draws inspiration from the Fighting Fantasy book series, aiming to integrate branching narratives and redefine storytelling in Project Fantasy. Instead of linear narratives, the game will feature a dynamic story system where player choices significantly impact the game world, shaping quests and events.

Maintaining strong community engagement is paramount. Lallier credits Hitman's success to its player-centric approach, and this philosophy will be central to Project Fantasy's development.

The future looks bright for Project Fantasy. Leveraging IO Interactive's proven track record, the studio isn't merely entering the online RPG market; it aims to redefine it. Through innovative storytelling, interactive environments, and robust community engagement, Project Fantasy promises a unique and immersive player experience.