Hitman Devs' \"Project Fantasy\" Hopes to Redefine Online RPGs

IO Interactive, celebrated creators of the Hitman franchise, are venturing into uncharted territory with their upcoming project, Project Fantasy. This ambitious undertaking marks a significant departure from their established stealth-action style, promising a vibrant and innovative take on the online RPG genre.

A Bold New Direction

Project Fantasy represents a passionate new endeavor for IO Interactive, as confirmed by Chief Development Officer Veronique Lallier. Lallier emphasizes the game's vibrant nature, contrasting it with the darker tones of their previous work. While details remain scarce, Lallier expresses immense personal excitement for the project, highlighting the significant investment in talent acquisition – specifically developers, artists, and animators – dedicated solely to Project Fantasy's development. This commitment suggests a serious drive to reshape the online RPG landscape.

While speculation points towards a live-service model, the studio remains tight-lipped about specifics. Intriguingly, the officially submitted IP, codenamed Project Dragon, is categorized as an RPG shooter, hinting at a unique blend of genres.

Inspired by Fighting Fantasy

IO Interactive is drawing inspiration from the Fighting Fantasy book series, aiming to revolutionize RPG storytelling. Instead of linear narratives, Project Fantasy will feature a dynamic story system where player choices significantly impact the game world, shaping quests and events in meaningful ways.

This commitment to innovative storytelling is complemented by a dedication to strong community engagement. Lallier credits the success of Hitman to a strong player-developer relationship, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in driving innovation.

With their proven track record and commitment to player interaction, IO Interactive isn't merely entering the online RPG market; they aim to redefine it. Through innovative storytelling, responsive environments, and robust community engagement, Project Fantasy promises a truly unique and immersive player experience.