Hitman developer IO Interactive confirms it’s working on a new James Bond video game.
IO Interactive – in collaboration with MGM, EON Productions and Delphi – has revealed in a short teaser trailer that a new James Bond video game is in development. The game has a working title of Project 007 and will serve as an origin story for Ian Fleming’s character.
IO says the game is being developed using the studio’s proprietary Glacier technology and will come to modern consoles, which we assume to mean PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
The franchise certainly seems a good fit for IO Interactive. The studio has won plaudits in recent years for its reinventions the Hitman series. If Project 007 follows suit and is just as focused on espionage and stealth as it is gunplay, we’re all in.
Speaking about the project, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak says:
“It’s true that once in a while, the stars do align in our industry. Creating an original Bond game is a monumental undertaking, and I truly believe that IO Interactive, working closely with our creative partners at EON and MGM, can deliver something extremely special for our players and communities. Our passionate team is excited to unleash their creativity into the iconic James Bond universe and craft the most ambitious game in the history of our studio.”
Robert Marick, who is (deep breath) MGM’s executive vice president Global consumer products and experiences, adds:
“James Bond has a strong legacy in the video game space, with some of the most iconic games of all-time based on the character. Working with our partners at EON and the talented team at IO Interactive, we plan to bring a new take on this legendary franchise to gamers and Bond fans around the world. IO Interactive are masters of crafting living, breathing worlds of immersive storytelling.”
It’s positive news for a franchise that seems tailor-made for the video game treatment. Unfortunately, with a few obvious exceptions, most attempts to capture the magic of Bond miss the mark. We looked at the history of 007 games a few years ago, and aside from some Forza Horizons 4 DLC, the situation hasn’t improved at all.
A release date hasn’t been set for Project 007, but don’t expect it any time soon. In the meantime, we have a few suggestions for its name. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Game? A View to a Kill Screen? The Man with the Golden Thumb Stick? Casino Battle Royale? (thanks for that last one, @JoshyWise).
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