8 July 2026 – IO Interactive Will Continue Project Fantasy Independently

IO Interactive has confirmed that Project Fantasy will continue after the end of its external finance partnership with Microsoft. The studio says it has regained full ownership of the project and will continue developing and funding it independently alongside its other work. The news is reassuring for anyone intrigued by the idea of the Hitman and 007 First Light studio building an online fantasy RPG. However, it also comes with painful changes, including the closure of IO Istanbul and proposed staff departures. Project Fantasy survives, but not without scars. Dragons, apparently, are easier to manage than modern financing.

## What Happened IO Interactive has confirmed that Project Fantasy will continue after the end of its external finance partnership with Microsoft. The studio says it has regained full ownership of the project and will continue developing and funding it independently alongside its other work. The news is reassuring for anyone intrigued by the idea of the Hitman and 007 First Light studio building an online fantasy RPG.

## Why It Matters Shows independent developers taking full project control while suffering operational closures.

## Asia / SEA Relevance This development highlights key movements within the Industry News news sector, with particular impact on the IO Interactive and Project Fantasy communities. Asian and SEA markets are expected to see localized ripples from these changes, as the region often leads in adaptation to such shifts.

## Impact on Players & Developers However, it also comes with painful changes, including the closure of IO Istanbul and proposed staff departures. Project Fantasy survives, but not without scars. Dragons, apparently, are easier to manage than modern financing.

## What to Watch Next As publishers and platform holders navigate these transitions, the focus remains on sustaining user engagement. Expect further announcements in the coming months regarding localized support and feature rollout.

## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Where can I find more details on this announcement?** A: You can read the original report directly from the source via the link below.

**Q: Does this affect all regions equally?** A: While global, specific impacts on SEA and Asian markets often depend on local publishing rights and server availability.

## Sources & Further Reading - [Gematsu](https://www.gematsu.com/news/2026/07/io-interactive-project-fantasy-independent/)