IO Interactive has addressed recent speculation surrounding the financial backing of its upcoming online RPG, Project Fantasy, stating that the game remains in a strong position despite ongoing rumors about its funding partner.
During an interview with Game Business, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak was asked directly about the project’s financial stability, following reports suggesting that a major partner, widely believed to be Xbox, had scaled back third-party investments. Abrak declined to confirm or deny the identity of any partner, saying, “first of all, I’m not going to answer whether what partner it is because that’s not been confirmed,” while making it clear he would not “confirm or deny anything.”
He did, however, offer reassurance regarding the project’s status, stating that “it is in a very healthy place and it’s still financing going on and it’s amazing.” The comments suggest that development continues without disruption, even as questions remain about external support.
Project Fantasy, previously referred to as Project Dragon, marks a notable shift for the studio known for the Hitman series. The title is described as an online fantasy RPG with a focus on cooperative play, drawing inspiration from tabletop role-playing experiences. It is being developed using IO Interactive’s Glacier engine, with an emphasis on immersive environments and systems-driven gameplay.
While details remain limited, Abrak’s remarks indicate that the project is progressing steadily, with active financing still in place. IO Interactive has yet to share a timeline or further updates on the game.
