The gamble transformed the studio’s fortunes. “I believe the Hitman franchise, along with our dedicated community, has never been in a stronger position than it is today,” Abrak says. He expresses immense pride in their evolution into a self-sustaining entity. “Being an independent studio that finances, publishes, and stands on its own two feet is rare today. We’re among the ‘Last Mohicans’—a AAA independent studio that isn’t public or owned by a massive conglomerate. You could practically count studios like us on one hand.”
The risk clearly paid off. Today, IO Interactive is a thriving independent powerhouse. The Hitman World of Assassination trilogy is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece, and the studio is currently developing one of the most anticipated espionage titles in years: 007 First Light.
“While GoldenEye 007 remains a classic, 007 First Light aims to deliver a significantly more expansive and multifaceted experience,” says an IO developer.
