IO Interactive Reveals the Secret Strategy Behind Developing the Next James Bond Game and Lessons Learned from Hitman

Unlocking the Secret to Sustainable Game Development

Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive, shares an intriguing perspective on how his studio is navigating the unpredictable landscape of the gaming industry. According to Abrak, the secret lies in a strategy that is, quite literally, down the pan—meaning they are embracing a more efficient, resourceful approach. This innovative mindset is guiding the development of their upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light.

Applying Hitman’s Model to Bond

In an honest interview with The Game Business, Abrak explained that IO Interactive plans to leverage the success of their hit Hitman series. The studio aims to keep fans engaged with continuous updates and free content, all while maintaining sustainable development costs. With extensive experience gained from the World of Assassination trilogy, IO is confident in their ability to create compelling, long-lasting experiences for players.

Lessons from the Past

Abrak reflected on the lessons learned during the development of previous titles. He recalled his role as executive producer on Hitman Absolution in 2012, which he now considers a costly mistake. The studio realized that constantly creating new assets without reuse was inefficient and wasteful. This realization led them to develop a modular system—dubbed the “brick system”—that allows for quick, cost-effective content creation.

Building a Foundation for Future Success

By adopting this modular approach, IO Interactive was able to produce successive Hitman titles at decreasing costs: approximately $100 million for Hitman 2016, $60 million for Hitman 2, and just $20 million for Hitman 3, which received high praise on Metacritic with scores of 85, 84, and 87 respectively. This strategy not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the quality and variety of locations in each game.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

Abrak emphasizes that this new foundation has transformed their workflow, enabling the studio to develop new missions swiftly and efficiently. While acknowledging that perfection is still a work in progress, he commits to ongoing improvements to reduce waste without sacrificing ambition. This mindset is especially pertinent as IO invests more into their upcoming Bond project, 007 First Light.

What to Expect from 007 First Light

Despite a larger investment, Abrak assures fans that the studio’s focus remains on delivering an impactful experience. The goal is to craft a compelling narrative journey, incorporating lessons learned from the Hitman franchise. The game will serve as a fresh origin story for James Bond, set in the early years of his life, rather than following the plotlines of existing films.

Game Development Timeline and Platforms

Announced initially back in 2020 under the codename Project 007, 007 First Light was first glimpsed during the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play. Scheduled for release in 2026, the game will explore Bond’s childhood tragedy, his upbringing in British boarding schools, and his recruitment into MI6 as a young recruit in the Royal Navy.

Hakan Abrak has expressed optimism about the potential for a trilogy, with First Light being the beginning of a new series of Bond adventures. Interestingly, the game will be available not only on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S but also on a new Nintendo Switch 2 console.

What’s Happening with Hitman?

While the focus is now on Bond, the Hitman franchise is not entirely abandoned. IO Interactive recently announced that a cooperative multiplayer mode is in development, and Mads Mikkelsen will reprise his role as the elusive target from Casino Royale. However, the franchise has been officially on hiatus since 2023 as the studio concentrates on the new Bond project.

Vikki Blake is a seasoned journalist, critic, and consultant with over 15 years of experience working with some of the world’s leading gaming publications. She is a dedicated fan of the gaming world, passionate about storytelling and game design, and active on various social platforms.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.