IO Interactive Ends Partnership on 007 First Light Project, Raises Layoff Fears
IO Interactive, the studio known for the Hitman franchise and the upcoming 007 First Light, has confirmed that an external partnership tied to one of its original projects has ended. While the company didn’t explicitly use the word “layoffs,” the wording around staffing and the timing of the announcement has raised concerns that job cuts may be part of the fallout—despite 007 First Light performing strongly.
Release and availability snapshot
007 First Light is the studio’s latest release, and IO Interactive states it has sold more than 3 million copies. The partnership change was announced publicly on June 30 via IO Interactive’s official Twitter account, with the other project under discussion being Project Fantasy (an original IP that remains active, at least in IO’s messaging).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Studio | IO Interactive |
| Latest game referenced | 007 First Light (sold over 3 million copies, per IO) |
| Date of public update | June 30 (posted on IO Interactive’s official Twitter) |
| External partner relationship | Ended; tied to IO original IP Project Fantasy |
| Stated impact | “Staffing decisions” and a need to “adapt” to short-term consequences |
IO Interactive May Be Experiencing Layoffs
On June 30, IO Interactive’s official Twitter account published a message that starts with a look back at the performance of 007 First Light, its newest game. In the post, the studio highlights the title’s results, describing it as a “bold new story” and framing it as an interpretation of one of entertainment’s best-known characters—something the studio says the world has embraced with “love.”
From there, IO pivots into what it characterizes as “some more downbeat news.” The studio confirms that a relationship with an external partner connected to IO’s original IP, Project Fantasy, has concluded. IO says it will need to “adapt to this new reality and its short-term consequences,” adding that those consequences include “staffing decisions.” It also states that the company is “fully committed” to supporting people impacted by what it calls this challenging transition.
Even though the statement never directly says that positions are being cut, the combination of partner fallout, “short-term consequences,” and explicit mention of staffing choices is language many players associate with layoffs—particularly given how common that pattern has been across the industry in recent months.
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Despite the pressure implied by the update, IO’s message ends with a more optimistic tone. The studio reiterates that it is “100% committed” to Project Fantasy, and closes with the line: “This wonderful universe will see the light of day.” At this time, it remains unclear who the external partner was before the split.
