IO Interactive’s Project Dragon to be Exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC
Emails disclosed during the ongoing hearing for the FTC’s injunction against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard have uncovered exciting information about IO Interactive’s upcoming game.
According to the released emails, Project Dragon, currently in development by IO Interactive, is set to be an exclusive title for Xbox Series X/S consoles.
This highly-anticipated game will join the ranks of IO Interactive’s other successful titles, including the upcoming Project 007 and the acclaimed Hitman trilogy.
In a financial report released in September 2022, IO Interactive revealed that both Project Dragon and Project 007 won’t be released until April 2025 at the earliest. This indicates that both games are undergoing extensive development cycles, with the company expecting lower profits during fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25 due to the prolonged production phases.
In late April, Jez Corden of Windows Central announced the development of a fantasy dragon game in collaboration with IO Interactive and Xbox Game Studios. Described as a large AAA-class RPG set in a fantasy Middle Ages world, the game aims to create an ambitious interconnected experience similar to Destiny and World of Warcraft. Multiplayer functionality will be supported by dedicated servers.
The mention of World of Warcraft suggests that Project Dragon is intended for continuous development with regular updates and new content, much like an MMO. Jez Corden’s comment on the XboxEra podcast confirms that the game is being designed with long-term support in mind, with plans for at least ten years of post-launch updates.
Earlier this year, IO Interactive announced the opening of a new office in Barcelona, possibly dedicated to the development of Project Dragon, while their teams in Copenhagen and Malmö focus on Hitman and Project 007.
Project Dragon first came to public attention through reports indicating that IO Interactive was collaborating with Xbox Game Studios to create a fantasy RPG. Although specific details about the game are still under wraps, anticipation is building for what promises to be an immersive and expansive gaming experience.
