IO Interactive’s CEO Discusses Success of 007 First Light and Dispatch

IO Interactive’s CEO, Hakan Abrak, recently shared insights about the studio’s upcoming game, 007 First Light, and its successful episodic release, Dispatch. In an interview with gamesindustry.biz, Abrak highlighted the innovative aspects of Dispatch, describing it as “freaking fantastic” and a potential model for future episodic games.

Abrak’s enthusiasm for Dispatch stems from its rapid release schedule, which saw Episodes 1 and 2 launch on October 22, followed by Episodes 7 and 8 on November 12. This structure allowed all episodes to be available within three weeks, a stark contrast to the lengthy seven-month rollout of the original Hitman series. He noted that the efficient release strategy not only contributed to positive word of mouth but also resulted in Dispatch selling over 1 million copies within just ten days.

In comparison to previous works, Abrak acknowledged the challenges faced with Hitman. He admitted that the studio was “too early with the concept” and made numerous mistakes during its development. One significant issue was their approach to gameplay length, as they emphasized a single Hitman level providing over 50 hours of gameplay. This contrasted with the shorter, episodic format of Dispatch, which requires a different release strategy.

The success of Dispatch raises questions about the future of episodic games. Abrak emphasized the need for a reevaluation of conventional gaming lengths, asking, “Do all games need to be 40 hours?” This thought process reflects a shift in focus towards delivering content more rapidly and engagingly.

007 First Light, set for release on March 27, 2024, represents a new direction for IO Interactive. Unlike Dispatch, it is not episodic, thus avoiding the criticisms that accompanied the Hitman series. Nonetheless, Abrak is contemplating the lessons learned from Dispatch to inform future projects, indicating a commitment to ongoing innovation.

AdHoc, the studio behind Dispatch, plans to continue with episodic releases for upcoming titles. They are currently developing a game set in the Critical Role’s Exandria universe and are already considering a potential second season of Dispatch. This continued focus on episodic content signifies a growing trend within the industry, as developers look for ways to engage players consistently over time.

In summary, IO Interactive’s recent discussions highlight a notable evolution in game design. With lessons from both Dispatch and Hitman shaping their future projects, the industry may be on the brink of redefining how episodic content is perceived and delivered.