IO Interactive discusses GTA 6 delay and 007 First Light for Switch 2

Hitman developer IO Interactive has recently spoken about several major topics, including the impact of GTA 6’s delay, the status of 007 First Light, and details on a mysterious fantasy game. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak addressed the issues in an interview.

GTA 6 delay

The release of GTA 6 has been pushed from May 2026 to November 2026. That change affects the release of 007 First Light, which was originally planned for March 2026. Abrak said the new GTA 6 date gives First Light some room to launch on May 27, 2026. He acknowledged GTA’s massive importance in the games industry, saying: "GTA is a huge giant in our industry. We wish no harm to anyone, and we are convinced it will be a great game."

007 First Light and its release

As for 007 First Light, the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions are confirmed for May 27, 2026. However, the Switch 2 version of the game has been delayed to summer 2026. Abrak explained that while the Switch 2 edition is in development, it needs extra time to ensure it meets the studio’s high standards. He reassured fans that they should not worry about the quality of this version, and that First Light is currently performing well on Switch 2.

"We don't want it to feel like the version isn't good enough," Abrak said. He noted that the Switch 2 release will likely arrive a little later in the summer.

Information about Project Fantasy

Abrak also shared an update on a mysterious project under the working title Project Fantasy. The game is backed by an as-yet-unknown partner that, according to documents from the Microsoft/Activision Blizzard FTC case, appears to be Microsoft/Xbox. Despite recent uncertainty at Xbox around the cancellation of several games, Abrak confirmed that Project Fantasy is still actively in development and in a "very healthy state." He stressed that the game is "far" along in the development cycle.

"I'm not going to confirm or deny who the partner is, but I can say the project is still funded and is great," Abrak said. He described Project Fantasy as a "bold new online fantasy RPG."

The future of Hitman

Alongside the developments around First Light and Project Fantasy, Abrak said IO Interactive will also continue focusing on making new Hitman games. He said the company is looking forward to returning to the Hitman franchise and wants to bring innovations and upgrades to the series. "We can't wait to get back to work on Hitman," he added.

The coming months should be exciting for IO Interactive and its current and future projects, including the release of First Light and more information on Project Fantasy.