Hitman’s developer, IO Interactive, has taken a sharp turn from its usual stealth action genre to venture into the world of online fantasy role-playing games (RPGs) with their latest game, Project Dragon. While the game is still in its early stages of development and there isn’t much information available, the announcement has already stirred up excitement among fans of both the developer and the genre.
IO Interactive has made a name for itself with the Hitman series, which features the iconic assassin Agent 47 carrying out covert operations in a wide range of settings. The series is known for its emphasis on stealth gameplay, intricate level design, and open-ended approach to missions, which allows players to tackle objectives in various ways.
With Project Dragon, IO Interactive is attempting something entirely different. The game is being described as a “genre-defining” experience that will combine elements of online multiplayer games with the rich storytelling and immersive world-building of single-player RPGs.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Project Dragon is the setting. Rather than opting for a traditional medieval fantasy world, the game will take place in a world inspired by East Asian mythology and culture. This is a refreshing change of pace from the usual European-inspired fantasy settings that dominate the genre, and it will be interesting to see how IO Interactive incorporates elements of Chinese, Japanese, and other East Asian cultures into the game’s lore and gameplay.
According to IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak, Project Dragon has been in development for three years, and the team has been working hard to create a game that will appeal to both fans of RPGs and fans of the Hitman series. While details about the gameplay are scarce, Abrak has promised that the game will feature “fantastic characters, an immersive world, and deep gameplay mechanics.”
One thing that is clear is that Project Dragon will be an online game, which means that players will be able to team up with friends and explore the game’s world together. This is a departure from the single-player focus of the Hitman series, but it’s a logical step for IO Interactive, given the popularity of online games and the success of other online RPGs like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.
While the announcement of Project Dragon is exciting news for fans of both IO Interactive and the RPG genre, there are some concerns about the developer’s ability to deliver a compelling online experience. The Hitman series has always been focused on solo play, and creating a game that can provide a satisfying online experience is a challenge that many developers have struggled with.
Additionally, IO Interactive has no prior experience with online RPGs, which means that they will have to learn the ins and outs of the genre as they go. This could lead to a steep learning curve, and it remains to be seen if the developer will be able to overcome these challenges and deliver a game that lives up to its promises.
Despite these concerns, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Project Dragon. IO Interactive has a track record of delivering high-quality games with innovative gameplay mechanics, and the East Asian-inspired setting is a unique selling point that could help the game stand out in a crowded market.
It’s still too early to tell if Project Dragon will be a success, but the announcement is certainly an exciting development for fans of both IO Interactive and online RPGs. With the developer promising a game that combines deep gameplay mechanics with immersive world-building and fantastic characters, there’s plenty to look forward to as we await further details about the game.