Hitman developer IO Interactive, which has a brand new game–007: First Gentle–coming out in March 2026, has commented on Rockstar’s determination to delay GTA 6 from Might 2026 to November 2026.
IO CEO Hakan Abrak was requested by GI.biz if he feels happy that GTA 6 moved additional away from 007: First Gentle. “It could be a lie to not say that clearly spring seems to be actually good,” he mentioned of 007: First Gentle’s launch window.
The recreation launches on March 27, which was about two months earlier than GTA 6’s Might 26 launch date earlier than Rockstar pushed the sport to November 19, 2026.
Whereas Abrak could also be relieved to know 007: First Gentle now has far more area between it and GTA 6, he mentioned, “GTA 6 is a welcome factor for the business.” That is as a result of, he mentioned, GTA 6 may assist convey lapsed avid gamers again, which may then assist elevate the business general.
“I do imagine loads of avid gamers who possibly have not performed for some time will get into issues once more, and customarily for the business as an entire, I believe that can be superb,” he mentioned.
GTA 6 is predicted to be an infinite success, with one estimate saying it may promote 40 million copies and produce in additional than $3 billion throughout its first 12 months alone. Earlier than this, Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot mentioned one thing comparable in that he isn’t afraid of GTA 6 as a result of the sport will quantity to a rising tide lifting all ships. Not everyone seems to be as optimistic, although. Industry skilled Joost van Dreunen mentioned it is “naive” to assume that one large launch like GTA 6 will assist clear up the business’s points. “It will not,” he mentioned.
(*6*)007: First Gentle is completed
Additionally within the interview, Abrak confirmed that 007: First Gentle is “completed,” and is now playable from begin to finish. The crew is spending time now sprucing the expertise and fixing bugs. “The entire recreation is completed. It has been a protracted journey–six years almost–but I am very proud that we’re right here,” he mentioned.
The govt additionally confirmed that IO funded 007: First Gentle completely by itself from the success of the Hitman sequence versus taking exterior funding for it. The studio is, nevertheless, working with the 007 rights-holders on the venture, however apparently not for funding functions.
IO can also be making a brand new multiplayer fantasy recreation, and Abrak teased that IO is “working with some companions” on this recreation, no matter it seems to be. “However James Bond is totally funded by us. We’re fully impartial,” he mentioned.