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Amazon walks back comments about taking 007 off of IO, but does say ‘anything’s possible’ when it comes to buying the studio outright
Amazon has walked back earlier comments suggesting it could remove the James Bond franchise from developer IO Interactive, though a company representative acknowledged that "anything's possible" regarding an outright purchase of the studio. The clarification follows concern within the gaming community about the future of IO Interactive, the Danish studio behind the Hitman series, which has been developing the upcoming 007 First Light game under Amazon's ownership of the James Bond IP through MGM.
The walk-back suggests Amazon's original remarks were either misinterpreted or overstated, and the company is now seeking to reassure fans and industry observers that IO Interactive's role in the 007 project is not currently under threat. However, by leaving the door open to a full acquisition of the studio, Amazon has fuelled speculation about its longer-term ambitions in gaming and its relationship with IO Interactive, which remains an independent developer despite its close ties to the Bond franchise.
In short
- Amazon retracts suggestion it might take 007 away from IO Interactive
- Company still says buying the studio outright remains possible
- Move follows fan concern over IO's future with the Bond franchise
Explained simply
Amazon owns the James Bond intellectual property rights through its ownership of MGM Studios. The company has entrusted Danish developer IO Interactive, an independent studio known for creating the Hitman game series, with developing the next major gaming project for the franchise, a game called 007 First Light.
IO Interactive is an independent developer with a strong reputation built on the Hitman franchise. As the studio responsible for the new Bond game, it has become central to how one of the world's most recognisable intellectual properties is being expanded into interactive entertainment.
Amazon has substantial ambitions in the gaming sector and views major intellectual properties like James Bond as strategically important assets. The relationship between Amazon, IO Interactive and the Bond franchise is therefore a topic of significant interest to those following the technology company's expansion into the gaming industry.