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.