IO Interactive Expands to the UK with New Brighton Studio

IO Interactive has launched a new studio in Brighton, UK, to focus on its upcoming projects, including Project Fantasy and Project 007. The studio is currently home to a small team of developers who have previously worked together on similar projects. According to CEO Hakan Abrak, the decision to open a studio in the UK was driven by the country's rich history of game development and the availability of talented professionals. Abrak notes that the UK offers a unique combination of established AAA talent and emerging talent pools, making it an attractive location for the company. The new studio will work closely with IO Interactive's existing teams in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, and Istanbul. While the UK studio will initially focus on Project Fantasy, it will eventually contribute to the development of Project 007, a James Bond game that is currently in production. Abrak emphasizes that the company is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse work environment, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. To achieve this, IO Interactive has implemented a number of initiatives, including regular team meetings and social events, to foster a sense of community and belonging among its employees. The company has also made it mandatory for staff to work from the office at least three days a week to promote face-to-face interaction and collaboration. As IO Interactive continues to grow, Abrak expects the company to reach nearly 400 employees within the next year and a half. The company is committed to hiring talented professionals who share its values and approach to game development, and is excited about the opportunities that its new UK studio will bring.