IO Interactive Expands into Third-Party Publishing with Build A Rocket Boy's New Action Thriller

IO Interactive, the developer behind the Hitman series, has launched a new publishing division called IOI Partners, which will handle the release of MindsEye, an upcoming action thriller from Build A Rocket Boy, a studio founded by Grand Theft Auto producer Leslie Benzies. This marks IO Interactive's first foray into third-party publishing, with the company providing marketing, distribution, localization, and customer support for the game. According to IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak, the company had initially expected to start with smaller, AA titles, but saw an opportunity to partner with Build A Rocket Boy on a larger, AAA project. Abrak notes that both IO Interactive and Build A Rocket Boy share similar experiences as independent studios with big corporate backgrounds, and that IOI Partners is committed to supporting Build A Rocket Boy in bringing MindsEye to market. The game is expected to have a similar 'single player-as-a-service' approach to IO Interactive's Hitman series, with regular updates and expansions over time. IO Interactive is keen to emphasize its expertise in publishing, having worked closely with platform holders and promoted its own titles in the past. However, the company is not looking to rush into signing multiple third-party projects, instead focusing on its partnership with Build A Rocket Boy and exploring future opportunities.