IO Interactive kicked off its inaugural Los Angeles Showcase with a statement of intent: the studio is doubling down on its blue-chip franchises while venturing into new territory. In a tightly packed presentation, IOI lifted the veil on a limited-time Hitman-Bond crossover, delivered a full reveal of its original James Bond prequel 007 First Light, mapped out Hitman’s expansion into mobile, VR and board games, and offered a first glimpse at the ambitious sci-fi world of MindsEye—all powered by the studio’s in-house Glacier engine.
The highlight of the event was the Le Chiffre Elusive Target mission, which officially merges Agent 47’s shadowy sandbox with the high-stakes glamour of 007. Portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, Le Chiffre commands the Casino Royale–style stage in a time-limited assassination challenge. Players who neutralize the target unlock a bespoke tuxedo suit for the upcoming Bond title—a demonstration of IOI’s new cross-franchise synergy and a taste of how Hitman’s reactive AI can adapt to Bond’s trademark improvisation.
After years of cryptic teasers, IO Interactive showcased extensive gameplay from 007 First Light, an untethered Bond origin that bypasses any single actor or film era. The footage emphasizes RTX-boosted global illumination, dynamic disguises and next-gen stealth mechanics. Scheduled for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC, First Light promises to chart Ian Fleming’s rookie spy through his earliest missions, blending cinematic set-pieces with the emergent gameplay that made GoldenEye a legend.
IOI also mapped out Hitman’s evolution beyond the mainline trilogy. A co-op mode is in the works for console and PC, while MOOD Publishing is partnering on a Hitman board game that translates the series’ puzzle-driven sandbox to your tabletop. On the digital front, a refreshed iOS port and a PS VR2 update ensure World of Assassination remains fresh nearly ten years after its reboot. Mobile cross-play support and seasonal in-game events round out IOI’s pledge to keep fans engaged across devices.
Partnering with Build A Rocket Boy and GTA veteran Leslie Benzies, IO Interactive teased MindsEye, a narrative-driven open-world sci-fi adventure. The demo highlighted seamless transitions from cinematic cutscenes to in-engine gameplay, a companion drone that scouts and hacks, and monthly “Play.MindsEye” content drops. While the genre is crowded, IOI is banking on its Glacier tech and story chops to deliver a distinct universe of gravity-defying traversal and moral choices that will evolve with each update.
The backbone of IOI’s showcase was the Glacier engine. Responsible for Hitman’s advanced AI, real-time environment reactions and photorealistic lighting, Glacier will also drive both 007 First Light and future Hitman installments. IOI emphasized improvements to crowd density, physics-based destructibles and dynamic weather, all aimed at deepening immersion. This tech-first focus signals that, beyond new storylines, the studio intends to push interactive fidelity as a defining feature of its upcoming slate.
Overall, IO Interactive’s LA Showcase felt less like a flashy cinematic reel and more like a strategic master plan. With a unique Hitman-Bond crossover, a fresh take on Bond’s early days, multi-platform Hitman experiences, and a debut glimpse at MindsEye’s sci-fi promise, IOI is wagering on variety and ambition. The risks are real—mobile ports and board games can falter—but for players craving sandbox freedom and cinematic action, IO Interactive’s next few years look rich with possibility.