In a recent interview with gamesindustry.biz, Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive, discussed the success of the game Dispatch and its implications for future projects, including the anticipated release of 007 First Light. Abrak described Dispatch as “freaking fantastic,” highlighting its potential as a model for successful episodic releases.
During the conversation, Abrak reflected on how Dispatch compares to the earlier Hitman series, which faced significant criticism following its episodic rollout in 2016. He emphasized that Dispatch demonstrates the viability of episodic formats, stating that it can achieve success even in a competitive gaming landscape. The rapid release schedule of Dispatch, with Episodes 1 and 2 launched on October 22, 2023 and concluding with Episodes 7 and 8 on November 12, 2023, has garnered positive word of mouth, resulting in over 1 million copies sold within just ten days.
Lessons from Dispatch’s Success
Abrak pointed out that IO Interactive learned valuable lessons from the challenges faced during the development of Hitman. He acknowledged that the studio was “too early with the concept” and made several missteps in its approach. One critical error was the claim that a single Hitman level could provide “50 hours plus” of gameplay, which contrasted sharply with the more streamlined structure of Dispatch.
“Dispatch offers a much more episodic format,” Abrak stated, noting that players experience different gameplay dynamics. The reduced replay value in Dispatch necessitates a quicker release of new episodes to maintain player engagement. He expressed the belief that “there are learnings” from Dispatch that could inform the future of game development, raising questions such as whether all games need to be extensive experiences lasting 40 hours or more.
Looking Ahead to 007 First Light
As IO Interactive gears up for the release of 007 First Light on March 27, 2024, Abrak shared insights into the studio’s ambition to create a unique interpretation of the iconic character. Unlike Dispatch, First Light is not structured episodically, allowing the developers to sidestep the criticisms that affected Hitman. Despite this, Abrak is considering the lessons learned from Dispatch as they plan future installments.
The success of Dispatch has positioned it as an example for other developers exploring episodic content. IO Interactive’s future projects, including a game set in the universe of Critical Role, may incorporate the successful elements of Dispatch’s rollout, with the studio already contemplating a potential Season 2.
Abrak’s insights reflect a growing trend in the gaming industry towards re-evaluating episodic content strategies. As developers aim to balance player expectations with engaging narratives, the approach taken by IO Interactive could set a new standard for how games are released and received in the future.
