IO Interactive stands as a renowned Danish video game studio celebrated for the Hitman franchise, the Kane & Lynch series, and the charming Mini Ninjas. The studio expanded its footprint with a second facility in Malmö, Sweden, after establishing its headquarters in Copenhagen. More recently, new facilities emerged in Barcelona as part of an ambitious growth plan for the coming years. The three studios operate as a unified entity, sharing decisions about game development and the lines of work they pursue.
The Hitman series serves as the cornerstone of the company, captivating millions of players across Europe and beyond. The first game launched for PC in 2000 and has since spawned a number of sequels. The series, featuring the iconic Agent 47 and a broad slate of titles for consoles and PCs, was adapted into two feature films in 2007 and 2015. Those films performed well at the box office, reinforcing the franchise’s global appeal.
A steadily expanding organization
Eduard Lopez Plans leads IO Interactive Barcelona. With a background as a programmer across several studios, he now serves as Head of Studio for the Catalan branch. In addition to working on the Hitman series, the Barcelona studio is deeply involved in Project 007, a major endeavor centered on reimagining James Bond within video games. Project 007 has been announced and is actively in development for the company’s broader portfolio.
Opening a Barcelona studio brought substantial workload and opportunity. Lopez described the venture as adventurous yet enjoyable, noting that the primary task was to identify the right people and the appropriate roles. The team is still expanding, and ongoing recruitment remains a priority as the studio continues to grow.
The short-term aim is to scout talent, evaluate it, and help shape the games IO Interactive develops. The leadership emphasizes a commitment to long-term presence and the construction of a global team. The people who join the company are expected to influence how video games are made in the future. Barcelona was chosen for its mature interactive entertainment ecosystem and its appeal as a place to live and work. The city offers a rich pool of talented, educated individuals, a factor highlighted by Eduard López as a key asset to the studio’s plans.