IO Interactive’s Project 007 Recruits The Division Vet as Missions Director

IO Interactive has been working on its James Bond title, currently codenamed Project 007, for a while now, and though details on the game itself haven’t been too abundant, new tidbits about its development have continued to filter through- like additions to the game’s development team.

IO Interactive has announced that it has recruited Rodrigo Santoro as Missions Director for Project 007. Santoro was previously at The Division developer Massive Entertainment, where he had a number of roles across a nearly-ten-year stint, starting as a senior level designer and his most recent role having been world director. While at the studio, Santoro worked on The Division, The Division 2, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Prior to Massive, he was at Crytek for nearly six years.

“I am super excited to join IOI,” Santoro said. “I admire how the studio dares to innovate and create new memorable game experiences. This is particularly remarkable in times when most companies are focused on making sequels. Project 007 got my attention since the day it was announced, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with the team making the game. I was able to see more of the game and there is already something unique about it. Most importantly, every conversation that I have had so far with team members has shown the team is passionate about delivering a memorable and unique experience. Right now, I am looking forward to start working with the team, and together, delivering the best 007 game ever made.”

“Since we started the interview process last year, it was clear that Rodrigo stood out from the crowd,” said associate product director Frederik Villumsen. “When talking with any of his former colleagues, we would only hear praise. As soon as we showed Project 007 to Rodrigo, he showed his excitement for the game and was already sharing ideas, thoughts, and asking many questions! His critical thinking and enthusiasm are qualities we welcome, and we look forward to seeing him make an impact as Missions Director, where he will direct the balancing of story, art and gameplay to design the most amazing Bond missions.”

Details on Project 007 have been scant, but job listings published by IO Interactive have offered glimpses into how it might be shaping up, with suggestions that the game might feature sandbox storytelling similar to Hitman, as well as a blend of first- and third-person gameplay.

IO Interactive has said that it’s building Project 007 as “the ultimate spycraft fantasy.” The developer has also previously confirmed that the game will tell a new origin story for James Bond.

In September of 2022, IO Interactive suggested that, at the earliest, Project 007 wouldn’t be releasing before FY 2025/26 (which begins in April 2025).