IO Interactive stepped into self-publishing a while back with its Hitman franchise, and the company is now set to begin offering those services for external partners. It has announced IOI Partners, a third-party publishing division that will focus on delivering “impactful entertainment through creative, quality-focused collaborations, bringing exceptional gaming experiences to players”.
The company has also announced its first partner- Build a Rocket Boy, a AAA studio led by former Rockstar Games and Grand Theft Auto veteran Leslie Benzies, which was established couple of years ago. IO Interactive will be publishing Build a Rocket Boy’s first premium title for PC and consoles. Titled MindsEye, it’s described as a AAA cinematic, narrative-driven, single-player action-adventure title.
“From day one, Build A Rocket Boy Studios has been focused on creating the next generation of compelling gaming and quality entertainment experiences,” said Benzies. “We can’t wait to share our first AAA premium game and ever-evolving universe, MindsEye, with the world. There is no finer partner than IO Interactive to publish our first title, with their strong understanding of community culture, premium action-adventure games, and a best-in-class publishing team, we really look forward to partnering with them on our new blockbuster journey.”
“We are honoured to be the global publishing partner working with Build A Rocket Boy’s exceptionally talented team and to bring our community an exciting new IP,” said IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak. ” IO Interactive and Build A Rocket Boy are like-minded in how we aim to create a bond and a long-term relationship with our communities, which perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality, immersive experiences to players worldwide. As our first publishing partnership, this marks a significant milestone for IO Interactive, and we could not be prouder of this collaboration.”
As part of its publishing agreement, IO Interactive will be aiding Build a Rocket Boy with MindsEye’s marketing, localization, distribution, QA, and game support.
As per IO Interactive, MindEye will be set in “a fictional near future Americana” and will tout “best-in-class cinematics, high-octane driving, and explosive combat”.
“Play as Jacob Diaz, a former soldier with a mysterious neural implant who is suffering from memory loss and flashbacks,” IO Interactive’s description of the game reads. “Set out on a series of dangerous covert missions to unlock the secrets of your past in a world filled with the persistent threat of artificial intelligence, high-tech experimentation, corporate espionage, political corruption, and an unchecked military. MindsEye is an immersive experience with a mind-bending complex narrative, rich environments, groundbreaking combat, future tech, and high-speed chases.”
You can view screenshots of the title below.