According to a new report over at Windows Central, Microsoft is working with IO Interactive (of Hitman) fame on a new fantasy RPG called 'Project Dragon'. Development on the project is said to be early and the studio has been hiring for it in recent months. Word is the partnership with Microsoft will see the title hit Xbox Game Pass across PC and console as a third-party exclusive.

Details on 'Project Dragon' are a little scarce, though it's expected to be a brand-new IP set in a new universe and feature a connect-world with multiplayer elements. A clear departure from Hitman for sure, and in a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, IO chief Hakan Abrak notes, "Without going into too much detail, we have a third universe that we're working actively on, which is a bit different and absolutely a love child. It is something our core people, our veteran staff, have been dreaming about for some time."

Which could be in relation to this new project. This deal would of course be in addition to Microsoft's on first-party efforts and could see a number of third-party titles hit Xbox Game Pass on PC and Xbox Series X in addition to strong support from its own studios. IO Interactive became fully independent back in 2017 and with Hitman, its new Bond title, and this, the studio looks to be thriving. Very cool stuff.