Get ready to meet the game-changer in the industry: Delphi Interactive, the mysterious force behind the upcoming FIFA game on Netflix and the highly anticipated James Bond title. But here's the twist: this low-profile company is not your typical publisher or developer, and they're on a mission to disrupt the entire 'publishing industrial complex.'
In a bold move, Delphi Interactive has partnered with Netflix to bring a new FIFA game to the streaming giant's platform in 2026, marking a significant collaboration between two global powerhouses. However, despite this high-profile project, Delphi has managed to stay largely under the radar – until now. With limited information available, we decided to dig deeper into this enigmatic company.
And this is where it gets interesting: Founded in 2020 and based in Los Angeles, Delphi Interactive is not your average game developer. As CEO and founder Casper Daugaard revealed in an exclusive email to GamesIndustry.biz, the company specializes in 'licensing, financing, developing, and publishing games built around the world's most iconic intellectual properties (IPs).' But what sets them apart is their rejection of the traditional publisher model, which they affectionately dub the 'publisher industrial complex.'
Daugaard argues that the publishing industry has become sluggish, risk-averse, and overly concentrated around a handful of companies and their proprietary IPs. Delphi's strategy, however, is to breathe new life into existing franchises by bringing them into the world of video games. Their first major success? Reviving the James Bond franchise, which had been absent from the gaming scene since Activision's exclusive run ended with 2012's 007 Legends. Activision reportedly paid a staggering $70 million for the rights back then.
But here's where it gets controversial: Delphi's partner and executive producer, Theodor Tang-Peronard, highlights a 'growing structural misalignment' between publishers and IP holders. He believes that many IP holders struggle to find publishers who will genuinely prioritize their brands, as major publishers tend to focus on their own properties. This raises the question: are traditional publishers failing to cater to the needs of IP holders, and is Delphi's approach the solution the industry needs?
Delphi's creative process is equally unconventional. Instead of starting with a pitch deck, they begin with a simple yet powerful question: 'What is the game we wish already existed?' This approach led to the conception of 007 First Light, inspired by the success of Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham and Insomniac's Spider-Man series. They couldn't understand why no one had created a similar experience for James Bond, so they took matters into their own hands.
Delphi's involvement in IO Interactive's James Bond project, initially known as Project 007, has been a closely guarded secret. However, Tang-Peronard reveals that Delphi played a pivotal role from the very beginning, even before IO Interactive came on board. They originated the concept, secured the license from MGM/Danjaq, engaged IO as the developer and publisher, and financed the vertical slice. The game is now set to launch in May after a brief delay.
Here's the part most people miss: Delphi's experience with the James Bond project prompted them to expand their internal development and publishing capabilities, setting the stage for their next big venture: FIFA. For this project, Delphi has transformed into a full-fledged developer and publisher, adopting a lean, highly experienced core team model supported by top-tier co-development and outsourcing partners.
One such partner is Refactor Games, based at Delphi's LA headquarters and partially owned by Delphi, with backing from A16z's Speedrun fund. Founded in 2021, Refactor Games launched the physics-heavy Football Simulator into Early Access in 2022, showcasing their expertise in sports game development. The studio boasts a talented team, including alumni from VR developer Survios and blockchain developer N3TWORK.
Delphi's leadership in creative direction, production, technology, and publishing is further strengthened by the recent addition of chief technology officer Julien Merceron. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Merceron has worked with giants like Ubisoft, Eidos, Square Enix, Konami, and Bandai Namco, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
With two massive IPs – James Bond and FIFA – already under their belt, Delphi is poised for success. However, these projects come with significant challenges. The James Bond franchise, previously owned by the protective Broccoli family, is now in the hands of Amazon, while FIFA was managed by Electronic Arts for over three decades. Can Delphi navigate these complex landscapes and deliver exceptional games?
But that's not all: Delphi is already on the hunt for more iconic IPs to bring to the gaming world. As Daugaard explains, they have a growing pipeline across two core verticals: Delphi Titan, focused on fictional franchises like James Bond, and Delphi Sports, which includes FIFA. While they're selective about their projects, they're excited about the future and eager to share more when the time is right.
As Delphi Interactive prepares to step into the spotlight with the release of their first two games in 2026, one thing is clear: they're not just another game developer or publisher. They're a catalyst for change, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of licensed AAA games. Will they succeed in their mission to make licensed games faster, better, and more creatively ambitious? Only time will tell.
We want to hear from you: Do you think Delphi Interactive's approach is the future of game publishing, or is the traditional model still the way to go? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a discussion about the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
