Io confirms that a new Hitman is on the way

Developer Io Interactive has confirmed that development has begun a new instalment in the Hitman franchise.

The studio was dropped by previous owner Square Enix in May, and completed an MBO the following month – a deal which saw it retain the rights to its Hitman series.

“Five months ago, I posted an open letter to let you know that Io-Interactive had become an independent studio once again. We’ve kept intentionally quiet since then, because we needed to focus inwards at what we want IOI to stand for, in terms of our employees, our culture and our ambitions and dreams for the future,” CEO Hakan Abrak said.

“It’s been hard and challenging work, but also incredibly exciting as we lay the foundations for a new start for this special studio.

“About our next Hitman game; I want to let you know that we’re making great progress and we have exciting new features and some franchise firsts, which we can’t wait to tell you all about. You’ll have to wait a little longer as we don’t plan to start talking about that until some point in 2018.”

Then news comes as Io releases the Game of the Year edition of its last title Hitman.

“This is our way of showing our fans and players that we appreciate your continued support and love for our HITMAN 2016 game,” Abrak added. “It’s been made with love and passion and the GOTY Edition builds on our original game with loads of visual and mechanical improvements, new unique powerful items with disguises and a whole new story campaign in Patient Zero.

“More and more players are joining HITMAN every day and we want to keep delivering on the promise of our ever expanding World of Assassination. I also want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you, in advance, to everyone who supports us by purchasing the GOTY Edition or the Upgrade. Your support will directly help us to continue on our independent journey towards the next Hitman game and beyond.

“We’re in this together and we promise that we will channel our passion and skills to shine through in everything that comes from this studio.”