IO Interactive has told Hitman fans not to expect the series’ next big release anytime soon.
While the studio plans to continue development on its World of Assassination trilogy, it appears to have shifted its primary focus to its upcoming James Bond project.
In January, IO renamed 2021 Hitman 3 called “Hitman World of Assassination” and contained content from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 into the package.
Hitman Freelancer – Launch Cinematic
It also added new game mode called “Freelancer”a single-player game with roguelike elements, strategic planning, and a customizable safe haven.
And the IO has told Eurogamer that fans can expect more experimentation with what Hitman has to offer before the studio finally begins work on a new main series.
“We have such a great platform where we can continue to experiment with what the formula can do and what people expect from it,” said the IO co-owner and creative director. Christian Elverdam.
“And then at some point, like anything creative, of course it would be nice to go in and say, ‘Okay, well, with everything we’ve learned, what would it be if we had to reshape the sandbox? what would that look like?”
Elverdam added: “Right now the big, big new Hitman game: it’s on a bit of a hiatus because we’re building another agent fantasy, which is also taking up a lot of our time. But obviously we’re going back to the beloved Agent 47. He’s still very much at the heart of this company.”
IO revealed in November 2020 that it was I am working on an officially licensed James Bond game. Under the working name Project 007, it contains the original James Bond origin story.
And last month, IO announced that they are working on an online fantasy role-playing game. Like its Hitman and James Bond projects, the game is in development at studios in Copenhagen, Malmö and Barcelona.
“We’re building a new world, a new IP – an online fantasy role-playing game,” the company said. “A world and game built from the ground up to entertain players and expand for many years to come.”
