IO Interactive, developer of the Hitman franchise, is giving the series a breather according to the studio’s CEO and co-owner, Hakan Abrak. The series’ most recent installment, Hitman 3, released in the beginning of this year, quickly achieving impressive sales milestones. However, the title was billed as the World of Assassination trilogy’s last chapter and the studio seems to be turning its attention to its new James Bond project.
Announced in November with a short teaser video, IO Interactive’s next title centers around the famous English spy, and has been given the working title of Project 007. Details about the project are scarce, with the studio initially revealing only that the story will follow Bond’s origins and will be “wholly original.” Following the game’s announcement, the studio’s head revealed a sliver of information regarding the title’s development. For instance, the game’s main character will be inspired by, but not copy the likeness of, the character’s film actors. IO Interactive is also hoping to greatly expand the team working on the game to help support the new IP, which could possibly turn into a trilogy.
News about the Hitman franchise’s break come from a recent IGN interview with IO Interactive’s Hakan Abrak. The studio exec explained that the team feels its assassin protagonist “deserves a bit of a rest,” after featuring in three recent Hitman releases. He also mentions that the developer has been continuously focused on the series, releasing content for the games on a weekly basis, for nearly half a decade. However, Abrak is clear that Hitman fans need not worry as the team will continue to support the titles, especially the ongoing, live aspects.
Though the developers may be shifting focus for now, Hitman will be returning in the future. Previous interviews with IO Interactive indicate that the studio has no interest in walking away from the franchise altogether and Hitman 4 may be coming eventually. Abrak supports this assertion in this latest interview as well, assuring fans that, “this is not the end of Agent 47.” He continues the clarifying remark by explaining just how important the Hitman series is and has been to the studio. He even leaves the audience with a slight hint for Hitman’s future, stating that the developers are working on interesting, upcoming Hitman content. There were no further details given on what that content might include, but Abrak insists more information will be coming soon.
It may be a little worrisome for Hitman fans to see the studio seem to pivot away from its long-lived franchise to a new IP, however, it is sometimes good for a series to take a break. With the studio’s latest installment still fresh and the exciting potential for IO Interactive’s upcoming Project 007 on the horizon, fans have a lot to be excited about.
Source: IGN