After concluding the World of Assassination trilogy with Hitman 3, IO Interactive is putting the iconic Agent 47 on an indefinite hiatus. CEO Hakan Abrak and creative lead Christian Elverdam discussed shelving the assassin in a recent interview with Edge magazine.
In a recent interview, the Danish studio confirmed the decision, stating their desire to pursue other creative avenues while acknowledging the franchise’s lasting legacy. They don’t want to leave Agent 47 alone forever, but they do want to focus on other projects that they’ve got lined up.
“There’ll be more chapters written in the Hitman story, that’s for sure, but for now, we’re excited to explore new worlds and gameplay experiences.”
Christian Elverdam
The decision to leave Hitman alone is a significant change for IO Interactive, which has been synonymous with Hitman for over two decades. The series established the studio as a leading developer in open-world stealth games, with Hitman 3 receiving positive critical reception for its expansive levels and intricate assassination puzzles. Even still, Hitman seems to be going into a holding period.
IO Interactive has long expressed intentions to broaden its portfolio. Their upcoming slate features two ambitious projects: Project 007, a reimagining of James Bond’s origin story, and Project Fantasy, an online RPG venturing into an entirely new genre.
“The success of the World of Assassination trilogy allowed us to take risks and build upon our expertise. With Project 007 and Project Fantasy, we’re aiming to deliver immersive worlds and compelling narratives that cater to different types of players.”
Hakan Abrak
The developers have left the door open for future installments of the Hitman series. The franchise is too popular to quit, but their opportunities to create more worlds must be prioritized. For now, IO Interactive is embarking on a new chapter, leaving gamers and critics anticipating their next daring ventures.
