Hitman is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, known for its stealth gameplay and immersive environments. The franchise has been developed by IO Interactive since its inception, with the latest entry, Hitman 3, being released in January 2021. However, fans of the series were surprised when IO Interactive announced that the franchise would be taking a long break. In this article, we’ll explore what this means for the future of the franchise and why IO Interactive has made this decision.

IO Interactive Confirms the Break:

IO Interactive, the Danish video game developer responsible for the Hitman franchise, confirmed that the series is taking a long break in a recent interview with IGN. In the interview, IO Interactive’s CEO, Hakan Abrak, stated that the team is taking a step back from development to focus on other projects. He went on to say that the team is proud of the work they’ve done on the Hitman franchise and that they will always be a part of the studio’s DNA.

The Reason Behind the Break:

IO Interactive’s decision to take a break from the Hitman franchise is not due to any problems with the series itself. In fact, Hitman 3 received critical acclaim upon its release and was praised for its inventive levels, immersive gameplay, and stunning graphics. Instead, IO Interactive has decided to take a step back from the series to focus on other projects.

In the same interview with IGN, Abrak stated that IO Interactive has “so many other things we want to do” and that the studio wants to “create some new IP as well.” This suggests that IO Interactive is looking to expand its portfolio and create new experiences for gamers. The break from the Hitman franchise will allow the team to explore new ideas and work on other projects.

What This Means for the Franchise:

While it may be disappointing for fans of the series, the break from the Hitman franchise does not necessarily mean the end of the series. IO Interactive has stated that they are committed to the franchise and that they will return to it at some point in the future. However, it is unclear when this will be, as IO Interactive has not provided any specific timeline for the return of the franchise.

The break from the franchise also means that there will be no new Hitman content for the foreseeable future. This includes DLC for Hitman 3, which was previously planned but has since been cancelled. While this may be disappointing news for fans of the series, it is important to remember that IO Interactive is taking this break to focus on other projects and explore new ideas.

IO Interactive’s Future Plans:

While the Hitman franchise is taking a break, IO Interactive is not slowing down. The studio has already announced that they are working on a new James Bond game, which is set to be released in 2022. The game, titled Project 007, will be a new take on the Bond franchise, allowing players to step into the shoes of the legendary spy.

In addition to Project 007, IO announced that they are working on a new unannounced IP. This suggests that the studio is looking to diversify its portfolio and create new experiences for gamers. While IO Interactive has not provided any details about this new IP, fans are already excited to see what the studio has in store.

IO Interactive’s commitment to creating new experiences and exploring new ideas is admirable. While it may be disappointing for fans of the Hitman franchise to wait for new content, it is important to remember that this break is ultimately for the betterment of the studio and its future projects. By taking a step back from the franchise, IO Interactive can focus on creating new and exciting experiences for gamers.

Conclusion:

IO Interactive’s announcement that the Hitman franchise is taking a long break may be disappointing for fans of the series, but it is ultimately a positive move for the studio. By taking a step back from the franchise, IO Interactive can focus on creating new IP and exploring new ideas. While there is no timeline for the return of the Hitman franchise, fans can rest assured that IO Interactive is committed to the series and will return to it at some point in the future. In the meantime, fans can look forward to IO Interactive’s upcoming projects, including Project 007 and a new unannounced IP.

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