IO Interactive, the renowned Danish developer behind the iconic Hitman series, has reassured fans that Agent 47's adventures are far from over. Despite the studio's current exploration of other projects, including the recently released 007 First Light and an upcoming fantasy game, CEO Hakan Abrak has expressed the team's eagerness to dive back into the Hitman franchise.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Years in development | 26 |
| Games developed | 13 |
| Hitman games in portfolio | More than half |
| Years since last Hitman game | 5 |
About IO Interactive's Current Projects
Currently, IO Interactive is juggling multiple high-profile projects. 007 First Light, the latest addition to the James Bond franchise, marks a significant departure from the stealth-based gameplay of Hitman, requiring substantial foundational work. Simultaneously, the studio is deeply invested in a fantasy game, described as being "very, very far" along in development and representing a stark departure from IO Interactive's traditional skillset.
Despite these diversifications, the allure of Hitman remains strong. In an interview with The Game Business, Abrak voiced the team's anticipation:
"We are looking forward to getting into the weeds on Hitman again."
Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive
Elaborating on the studio's plans, Abrak noted:
"There hasn't been air for that, for going in, building in systems from the ground up. But rest assured, we cannot wait to get into the engine room and upgrade, invent, and innovate Hitman for you guys again."
Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive
Future of Hitman: Areas for Innovation
The future of Hitman, while uncertain in specifics, is poised to benefit from IO Interactive's broader experiences. The development of 007 First Light could potentially bring a new layer of ambition to the next Hitman title. Notably, the studio has identified combat as a weaker aspect of the Hitman experience, an area where fans might expect enhancements to make it a more viable strategy alongside stealth.
Given IO Interactive's extensive history with refining the Hitman formula, coupled with the fresh insights gained from their current projects, the potential for a revitalized Hitman game is significant. Players can anticipate not just an evolution of the franchise's core stealth elements, but perhaps a more well-rounded experience with improved combat mechanics.
What This Means for Players
For fans of the Hitman series, IO Interactive's assurances offer a beacon of hope for the franchise's continued relevance and innovation. The wait might seem lengthy, but the studio's current endeavors suggest that the next Hitman game could emerge more polished and feature-rich than ever. As the gaming landscape evolves, IO Interactive's commitment to its flagship series is a reassuring constant.
While details on the next Hitman game are scarce, the community can look forward to potential announcements in the coming years, especially as 007 First Light and the fantasy project near completion or achieve significant milestones. Until then, the promise of a rejuvenated Hitman, backed by the studio's expanded skill set, keeps the anticipation alive.
Key Takeaways
- IO Interactive has developed 13 games over 26 years, with Hitman comprising more than half.
- The studio is currently focused on 007 First Light and a new fantasy game.
- CEO Hakan Abrak confirms the team's eagerness to return to and innovate the Hitman series.
- Combat is identified as an area for potential improvement in future Hitman titles.
As IO Interactive navigates its most diverse project lineup to date, the promise of a future Hitman game, enriched by the studio's current explorations, stands as a compelling reason for fans to stay tuned. With patience, the wait for Agent 47's next adventure might just be worth it.