Hitman Developer Stikes Publishing Deal With Warner Bros.

IO Interactive, developers of the Hitman series and the Hitman series, the former of which includes Codename 47, Silent Assassin, and Blood Money while, the latter includes Hitman and Hitman 2. It is fair to say, IO Interactive have made some genuinely awful piles of tosh, and one of the best games based around assassinating some people. I wouldn’t say the latter two are as bad as Absolution; however, I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of them either. This makes their latest announcement concerning.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and IO Interactive are teaming up once again for a new title to be released with the former as the publisher once again. Their last foray together being the most recent Hitman, Hitman 2; the seventh Hitman game. The two are seeking to bring their new title to console and PC gamers alike. However, there is no word on whether this will be a third in IO’s reboot or if they are moving on to make something else. This game will require both studios owned by the developer, with the second studio in Malmö, Sweden opening earlier this year.

David Haddad, president of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, stated: “We’re very pleased to continue our relationship with the talented team at IO Interactive,” going on to say, “IO Interactive has a longstanding legacy of creating iconic games, and we’re looking forward to partnering on this next endeavor to bring a new console and PC gaming experience to players globally.” Being very tight-lipped when it comes to what that game will be or when it will release. Though given the new studio is hardly set up, one could be forgiven for assuming the consoles would be the PS5 and Microsoft’s Project Scarlett set for release next year.

“Over the past few years, Warner Bros. has shown us first-hand that they understand and respect our creative vision, and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO, IO Interactive. Maybe taking a verbal jab at former publisher Square Enix. Abrak resumed, “IO Interactive has a proud history of creating compelling characters and universes for our players to enjoy. It’s in our DNA. As we embark on this exciting project to create a new universe for IOI together with Warner Bros., we’re currently looking for ambitious talent to join our team in our Copenhagen and Malmö studios for this extraordinary journey.”

We will have to wait to find out exactly what IO Interactive are working on, though many are already turning to Hitman as an assumption. Though IO have also previously made the Kane & Lynch series, the first of which saw Jeff Gerstmann fired from Gamespot for giving the game such a low score of 6, and the second being as interesting as Max Payne’s left bum cheek. They made the 2003 game Freedom Fighters, which they have interest in and still own the rights to. They also made Mini Ninjas, which is all that has to be said of Mini Ninjas.