IO Interactive Remove Conor McGregor from Hitman

Editor’s Note: The following article contains material that some readers may find distressing.

Weird, I don’t have another press release about this update to the latest Hitman series. Known for doing a couple of Elusive Target contracts, the Hitman (2016-onward) series is also partial to a few crossovers, one such notable example is the long-time absent MMA star Conor McGregor. IO Interactive has announced that it has stopped working with the fighter following the verdict for his civil trial, ruling that he was liable for sexual assault against a woman who had accused him of rape as far back as 2018.

In the statement posted to Twitter (or X if you’re ill), the post reads: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr. McGregor from our storefronts starting today.“

To which I ask, at what point did it become a “very serious” matter that couldn’t be ignored? The multiple times McGregor was accused of racial comments from 2015, or 2019 when he was first being investigated by the Garda Síochána (the Irish police) for these accusations of rape? Or how about his 2020 arrest on the French island of Corsica for indecent exposure (investigation dropped)? Or 2021 when accused of sexually assaulting Francesco Facchinetti? Or the 2023 accusation of physically assaulting a 40-year-old woman the previous July (charges later dropped)? Or the report of sexual assault in 2023 in the bathroom of the Kaseya Center during Game Four of the NBA Finals (charges dropped)?

While asset development and general game development do take time, it is worth noting that the Elusive Target contract was only just released this past June. June 27th to be exact, with the contract running until July 29th. Then 11 days ago on the 15th of November, 10 days after the trial had already begun on November 5th according to reports, it was announced “The Disruptor” contract would be playable for free until the 8th of December. To claim innocence, a lack of knowledge, and distancing yourself now seems odd.

According to reports, the trial included 8 days of evidence and 3 days of closing arguments, followed by the judge’s comments. After six hours of deliberations, the result of the civil case means that McGregor will have to pay €248,000 ($260,000) in damages to Nikita Hand. In a since-deleted post on Twitter from Friday, according to CBS News, McGregor stated he plans to appeal the decision. He also states that the jury didn’t hear all the evidence.

At the time of writing, IO Interactive has removed “The Disruptor” DLC for Hitman 3, (later rebranded Hitman: World of Assassination) from Steam, Epic, the PlayStation Store, and the Xbox Store, though may still be available elsewhere. IO Interactive has stated the DLC will be removed soon. Those who already own the DLC will still be able to access it, though no new players can get “The Disruptor” DLC from now on.

If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are helplines and other resources. In the UK, you can access help via the NHS, in Ireland, you can call the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888, and in the US, you can use the RAINN 24/7 support line. Other resources are available within your area, just search “sexual assault helpline,” or look for resources such as the Sex Victims helpline database.