Last year,Hitmandeveloper Io Interactive announced that it would begoing fully independent.Hitmanpublisher Square Enix had been looking to sell off the developer as it aimed to focus resources on key franchises and studios as well as player satisfaction. But in the process of these negotiations, Io was able to secure full control of theHitmanIP, meaning that the series would continue and that the developer would be free to do what it wants with it.
In a press release today, Io Interactive has now announced that it has entered a new agreement for theHitmanseries with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the publisher behind theBatman: ArkhamandMortal Kombatgames. Warner Bros. is now the worldwide publishing and distribution partner for theHitmangames, explains the announcement. Hakan Abrak, CEO IO Interactive adds that “Working with a partner like WBIE means that the team at IOI can stay focused on what we’re good at, making games.”
Under this new deal, Io and Warner Bros. will also be releasingHitman: Definitive Edition. Launching at retail on May 15 for PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One and Xbox One X,Hitman: Definitive Editionincludes the following:
Io Interactive has already tried out new ways to get players into theHitmanseries under the new episodic structure, including making thefirst episode of the game available for free. The idea is that once players try out the game, they will get invested and will shell out money on additional episodes and that’s how the developer will make its money back.
Admittedly, choosing to go down the episodic route was a huge risk for the developer and after it announced its independence some fans had huge concerns that the series was in jeopardy. The newHitmangame has alreadyreached five million playersbut theDefinitive Editionwill help to increase this number any more, securing the series' future and that Io Interactive will have the resources to make more games in general.
Hitmanis out now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
