IO Interactive has several projects on its plate that occupy its time. So, that ultimately means that Hitman might not be basking in as much of the limelight as some fans might have hoped. However, that’s not to say that Hitman is over. It’s still an IP that IO has plans for rather than being set aside completely.
We know that Hitman does have some content coming our way. For instance, it was during the Summer Game Fest event that we learned Mads Mikkelsen is reprising his role from 007 Casino Royale as an elusive target for Hitman fans. This might be as a tie to help hype up IO Interactive’s 007 game, but at least Agent 47 will have something new to take down carefully.
Recently, IGN had the chance to speak with Hakan Abrak, the CEO of IO Interactive. During their conversation, it was asked if IO Interactive was moving the Hitman franchise aside. According to Hakan Abrak, the series is definitely not done.
The Hitman series is definitely not done,” Abrak said. “We’re not done with Hitman. IO has been synonymous with Hitman, despite the other IPs we have done. We absolutely are proud, grateful, and happy with Hitman. But obviously doing another new IP, Project Fantasy, and doing Bond, it takes a lot of our resources and time. But as you saw, we announced the Hitman co-op, which is a big dream of mine. And they will be maybe in different shapes, but they will definitely be more Hitman in the future. – Hakan Abrak
Of course, that said, their focus might be on ensuring they get 007 First Light just right for fans. This was the big game they unveiled during the Summer Game Fest. It’s a title that we knew was in the works for a while now, but it had finally reached a point where the developers were ready to reveal it to players. That said, don’t expect a reskin of Agent 47.
It’s emphasizing more action, for sure. And the structure of Bond is more like it’s breathing more. Like there are more linear parts where you have the spectacle moments and exotic vehicles. And then we also give space in Bond to open up a bit and breathe a bit. So you have definitely glimpses of IO Interactive, as you would know from Hitman games as well, but it’s more front foot. It’s less of an analytical mind, chess play, where you sit and meticulously plan. All the clockwork things in Hitman where if you do this or do this, where Bond is more impulsive, more reckless sometimes. It’s more like he’s just taking things and acting and handling it more as they arise. – Hakan Abrak
This might be welcomed news for some players. If you were hopeful that there would be a few more action-packed moments with 007 First Light, that seems to be the case. That said, if you haven’t been keeping tabs on this game, players are going to get a new origin story of James Bond as a young, inexperienced M16 agent seeking to get the fabled 00 status. As it stands right now, IO Interactive is looking to launch the game sometime in 2026. When it does hit the marketplace, you’ll be able to pick it up on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
