For fans of the world's most famous assassin, the wait might be long, but the destination is certain. IO Interactive has officially assured players that there are more Hitman adventures on the horizon, with the development team expressing genuine excitement to return to the franchise.

While the studio has branched out into titles like Freedom Fighters and Kane & Lynch, Agent 47 remains the cornerstone of IO Interactive's identity. By the end of this month, the Danish developer will have marked 26 years of development with 13 released titles—more than half of which belong to the Hitman series.

Why There Has Been a Hiatus for Hitman

Recent speculation suggested that IO Interactive’s pivot toward the James Bond universe might signal the end of Agent 47. However, the studio's focus on new IP is a matter of expansion rather than abandonment. In a recent interview with The Game Business, IOI CEO Hakan Abrak clarified that the gap since the last mainline entry isn't due to neglect, but rather the massive undertaking of building new worlds from scratch.

The studio is currently juggling several high-profile projects:

  • 007 First Light: A major new project that requires significant foundational work and differs greatly from the Hitman gameplay loop.
  • An Unannounced Fantasy Title: A project described as being "very, very far" along in development, representing a complete departure from the studio's traditional stealth skillset.

Looking Forward to Future Hitman Adventures

Despite the heavy workload of new IPs, Abrak made it clear that the studio is eager to dive back into their most iconic DNA. He noted that the team hasn't had much "air" recently to focus on the deep, systemic design that makes the series unique.

"We are looking forward to getting into the weeds on Hitman again," Abrak stated. "But rest assured, we cannot wait to get into the engine room and upgrade, invent, and innovate Hitman for you guys again."

While the exact roadmap for the next entry remains under wraps, the studio's current trajectory is promising. The technical expertise gained from developing 007 First Light could provide the perfect opportunity to refine and expand upon the stealth formula. Specifically, fans are hoping to see improvements in areas like combat mechanics, making the gameplay even more robust for players who prefer a more direct approach.