During PlayStation 5's gameplay reveal event earlier in the month, developer IO Interactive was given the chance to showcase the next entry in its long-running assassination series, Hitman 3. Once again starring Agent 47, Hitman 3 is a direct sequel to 2018s Hitman 2 and will act as the "dramatic conclusion" to the World of Assassination trilogy that first started with Hitman (2016) and introduced a new episodic mission structure that focused on player choice and replayability.
IO Interactive originally envisioned the trilogy as a "games as a service" like platform that would expand and evolve over time. The developer has now confirmed that Hitman 3 will be the realization of that original vision, allowing players to import all previously released missions from both Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 into the new game, as well as an all-new universal progression system.
Due to release in January 2021 for current and next-gen platforms, Hitman 3 will launch with six unique locations and will follow the same gameplay structure as the first two games. Beyond that, IO Interactive has developed Hitman 3 to be a platform for the trilogy and the ultimate place to experience all three games, allowing players to import any previously owned mission from both Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2. For owners of all three games, this means Hitman 3 will be home to over 20 unique locations.
As a platform, Hitman 3 will also feature a new universal progression system across every location, regardless of which game they originated in. Players will be able to unlock an outfit in the new Hitman 3 Dubai mission and use that same outfit in the imported Paris mission from Hitman (2016). While the team has confirmed that specific details on how importing works will be shared at a later date, it was also revealed that item unlocks and progression from Hitman 2 can be carried over to the game as well.
Back in 2017, IO Interactive split from Square Enix after the release of Hitman (2016), gaining full control of the IP. Hitman 3 will be the first game entirely developed and published by IO Interactive, so it's great to see the team finally get the chance to realize its vision for the trilogy. Making Hitman 3 a platform for the trilogy is a fantastic move that will benefit both the game and consumers, and creates the perfect jumping-on point for new and returning players on current and next-gen consoles.
Hitman 3 will release on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One in January 2021.