IO Interactive is taking a break from the Hitman franchise to focus on its next project, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end for Agent 47, the developer’s CEO said in a recent interview. The announcement comes a few months after the release of Hitman 3, the third installment in IO Interactive’s World of Assassination trilogy.

Many fans wondered what the future had in store for the Hitman franchise after the release of Hitman 3, as IO Interactive had advertised the reboot as a trilogy since the release of Hitman in 2016. The trilogy was positively received by fans and critics, who praised the games for their creative level designs and giving players the freedom to take out their targets however they wanted too. Fans obviously wanted more of Agent 47, but many were worried they may never play another IO Interactive Hitman game again after the developer announced that it would shift focus to its upcoming 007 game after Hitman 3.

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Fortunately for fans, IO Interactive is not abandoning Agent 47, though it will probably be awhile before they get to play another Hitman game, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak said in a recent interview with IGN. “This is not the end of Agent 47,” Abrak said, adding that the Hitman franchise was synonymous with IO Interactive. Even though the developer’s main focus moving forward will be on the untitled James Bond game, IO Interactive will still work on “cool stuff” in the World of Assassination, Abrak added.

Hitman 3 Agent 47 Meeting With Agent Montgomery

IO Interactive has released DLC content for the Hitman series since the launch of Hitman 1. The content usually comes in the form of new missions and cosmetics. Last month, IO Interactive rolled out new outfits, weapons, and contracts for Hitman 3, as well as the first part of a seven-part expansion. This type of content is likely the “cool stuff” that Abrak referred to when discussing the future of the World of Assassination.

James Bond will be IO Interactive’s first time working on a licensed IP. Unlike past 007 titles, which were based on a specific Bond movie or era, IO Interactive’s Bond will be a completely original story. In another first for 007 games, IO will not base Bond’s likeness on any of the actors who have played the famous spy on screen.

While some fans may be disappointed that it may be years before they play another Hitman game, many more are excited to see what IO Interactive will do with a wholly original Bond game. The untitled 007 game does not have a release date.

Hitman 3 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Source: IGN