Hitman
News, coverage and analysis tracking Hitman across the outlets.
Latest coverage
MindsEye’s salvaged Hitman DLC cuts Agent 47, and seemingly a good chunk of its staff, too
Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the studio behind MindsEye, has reportedly conducted another round of layoffs, impacting senior staff and other developers. This follows the release of a salvaged DLC, now titled Blacklisted, which was originally a Hitman collaboration but had Agent 47 removed. IO Interactive confirmed the end of its partnership with BARB, and the DLC was released with significant changes.
Is 007 First Light open world, or are you on linear rails?
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, is described as a narrative action-adventure rather than an open world experience. While it incorporates elements of stealth and allows for varied approaches to objectives, similar to the Hitman series, it will not feature a fully explorable open world. Instead, the game focuses on a more authored story with distinct set pieces and guided gameplay.
IO Interactive "Can't Wait" to Return to Hitman Series
IO Interactive has confirmed that more Hitman games are planned and the studio is eager to continue the series. The announcement assures fans of future installments in the stealth franchise.
"Why not?": Hitman studio IO Interactive is open to a 007 First Light sequel if people like the James Bond…
IO Interactive, the studio behind Hitman, is open to developing a sequel to their upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light, if the first installment is well-received. CEO Hakan Abrak expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create the game and stated that a sequel would depend on community reception and demand.
007 First Light's Bond is more "relatable" than Hitman's Agent 47, says developer: "Rather than an object of absurd fascination, he's an object of emotional relation"
Developer IO Interactive aims to make James Bond in 007 First Light more relatable than Hitman's Agent 47 by focusing on his human emotions and charm. The game will feature direct jokes and funny observations, contrasting with the darker tone of Hitman. The article highlights the game's opening mission and its technical advancements using the Glacier 2 engine.
007 First Light's Campaign Length Reportedly Revealed
The main campaign for IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, is reportedly around 20 hours long for the average player. This estimate does not include additional content from the Tactical Simulator mode, which will be added post-launch. The game is set to release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on May 27, 2026, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version planned for later in the summer.
PS5's 007 First Light Will See You Embody the Charismatic James Bond for 20+ Hours
The upcoming PlayStation 5 title 007 First Light is estimated to have a first playthrough length of around 20 hours, with additional replay value offered through its TacSim mode and potential live service updates. Developer IO Interactive plans to support the game with new objectives and missions post-launch, similar to their work on the Hitman series.
Dags att utse majs hetaste spel!
This article discusses the most anticipated game releases for May 2024, highlighting titles like Forza Horizon 6, 007 First Light, and Subnautica 2 entering early access. It also mentions the delayed release of Grand Theft Auto VI and other games such as Fable and Hitman.
007 First Light isn't about mowing down hundreds of dudes because "it's important that every encounter feels crunchy and dangerous," says developer
IO Interactive's Rasmus Poulsen discusses the design philosophy behind the upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light, emphasizing a focus on dangerous, 'crunchy' encounters and a 'timeless' aesthetic. The game aims to capture the essence of a young James Bond venturing into espionage, with an intro sequence featuring a Lana Del Rey track that plays on the theme of light and shadow. 007 First Light is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X on May 27, with a Nintendo Switch version to follow.
What We Played – Tides of Tomorrow, TerraTech Legion & Adorable Adventures
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences, including Overwatch, Alien: Rogue Incursion, TerraTech Legion, Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade, and Hitman 3's Freelancer Mode. Other titles mentioned include Adorable Adventures, Moomintroll Winter's Warmth, Tides of Tomorrow, Ghost Master, Starfield, and various games on the AYN Thor handheld like .hack//Infection and Super Alloy Crush.
007 First Light Gets Rocky Start With Early Player Reviews | HappyGamer
Early player reviews for IO Interactive's highly anticipated game 007 First Light are mixed, with some comparing it unfavorably to Hitman: Absolution. Concerns have been raised about potential linearity and excessive hand-holding, reminiscent of the studio's past missteps. While IO Interactive has a strong track record with the Hitman World of Assassination trilogy, these initial impressions suggest the studio might be repeating past mistakes in its approach to the Bond title.
I played the MindsEye mission about the alleged game saboteurs, and it sucks so bad
The 'Blacklisted' mission for the narrative shooter MindsEye, developed by Build a Rocket Boy, is a poorly executed and uninteresting experience. Originally intended as a Hitman crossover, the mission fails to provide any convincing evidence for the alleged sabotage against the studio, despite its short length and lack of engaging gameplay or story elements.
007 First Light perfectly balances cinematic Bond action with Hitman's signature sandbox freedom
007 First Light aims to balance cinematic James Bond action with the sandbox freedom of the Hitman series. The preview highlights how players can approach objectives through stealth, impersonation, or direct confrontation, with combat feeling more action-oriented than in Hitman. Gadgets and realistic animations enhance the immersive experience, suggesting a successful blend of the two gameplay styles.
Morning Interviews
The lead game designer for 007 First Light explained how the game differentiates itself from the Hitman series. Separately, the lead designer for Subnautica 2 stated that working on the game helped them overcome their fear of the ocean.
Playing 007: First Light makes me wonder if it's actually possible to nail James Bond - but IOI has made a cracking attempt
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007: First Light, diverges from the studio's Hitman formula, opting for a linear, third-person stealth-action experience. The game emphasizes forward momentum and spectacle, aiming for a broader audience than the Hitman series. Early impressions highlight impressive production values and a focus on cinematic Bond moments, though questions remain about its ability to truly capture the essence of James Bond.
007 First Light Preview – A Cinematic Spy Game With Hitman DNA
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, offers a cinematic spy experience blending stealth and action, reminiscent of Hitman. The preview highlights a younger James Bond learning the ropes, featuring intense gunfights, gadget use, and a combat system that mirrors the Batman: Arkham series. Players will have freedom in approaching objectives, with the game balancing linear cinematic moments with open-ended gameplay.
007 First Light Interview: IO on Bond’s Origin Story, Lana Del Rey, and Combat
IO Interactive's Theuns Smith discusses the upcoming game 007 First Light, focusing on the decision to feature a younger James Bond and the game's reimagined origin story. The interview also touches on the implementation of parkour mechanics, the evolution of combat systems, the use of gadgets like the Q Lens and Q Watch, and the casting of Patrick Gibson as Bond.
007 First Light Preview - So You Want Me to Be Half-Monk, Half-Hitman?
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, aims to capture the essence of James Bond with a blend of stealth, action, and improvisation, differentiating itself from the developer's Hitman series. The preview highlights a more charismatic and bold approach for Bond, with dynamic environmental destruction and nuanced gadget usage. The game is set to release on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
007 First Light: A Full Debrief After 3 Hours with IO's New James Bond Game
IO Interactive's upcoming training simulation, 007 First Light, offers a curated three-hour preview focusing on stealth and problem-solving. The game draws heavy inspiration from the Hitman series, emphasizing player adaptation and iteration through various operations set in Iceland, Malta, and London. While combat is present, the core gameplay loop prioritizes social stealth, environmental interaction, and strategic decision-making over direct confrontation.
After 3 hours with 007 First Light, IO's weaknesses are on display in a way they haven't been since Hitman:…
A preview of IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, reveals a more linear and cinematic experience compared to their Hitman series. While featuring some sandbox elements and engaging melee combat, the game's stealth mechanics and gadget usage feel underdeveloped and archaic. The preview highlights a creative boss fight but ultimately suggests IO Interactive may not be leveraging its strengths effectively.
