Hitman
News, coverage and analysis tracking Hitman across the outlets.
Latest coverage
007 First Light catches a big delay on Switch 2, pushing it into next year
IO Interactive has delayed the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light from its planned summer release to March 2027. The studio cited the need for additional time to polish the game and optimize performance for the platform. This decision comes as a surprise, given the game was recently playable at Gamescom.
1666: Amsterdam is a witchy body-hopper made by Assassin's Creed's creator, but it has more in common with…
1666 Amsterdam is a body-hopping stealth game from the creator of Assassin's Creed, featuring a witch who can possess people and animals to navigate 17th-century Amsterdam. While the combat is noted as a weak point, the game's unique possession mechanics and dense world offer a creative and engaging experience, reminiscent of classic Hitman and Omikron: The Nomad Soul.
Gamescom highlights: our fave games on show! Pure Nintendo Podcast E177
The Pure Nintendo Podcast hosts discuss their favorite games showcased at Gamescom, including titles like Final Fantasy, The Witcher 3, and an upcoming Onimusha game from Capcom. They also touch on other games like Ground Zero Hero, Warhammer, and Rain Station Z, while sharing personal Nintendo gaming experiences.
Rockstar is "at least 10 years ahead" of other games with GTA 6's NPC crowd technology, says dev behind…
An IO Interactive developer believes Rockstar Games' NPC crowd technology for Grand Theft Auto 6 is at least a decade ahead of the industry. This advanced simulation, where each character is individually processed, sets it apart from games like Hitman and Assassin's Creed, which use simpler crowd rendering techniques. The developer's assessment is based on leaked footage of the upcoming title.
Saber exec: The game industry must look beyond North America and dilute risk
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits argues the game industry needs to look beyond North America to mitigate rising development costs and financial risks. He highlights Saber's success with titles like SnowRunner and World War Z, which were developed economically with smaller teams, contrasting this with the expensive, overscoped projects often seen from North American publishers. Willits also advocates for slate funding and co-development to dilute risk and ensure profitability.
FirstLook launches creator-first platform Creators.gg with launch partners IO Interactive and Brain Jar Games
FirstLook has launched Creators.gg, a new platform designed to connect game studios with content creators of all sizes, rewarding performance over follower count. The platform offers creators early access to playtests and unreleased content, with launch partners including IO Interactive and Brain Jar Games. CEO Eden Chen stated the goal is to build rewarding relationships and ensure fair compensation for creators' engagement.
How iGaming Software Developers Borrow DNA from Xbox Hits
The iGaming industry is increasingly drawing inspiration from console games, particularly Xbox titles, to enhance the player experience. Developers are replicating visual elements like neon HUDs and gritty menus, incorporating cinematic music, and adopting game mechanics such as progression bars and environmental unlocks. Major titles like Resident Evil, Call of Duty, and Street Fighter have also been licensed for official slot machine adaptations.
"It started to feel like there wasn't any stealth": 007 First Light had to pull Bond's punches to protect IO Interactive's specialty sneaking
Senior combat designer Tom Marcham revealed that 007 First Light's development saw multiple instances where the game's combat mechanics became too overpowered, threatening to overshadow the stealth and social stealth elements. The team had to rebalance the game to ensure all playstyles remained interesting and viable. The article also touches on the game's product placement and the player's freedom in interacting with in-game brands.
Hack And Bash: How 007 First Light Mixes High-Tech Gadgets With Old-School Brawling
007 First Light distinguishes itself by focusing on physical brawling combat over traditional shooting, reflecting Bond's origin story. Senior combat designer Tom Marcham explains how the team drew inspiration from Daniel Craig's movies and martial arts games like Sifu and Sleeping Dogs to create a grounded, improvisational fighting system. The game also balances stealth, shooting, and melee, with inspirations from titles like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Vanquish, aiming for broad accessibility.
007 First Light shows video games are better summer blockbusters than movies
Video games are increasingly outperforming movies as summer blockbusters, rejuvenating legacy franchises with compelling narratives and engaging gameplay. Titles like 007 First Light, Hogwarts Legacy, and RoboCop: Rogue City demonstrate games' ability to fulfill blockbuster fantasies better than their cinematic counterparts, marking a shift in the entertainment landscape.
After Xbox Pulls Funding, Hitman Dev Is Closing A Studio And Laying People Off
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio and laying off staff after Xbox withdrew funding for its upcoming RPG, Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of the project and its IP, but these cuts were deemed necessary for the company's long-term future and to focus on its core internal titles.
IO Interactive regains full ownership of Project Fantasy following end of Xbox deal, shuts down Istanbul studio and lays off developers "to find a new balance"
IO Interactive has regained full ownership and control of its upcoming game Project Fantasy following the end of a publishing and funding deal with Xbox. To find a new balance for the studio's long-term future, IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio, laying off developers, and refocusing on internal core titles rather than external projects or mobile derivatives.
After split with Xbox, Hitman developer IO will "continue to develop" Project Fantasy independently, but they're closing their Istanbul Studio
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its fantasy project, Project Fantasy, after a split with Xbox. The developer will now fund and develop the game independently, but has closed its Istanbul studio as part of a restructuring to focus on its core titles. This move allows IO Interactive to maintain its status as an independent AAA developer and publisher.
Bond and Hitman Developer Closing a Studio and Laying Off Staff After Xbox Pulls Funding
IO Interactive, the developer behind Hitman and 007: First Light, is closing one of its studios and laying off staff. This decision comes after Xbox withdrew funding for an unannounced project. The exact number of affected employees is currently unknown.
IO Interactive says Project Fantasy isn't dead, but confirms that layoffs are happening
IO Interactive has confirmed layoffs and the closure of its Istanbul studio following the loss of external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of the project and plans to continue developing it independently, shifting focus back to its core internal titles. This news comes after the successful launch of 007 First Light, despite uncertainty regarding future James Bond game development.
IO Interactive to shutter Istanbul studio following end of Project Fantasy deal with Xbox
IO Interactive will close its Istanbul studio following the withdrawal of Xbox's funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. The company cited the decision as necessary to maintain its independence as a AAA developer and publisher. IO Interactive has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and plans to fund and develop it independently.
Hitman and 007 First Light dev IO Interactive regains "full ownership" of its mysterious online RPG project after Xbox reportedly pulled funding
IO Interactive has regained full ownership of its online RPG Project Fantasy after Xbox reportedly pulled its funding. The developer will now independently fund and continue development of the project, while also making staffing changes and closing its Istanbul studio to focus on its core internal titles.
IO Interactive closing Istanbul studio after regaining control of Project Fantasy
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio following Xbox's withdrawal of financing for the online RPG Project Fantasy. Although IO Interactive has regained full ownership of the project, the studio must now find a new balance and focus on its main internal titles. The closure is described as a necessary step to ensure the long-term future of the independent AAA developer and publisher.
Hideo Kojima's experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from Microsoft cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from recent cancellations and funding cuts within the Xbox division. Despite Microsoft reevaluating its gaming priorities, sources indicate that OD will continue to be published by Xbox. The game, described as a new form of media blending film and gaming, is being developed by Kojima Productions and features involvement from director Jordan Peele.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be Worse
The gaming industry experienced a particularly bleak week with multiple significant layoffs, studio closures, and price increases. Microsoft's Xbox division saw widespread job cuts, while Sony announced plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028. These events, coupled with delays and the ongoing impact of AI discussions, paint a grim picture for the industry's immediate future.
