A studio between two worlds – and an icon that received’t disappear
When a standard studio immediately takes on a totally new model, followers instantly begin speculating. IO Interactive is not any totally different: Because the announcement of “007: First Gentle,” the query has been raised as to what this implies for the way forward for Hitman. In spite of everything, Agent 47 has been the face of the corporate for over 20 years, a personality on whom a lot of its success relies upon.
With the Bond challenge, the Danes are coming into new territory for the primary time in a very long time. However whereas improvement is selecting up pace, there was uncertainty about whether or not Hitman is now thought-about completed. An in-depth interview with Selection now sheds mild on the matter – and exhibits that the 2 collection are extra intently intertwined than many individuals assume.
“Hitman is our core enterprise”: Why 007 doesn’t imply the tip
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak chooses clear phrases in an interview with Selection: “Hitman has all the time been our flagship – and it’ll stay so.” This assertion ought to come as a reduction to followers worldwide. Though the main target is presently on “007: First Gentle,” the builders don’t see it as a substitute, however fairly as an growth of their inventive spectrum.
Abrak emphasizes that their work on Bond makes many issues potential that beforehand appeared unthinkable within the Hitman universe. In line with Abrak, the technical methods they’re creating for 007 will finally circulate again into their in-house collection. What’s significantly fascinating is that the success of Agent 47 mainly paved the way in which for the Bond challenge within the first place – not the opposite means round.
On the identical time, the group is already engaged on enhancements to the prevailing “World of Assassination.” A co-op mode is on the prime of the listing. Abrak sees this as a brand new stage of gameplay that would develop and loosen up the exact stealth gameplay. These experiments, in flip, assist the studio higher perceive what Hitman 4 may seem like – even when nothing concrete is being revealed right here but.
After Bond comes Hitman 4: What followers can actually anticipate
Nonetheless, an important information comes within the second a part of the interview: Hitman 4 shouldn’t be solely seemingly, however firmly deliberate – albeit after the Bond cycle. IO Interactive makes it clear that it needs to complete “007: First Gentle” earlier than the following period of Agent 47 begins.
The builders are properly conscious of how numerous the group’s expectations are. Some followers desire a radical reinvention, whereas others desire a return to the open sandbox maps of earlier installments.
Abrak speaks of “many sturdy opinions,” but in addition of how proud the group is of the trilogy up to now. A lot of what has been created there has led on to the Bond challenge—and can circulate again into Hitman as soon as it’s accomplished. Till then, nevertheless, IO Interactive shouldn’t be letting Hitman collect mud.
The World of Assassination platform will proceed to be maintained – together with outstanding visitor appearances. The newest instance: rap legend Eminem, who joins Bruce Lee and different icons who’ve just lately enlivened the sport. Such occasions not solely hold the group energetic, in addition they present how related Hitman stays for the studio.
