Exciting developments are on the horizon for fans of the Hitman series and James Bond enthusiasts alike. IO Interactive, the studio powerhouse, is juggling multiple intriguing projects, including the much-anticipated James Bond game, 007 First Light, and there are whispers of Hitman 4 taking shape.
The Future of Hitman
Recent interviews have revealed that while the Hitman series will certainly expand, fans may need to exercise a bit of patience for the arrival of Hitman 4. CEO Hakan Abrak shared that discussions around the next installment will only follow the release of the Hitman co-op mode in World of Assassination, a game that continues to thrive with new DLCs. “So of course there will be more Hitman,” Abrak emphasized. “But right now, I think we need to get to the other side of this year and next year you’ll get more news about Hitman co-op, because I think co-op is a really, really good extension to the universe, and will introduce very interesting mechanics and combinations in World of Assassination. But we will, after that, be talking about the next Hitman — because, of course, there’s going to be a next Hitman.”
The Hitman series began its journey with Hitman: Codename 47 in 2000 and has since evolved through several successful iterations, including the globally loved World of Assassination trilogy. The franchise boasts more than 85 million players and has sold over 25 million copies, underscoring its enduring popularity.
IO Interactive’s Ambitious Ventures
Currently, IO Interactive is managing three major productions: Hitman: World of Assassination, the upcoming 007 First Light, and an intriguing new fantasy project dubbed Project Fantasy. This ambitious multiplayer fantasy endeavor, still under wraps, promises to be an exciting departure from their previous works. “It’s not announced yet, exactly what it is, but it’s a multiplayer fantasy project, which is extremely ambitious and really cool and is something else than a gun in a suit,” Abrak teased.
Will Hitman 4 have to wait until all three projects are wrapped up? The answer remains uncertain, but the studio’s commitment to the franchise suggests it’s only a matter of time before Agent 47 embarks on a new adventure.
Meanwhile, 007 First Light is slated for a March 27, 2026 release, a date that seems even more promising with the delay of GTA 6 to November. In the meantime, Hitman: World of Assassination keeps players engaged with a new Elusive Target mission featuring rap star Eminem. This mission, where Agent 47 is tasked with eliminating Eminem’s alter ego Slim Shady, is currently available for free across all platforms.