Early last month, we reported that IO Interactive had split from Square Enix following a mutual agreement for a buyout which left IO in a very tough predicament. The company weren’t in development for a new Hitman game thus not knowing what the future may hold for the Danish studio.
However, that changed on Friday when the company announced that it will go forth as an independent developer and that they’ll continue with more Hitman games as it retained the rights to the franchise.
According to the company’s CEO Hakan Abrak on their website; “Therefore I am proud to announce today that IOI is now officially an independent studio. We have successfully concluded our negotiations with Square Enix and have agreed to a management buyout. Crucially, we will keep all of the rights to the Hitman IP.”
He further added:
“This is a watershed moment for IOI. As of today, we have complete control over the direction for our studio and the Hitman IP – we’re about to forge our own future and it’s incredibly exciting. We are now open to opportunities with future collaborators and partners to help strengthen us as a studio and ensure that we can produce the best games possible for our community.“
Abrak also thank Square Enix for its support not only toward the studio but to the Hitman franchise and praised their partnership for its successes over the past eight years.
Although more details as to how the company will proceed following the announcement, the future remains bright for both franchise and studio and one can only hope that we will see a Hitman title as the company comes to terms with trials and tribulations of being an indie developer.
