IO Interactive go Independent, Take Hitman IP with Them

Fans of IO Interactive's Hitman series have reason to celebrate today. After the disappointing news in May that Square Enix had dropped the developer, the studio has bounced back and announced they are now a fully independent studio following a management buyout. And even better: Thanks to successful negotiations they're taking the Hitman intellectual property with them. In a statement posted on their website, CEO Hakan Abrak said:

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.

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.

And for gamers who haven't played Hitman yet, Abrak also mentioned that the studio has exciting news planned for next week which will "encourage more of you to try the game."