With Square Enix looking to sell off their subsidiary developer, IO Interactive, the future of the Hitman series fell into speculation. It was rumored that the Hitman brand was staying with IO Interactive, something that Square Enix supported in their own statement.
IO Interactive's most recent post on store changes for Hitman has brought hope that we will see a continuation of the Hitman series regardless of Square Enix's decision.
No date was given, but IO Interactive did details that in "approximately" two weeks, the 'Intro Pack' and 'Upgrade Pack' will be removed from digital stores and will no longer be available for purchase.
This change aims to make purchasing the game "easier and simpler," and will effectively make purchasing ‘The Complete First Season’ the default option for new players. These changes do not affect anyone who purchased the Complete First Season on disc, nor do they affect any existing digital purchases.
Here's how each platform will be affected – as far as digital purchases go:
- Steam: After the changes, Intro Pack owners will be able to purchase ‘The Complete First Season’ and only pay for the episodes that they do not already own. Essentially, Steam will detect which episodes you have already purchased and only charge you for the ones you do not own. Individual episodes will no longer be available for purchase.
- Xbox One: After the changes, Intro Pack owners will be able to purchase ‘The Complete First Season’ at a reduced price. Essentially, the price of the ‘Intro Pack’ will be taken off the price of ‘The Complete First Season’ and you will pay the difference. Individual episodes will remain available for purchase.
- PS4: After the changes, Intro Pack owners will be able to purchase ‘The Complete First Season’ at the standard price. Individual episodes will remain available for purchase.
The announcement went on to detail that these changes will help IO Interactive "lay the foundations" for "future plans for HITMAN."
