Highlights
- IO Interactive has officially confirmed that Hitman 4 is in the pipeline.
- Full production will wait until after the 007 game launches in 2026.
- The current game is getting a co-op update and a Jean-Claude Van Damme mission.
IO Interactive has put the rumors to rest: Hitman 4 is officially in the pipeline. After months of silence regarding the future of the mainline series, CEO Hakan Abrak has confirmed in a recent interview that the studio is committed to its flagship franchise. "Of course, there will be more Hitman," Abrak stated, reassuring fans that Agent 47 remains the heart of the company’s identity. However, patience will be key for stealth enthusiasts, as the next chapter will only move into full focus once the studio clears its current production milestones.
The release timeline for the next Hitman entry is heavily dependent on IO’s highly anticipated 007 First Light. This James Bond origin story is the studio's immediate priority, with a scheduled release on March 27, 2026, across major platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2.
Abrak clarified that while Hitman is their long love, the team needs to get to the other side of the Bond launch before sharing concrete details on the next assassination chapter. Interestingly, Abrak noted that Bond is likely the only external IP the studio will ever work on, describing the collaboration as a "match made in heaven" after 25 years of perfecting the agent fantasy.
World of Assassination Co-op Update
To bridge the gap between the current trilogy and the eventual sequel, Hitman: World of Assassination is set to receive a major co-op update. Reintroducing characters like "Stone" and "Knight" from Hitman 2’s Sniper Assassin mode, this update will challenge players with curated missions designed for teamwork and new mechanics.
Abrak promised that fans will get more news about this co-op extension next year. He framed the new game as a vital refresher for the current ecosystem while the team quietly lays the groundwork for Hitman 4.
In the meantime, support for the World of Assassination remains aggressive, proving the game’s live-service model is thriving with over 75 million unique players. Players are currently diving into the surreal "Eminem vs. Slim Shady" Elusive Target mission, running through the end of December.
IO Interactive's Future Lineup
Following this, the studio has lined up another blockbuster event, "The Splitter," featuring legendary action star Jean-Claude Van Damme. Beyond the world of stealth, IO Interactive is also diversifying with Project Fantasy, an ambitious online multiplayer RPG that steps away from the "gun in a suit" formula.
Despite this expansion and the massive undertaking of the 007 license, the studio's executives remain adamant that they haven't forgotten where they came from. With the franchise having sold over 25 million copies, IO Interactive is determined to evolve Agent 47 for the next generation just as soon as Mr. Bond has had his turn.
