Hitman: World of Assassination Reaches 75 Million Players, a Monumental Milestone for IO Interactive
IO Interactive proudly announced that Hitman: World of Assassination has surpassed a remarkable 75 million players. This achievement solidifies its position as potentially the studio's most successful title to date. It's important to note that World of Assassination is a compilation of three games, not a single release. This compilation, released in January 2023 for PC and consoles (and on Meta Quest 3 in September 2024), combined the latest Hitman trilogy into one accessible package, though individual purchases remained an option.
The January 10th announcement on Twitter highlighted this "monumental" success, underscoring the studio's robust current business standing. While specifics weren't detailed, Hitman 3 likely contributed significantly to the overall player count, given its past sales success exceeding its predecessors in key markets like the UK, and faster cost recovery than the 2016 iteration.
Key Factors Contributing to Success: Xbox Game Pass and Free Starter Pack
The impressive player count is largely attributed to two significant factors: the game's two-year presence on Xbox Game Pass (ending January 2024), and the availability of a free Starter Pack since the 2021 launch. Free demos for the first two trilogy entries further broadened its reach.
Hitman Franchise on Hiatus, New Projects Underway
While Hitman: World of Assassination continues receiving updates (including Elusive Targets), IO Interactive's current focus on the franchise is limited. The studio is actively developing two new projects: Project 007, a James Bond game in development since 2020, and Project Fantasy, a new IP announced in 2023 exploring a fantastical setting. These ventures signify IO Interactive's ambition to expand beyond its established Hitman expertise.
