Will Hitman 4 Happen? The Future of Agent 47
The question on every fan’s mind is: Will we see Hitman 4? The short answer is: not in the immediate future, but almost certainly yes, eventually. While IO Interactive isn’t currently working on a direct sequel, they have made it clear that the World of Assassination trilogy, concluded with Hitman 3, is not the end for Agent 47. Let’s dive into what we know, what we can expect, and why the silent assassin’s future is still bright.
The Current State of Hitman
A Pause, Not an End
IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman franchise, has explicitly stated that Hitman 3 marked the conclusion of the World of Assassination trilogy, not the entire franchise. This is crucial. The narrative arc that began with the 2016 reboot and continued through Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 has reached its conclusion, but the studio has no intention of retiring Agent 47 permanently.
Shifting Focus to Project 007
The reason for the pause is simple: IO Interactive is currently focusing its resources on a brand new project, Project 007. This highly anticipated game will feature James Bond’s origin story, an entirely new direction for the studio. This undertaking is a considerable endeavor, requiring significant manpower and development time, which explains the temporary halt on further Hitman titles.
Future Prospects
Despite the shift in focus, IO Interactive has repeatedly reassured fans that Agent 47 will return. The studio sees the Hitman franchise as a valuable asset, and the commercial success of Hitman 3 only reinforces that idea. While there aren’t any official plans for Hitman 4 right now, the developers have stated that it is in their long-term plans to produce more Hitman titles.
What Could Hitman 4 Look Like?
While specifics are yet to be unveiled, we can speculate about the potential direction for Hitman 4. Given that Hitman 3 concluded the overarching storyline, Hitman 4 could potentially start a new storyline. This might involve new characters, new organizations, and new challenges for Agent 47. It could also explore new gameplay mechanics or introduce different map structures. The possibilities are vast.
What About the World of Assassination?
The World of Assassination trilogy saw substantial improvement in map design, gameplay mechanics, and level of polish. It is unlikely that IO Interactive would step too far away from this formula as it is proven to be very popular amongst the fanbase. It is also possible that the studio may add brand new features into Hitman 4, as they did between all of the previous games in the trilogy.
The Importance of Fan Feedback
IO Interactive has always been receptive to fan feedback, and this likely will play a significant role in shaping the future of the series. Community discussions and expectations will surely influence the direction of Hitman 4. The studio is aware of what fans liked about the most recent games and is likely to leverage this knowledge in their next title.
The Extended Universe
The Hitman universe extends beyond the core games. We have seen novels, comic books, and even a few film adaptions over the years. This expanded world of Agent 47 can be tapped into for future inspiration. Perhaps Hitman 4 will further explore elements previously introduced in non-game formats.
When Can We Expect Hitman 4?
Unfortunately, there is no set release date for Hitman 4 and we should not expect any information until Project 007 is closer to release. Given the complexity of developing a modern title like Hitman and the current focus on the James Bond game, fans will need to be patient. However, the assurance of further Hitman titles is a welcome relief.
The Long Wait
The development process for modern video games is long and arduous. The team at IO Interactive is dedicated to quality over speed, and it’s important to remember the scale of game development in the modern era. While the wait is difficult for fans, it’s a necessary part of ensuring the return of Agent 47 is a triumphant one.
Looking Forward
Despite the lack of immediate plans for a Hitman 4, the Hitman franchise is far from over. IO Interactive has laid a solid foundation for future titles. We can be confident that Agent 47 will return, and when he does, it will be an experience that builds upon the successes of the World of Assassination trilogy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Hitman 3 the end of the Hitman franchise?
No, Hitman 3 is the end of the World of Assassination trilogy, but not the end of the Hitman franchise as a whole. IO Interactive has confirmed that further Hitman games are planned.
2. Why is there no Hitman 4 in development right now?
IO Interactive is currently prioritizing development on its new Project 007 game, which is a new franchise and a significant undertaking for the studio.
3. Will Agent 47 return in a future game?
Yes, IO Interactive has made it clear that Agent 47 will return in future Hitman titles. The studio sees the franchise as a valuable and continuing property.
4. Will Hitman 4 be a continuation of the World of Assassination storyline?
It’s likely that Hitman 4 will start a brand new narrative arc, given that Hitman 3 concluded the main storyline of the trilogy.
5. Is Project 007 the reason for the delay of Hitman 4?
Yes, IO Interactive’s current focus on Project 007 is the primary reason for the lack of immediate development on Hitman 4.
6. Has IO Interactive confirmed the development of Hitman 4?
While IO Interactive hasn’t officially announced the development of Hitman 4, they have confirmed that more Hitman games are planned.
7. What is Agent 47’s age?
According to lore, Agent 47 was born on September 5, 1964, making him about 59 years old as of 2023.
8. How many main Hitman games have been released?
There have been seven main entries in the Hitman series: Hitman: Codename 47, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts, Hitman: Blood Money, Hitman: Absolution, Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 and Hitman 3.
9. What is the relationship between Agent 47 and Diana Burnwood?
Diana Burnwood is Agent 47’s handler and close confidant. She has betrayed him in the past to achieve her personal objectives, but they have a deep professional relationship.
10. Is Agent 47 a good guy or a bad guy?
Agent 47 is an anti-hero, working as an assassin for hire but frequently targeting dangerous and corrupt individuals.
11. Is there any official information about new game features for Hitman 4?
There is currently no official information regarding specific new features in Hitman 4. Fans will need to wait for further announcements.
12. What are some of Agent 47’s aliases?
Agent 47 has used numerous aliases throughout the series, including Tobias Rieper, Metzger, and Ben Franklin.
13. How did Hitman 3 perform commercially?
Hitman 3 was a commercial success, exceeding sales expectations within its first year of release.
14. Is there a recommended order to play the Hitman games?
For the best narrative experience, it’s recommended to play the World of Assassination trilogy in order: Hitman (2016), Hitman 2, and Hitman 3.
15. Is Agent 47 religious?
Agent 47 is generally considered to be agnostic, as he explores religion for a sense of belonging, despite the fact that his actions contradict traditional religious teachings.
In conclusion, while the future of the Hitman series might be on hold for now, there’s no doubt that Agent 47 will make his return. Fans just need to remain patient and await further announcements from IO Interactive about the much-anticipated Hitman 4.