Hitman 4 Confirmed: IOI Teases Beyond Co-Op, New IPs
The future of silent assassination is secure! IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak has unequivocally confirmed that a Hitman 4 is in the pipeline, exciting fans worldwide. While Agent 47's next solo adventure won't be immediate, Abrak provided crucial insights into the studio's ambitious roadmap, which includes significant expansions for the existing Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy, a highly anticipated James Bond title, and a brand-new fantasy IP.
The Future of Assassination: Co-op First, Then Hitman 4
In a recent interview, Abrak stated, "of course there will be more Hitman," putting to rest any lingering doubts about the franchise's continuation. However, fans eager for a Hitman 4 announcement will need to exercise patience. According to Abrak, news regarding the next installment will arrive only after the much-anticipated co-op mode is fully integrated into Hitman: World of Assassination.
"Next year you’ll get more news about Hitman co-op," Abrak elaborated, highlighting its significance. He described the co-op feature as "a really, really good extension to the universe," promising it will "introduce very interesting mechanics and combinations." Only "after that" will IO Interactive shift focus to discussing the next major Hitman game, solidifying the sequential development strategy.
IO Interactive's Ambitious Development Slate
The confirmation of Hitman 4 comes amidst IO Interactive's incredibly busy period, with three major productions currently underway:
- Ongoing Hitman: World of Assassination Support: Continued dedication to the acclaimed trilogy, including upcoming DLC and the aforementioned co-op expansion.
- 007 First Light: The highly anticipated James Bond video game, slated for a March 27, 2026 release.
- Project Fantasy: An enigmatic new IP codenamed "Project Fantasy." Abrak teased this as a "multiplayer fantasy project" that is "extremely ambitious and really cool," explicitly stating it's "something else than a gun in a suit." While details remain scarce, it signals IOI's expansion into new creative territories.
While the exact timing of Hitman 4 relative to the completion of these other ventures remains unspecified, it's clear the studio is committed to nurturing multiple high-profile projects simultaneously.
A Legacy of Stealth: Hitman Franchise's Unprecedented Success
The decision to greenlight Hitman 4 is hardly surprising, given the franchise's monumental success. The series boasts an impressive track record:
- Over 85 million players worldwide.
- More than 25 million copies sold across its various titles.
- Consistently attracts over a million monthly players.
Since its inception with Hitman: Codename 47 in 2000, the franchise has continually evolved, culminating in the critically acclaimed World of Assassination trilogy (Hitman 2016, Hitman 2 2018, Hitman 3 2021), which redefined stealth gameplay. This rich history and enduring popularity underscore the strategic importance of developing a fourth mainline entry.
Agent 47's Latest Assignment: Eminem Takes Center Stage
In the immediate future, Hitman: World of Assassination players can dive into the latest Elusive Target mission, featuring rap superstar Eminem. In a unique crossover event, Agent 47 is recruited to neutralize Eminem's dangerous alter ego, Slim Shady. This mission is currently live and available for free across all platforms, offering a fresh, high-profile challenge to tide players over as they await more news on the franchise's exciting future.