Hitman – the episodic stealth video game developed by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix for Microsoft Windows, PS4, and Xbox One – is the sixth entry in the Hitman series. The game’s prologue acts as a prequel to Hitman: Codename 47, while the main game takes place seven years after the events of Hitman: Absolution. In February this year, Feral Interactive released a port for Linux. In what comes as good news to all Hitman fans, IO Interactive is now making the start of Hitman free for everyone.
First level of Hitman is now free on PC, Xbox One and PS4
IO Interactive has confirmed that the first episode of Hitman will be available to download for free across PC, Xbox One, and PS4 platforms. Starting today, players will be able to see the download available for free on PC via Steam. The free download will be made available digitally for Xbox One and PS4. And yes, this isn’t a limited period offer – the offer is here to stay.
That makes the first level of Hitman, which comprises of two Escalation contracts, two story missions, and 40+ challenges, completely free to play. The first level also lets you unlock and earn up to 17 achievements. What’s more – the game is expected to go on sale for a flat discount of 60% across all platforms for one week.
Meanwhile, IO Interactive has reached an agreement with Square Enix. The agreement now makes IO Interactive an independent studio. IO Interactive has maintained all rights to the Hitman franchise. Throwing light on the future of IO Interactive, the company revealed a message from its CEO Hakan Abrak –
Therefore I am proud to announce today that IOI is now officially an independent studio. We have successfully concluded our negotiations with Square Enix and have agreed to a management buyout. Crucially, we will keep all of the rights to the Hitman IP. This is a watershed moment for IOI. As of today, we have complete control over the direction for our studio and the Hitman IP – we’re about to forge our own future and it’s incredibly exciting. We are now open to opportunities with future collaborators and partners to help strengthen us as a studio and ensure that we can produce the best games possible for our community.
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