| Hitman | |
|---|---|
 Logo of the franchise since 2016; mainly used in theWorld of Assassination trilogy | |
| Genre | Stealth |
| Developer | IO Interactive |
| Publishers |
|
| Creator | Jacob Andersen |
| Platforms | |
| First release | Hitman: Codename 47 21 November 2000 |
| Latest release | Hitman: Blood Money Reprisal 25 January 2024 |
Hitman is astealth game franchise created by the Danish developerIO Interactive. The player controls thecontract killerAgent 47, who travels the world toassassinate various targets who are assigned to him.
The first game in the franchise,Hitman: Codename 47, was published byEidos Interactive forMicrosoft Windows in 2000 and introduced many of the gameplay elements that would become staples of the franchise. Eidos published the next three games,Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002),Hitman: Contracts (2004), andHitman: Blood Money (2006), forWindows and consoles, each building uponCodename 47's foundation of stealth gameplay. After a six-year hiatus,Hitman: Absolution (2012) was published, and ahigh-definition port of the original three console games in 2013, both bySquare Enix.
After another hiatus from the main series, the next game titledHitman (2016) was released, also published by Square Enix.Hitman 2 (2018) was published byWarner Bros. Games, which later published HD ports ofHitman: Blood Money andHitman: Absolution (2019). The most recent main series game,Hitman 3 (2021), was self-published by IO Interactive. In 2023, IO rebrandedHitman 3 asHitman: World of Assassination, which imported all content of the previous two titles to the game.Feral Interactive publishedHitman: Blood Money - Reprisal for mobile platforms and the Nintendo Switch the same year.IO Interactive released an iOS port for 'Hitman: World of Assassination' on 27 August 2025.[4]
Mainline games in theHitman series have been generally well-received, with most critics praising the take on stealth gameplay and freedom of approach. Outside of the eight mainline releases, the franchise includes threespin-off games, two novels, remastered and HD rereleases of games, and acomic book miniseries, and twofilm adaptations:Hitman (2007) andHitman: Agent 47 (2015).
Primarily from athird-person perspective and set in an open world environment, the core objective ofHitman is to kill an assigned target or targets. Certain levels will include auxiliary objectives, such as retrieving information or destroying a dangerous virus. The game allows the player different options to accomplish these tasks. Players can perform precise or indiscriminate assassinations; the games encourage players to implement a subtle approach to completing the levels, although this is not necessary.[5]
| 2000 | Hitman: Codename 47 |
|---|---|
| 2001 | |
| 2002 | Hitman 2: Silent Assassin |
| 2003 | |
| 2004 | Hitman: Contracts |
| 2005 | |
| 2006 | Hitman: Blood Money |
| 2007 | Hitman Trilogy |
| 2008 | |
| 2009 | |
| 2010 | |
| 2011 | |
| 2012 | Hitman: Absolution |
| 2013 | Hitman HD Trilogy |
| 2014 | Hitman Go |
| 2015 | Hitman: Sniper |
| 2016 | Hitman |
| 2017 | |
| 2018 | Hitman 2 |
| 2019 | Hitman HD Enhanced Collection |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | Hitman 3 |
| 2022 | Hitman Sniper: The Shadows |
| 2023 | Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal |
In 1998, following the dissolution of Danish game developerZyrinx, its remaining team members regrouped to formReto-Moto.[6] This team later establishedIO Interactive (IO), which would go on to create its first intellectual property, theHitman series. The inaugural game,Hitman: Codename 47, marked IO's debut in the gaming industry. Initially, the studio had planned to develop a straightforward shooter titledRex-Domonius, but the concept was ultimately abandoned by Reto-Moto.[6]
The creative vision forHitman: Codename 47 was led by Danish designer Jacob Andersen, who drew inspiration from Hong Kong action films. Andersen explained, "We decided to do a quick game inspired by Hong Kong action movies... Basically, a guy in a suit blasting away in a Chinese restaurant."[6] This initial idea evolved into the story of Agent 47, a genetically engineered clone assassin. The game introduced a unique gameplay mechanic where players could assume disguises from non-player characters, a feature that became a hallmark of the series and setHitman apart from other games of its time.[6] Additionally,Codename 47 was among the first games to incorporateragdoll physics, which enhanced its realism and set a new standard for the industry.[7]
Published byEidos Interactive in 2000,Codename 47 was initially released exclusively for Windows. Andersen noted that the decision to focus on PC development was driven by the difficulty of obtaining console development kits at the time, as well as the growing availability of 3D hardware for PCs, which made the platform particularly appealing for innovation.[6]
The first sequel in the series,Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, was developed by IO Interactive and published byEidos Interactive forMicrosoft Windows,PlayStation 2, andXbox in October 2002, followed by aGameCube release in June 2003. Building upon the foundation ofCodename 47,Silent Assassin placed greater emphasis on stealth mechanics and introduced new features, such as a first-person view mode, the ability to incapacitate enemies non-lethally, and missions that allowed for multiple approaches.[6] Reflecting on the development, Jacob Andersen noted, "Now that the main platform was PS2, we felt more at home." However, some fans of the original game were dissatisfied with the introduction of a mid-level save system. While the controls were improved and efforts were made to address AI issues, non-player characters continued to exhibit unpredictable behavior. "Many have tried to fix the AI since, and all have failed," Andersen remarked with a smile. "It just has to have those odd moments—otherwise, it wouldn't beHitman."[6]
The next installment,Hitman: Contracts, was developed by IO and published by Eidos Interactive for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in April 2004. The game served as both a sequel toSilent Assassin and a partial remake ofCodename 47, featuring remastered levels from the first game with enhanced graphics, improved AI, and gameplay elements introduced in the second game. This decision was influenced by the fact that only 10% ofSilent Assassin players had experiencedCodename 47, largely due to the latter's Windows exclusivity. As Andersen explained, "We decided to makeHitman 2.5 with some of the best content from [Codename 47]."[8]
Hitman: Blood Money, developed by IO and published by Eidos Interactive, was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, andXbox 360 in May 2006. Developed concurrently with its predecessor,Blood Money continued the story from the previous installment and represented a significant leap forward in terms of graphics, AI, and level design, thanks to increased resources from both IO and Eidos.[8] The game received generally positive reviews and is widely regarded as acult classic.[9]Blood Money has been re-released multiple times: first as part of an HD collection alongside its two predecessors in 2013,[10] again in 2019 as part of another HD collection with its successor,[11] and most recently for mobile devices in 2023[12] and theNintendo Switch in 2024.[13]
A box set titledHitman Trilogy (released asHitman: The Triple Hit Pack in Europe) was published by Eidos for the PlayStation 2 on June 19, 2007, in North America and June 22, 2007, in Europe.[14][15] The collection includesHitman 2: Silent Assassin,Hitman: Contracts, andHitman: Blood Money, with the games remaining identical to their original standalone releases.[14]
Following the release ofBlood Money, IO Interactive shifted its focus to developing new franchises, including the action-packedKane & Lynch series (2007 and 2010) and the more family-friendlyMini Ninjas (2009).[16]
Hitman: Absolution was developed by IO Interactive and published bySquare Enix, following their acquisition of Eidos Interactive in 2009. It was released worldwide on 20 November 2012 forMicrosoft Windows,OS X,PlayStation 3, andXbox 360.[17][18][19] The developers stated thatAbsolution, while retaining stealth elements, would move away from the sandbox levels of the first four games and incorporate more action-oriented features, such as a cinematic story-driven narrative and increased emphasis on gunplay, to appeal to a broader audience.[6] A new mechanic called 'Instinct' was introduced, allowing players to track enemies through walls and highlight objects of interest, a feature that would become a staple of the franchise.[6]
Upon release,Absolution received mixed-to-positive reviews, with many longtime fans criticizing its departure from the classicHitman formula.[20] Despite selling over 4.5–5 million copies, the game failed to meet Square Enix's sales expectations.[21] On 15 May 2014,Hitman: Absolution — Elite Edition was released for OS X byFeral Interactive, featuring all previously releaseddownloadable content, includingHitman: Sniper Challenge, a "making of" documentary, and a 72-page artbook.[22]
In January 2013, Square Enix released HD remastered versions ofHitman 2: Silent Assassin,Hitman: Contracts, andHitman: Blood Money for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 under the titleHitman HD Trilogy. The collection was released in North America on 29 January 2013, in Australia on 31 January 2013, and in Europe on 1 February 2013.[23]
Hitman Go, a turn-basedpuzzle video game developed bySquare Enix Montreal, was released foriOS on 17 April 2014 and forAndroid on 4 June 2014.[24] A version forMicrosoft Windows andWindows Phone was released on 27 April 2015.[25] A "Definitive Edition" featuring improved visuals and additional content was released forPlayStation Vita,PlayStation 4, and PC viaSteam on 23 February 2016.[26]
Hitman: Sniper, afirst-person shooter developed by Square Enix Montreal, was released for iOS and Android on 4 June 2015. Unlike traditionalHitman games, it focuses solely on sniping mechanics, with players taking on the role of Agent 47 to eliminate targets from a fixed position using asniper rifle. The game lacks a narrative component and emphasizes precision and strategy.[27]
Following the underperformance ofAbsolution, IO Interactive reimagined the franchise, blending the gameplay elements introduced inAbsolution with the open-ended design of earlierHitman games.[28] A soft reboot, simply titledHitman, was announced atE3 2015 and published bySquare Enix. The game's first level launched in March 2016 forMicrosoft Windows,PlayStation 4, andXbox One, receiving highly positive reviews.[29] Structured episodically,Hitman featured six levels released monthly throughout 2016, alongside additional content such as "Elusive Targets", "Escalations", and user-created "Contracts". This episodic approach allowed IO to refine each level while creating a live game that expanded over time, laying the foundation for the series' future.[30]
Despite critical acclaim, the game did not meet Square Enix's financial expectations. In 2017, Square Enix parted ways with IO Interactive, allowing the studio to retain full control of theHitman IP and become independent.[31] IO abandoned the episodic format for its next title,Hitman 2, which was announced in June 2018 and published byWarner Bros. Games. Released in November 2018 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, the game featured six large sandbox levels, a multiplayer mode, and post-launch content. Players could also import levels from the 2016 game, retaining their progress if they already owned it.[32]
In January 2019, Warner Bros. Games released theHitman HD: Enhanced Collection for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, featuring updated ports ofHitman: Blood Money andHitman: Absolution with improved graphics,4K resolution, and modernized controls.[33]
Hitman 3 was revealed at thePlayStation 5 reveal event in 2020 and released in January 2021 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One,Xbox Series X/S,Stadia, andNintendo Switch (as acloud version). Developed and self-published by IO Interactive, the game allowed players to carry over progress from the previous two titles and introducedVR support, extending to imported levels from earlier games.[28]Hitman 3 was praised as the best entry in the series and became the most commercially successfulHitman game. IO supported it with extensivedownloadable content and free updates, adding new features, game modes, and maps.[34] In January 2023, IO mergedHitman andHitman 2 intoHitman 3, renaming itHitman: World of Assassination.[35]
A digital-only collection of theWorld of Assassination trilogy, released on 20 January 2022, includedHitman 3 and access passes for content fromHitman andHitman 2. APremium Add-Ons bundle offered all DLC except forHitman 3's "Seven Deadly Sins" expansion. The collection was available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S,Steam, andEpic Games.[36]
Under license from IO,Hitman Sniper: The Shadows, a sequel toHitman: Sniper, was developed bySquare Enix Montreal and released foriOS andAndroid on 3 March 2022. The game retained the sniping mechanics of its predecessor but did not feature Agent 47 as a playable character.[37] This marked the finalHitman game published by Square Enix before it sold most of its assets toEmbracer Group, and the game was discontinued by January 2023.
On 26 January 2023, IO Interactive launched the "Freelancer" mode forHitman 3. This mode follows Agent 47's life in a safehouse as he dismantles crime syndicates with Diana as his handler. Players choose targets and gear, balancing risk and reward, as failure results in losing equipment. The mode includes 100 mastery levels, unlocking new gear, outfits, and safehouse decorations.[38]
On 27 August 2025,Hitman World of Assassination was released for iPhone and iPad by IO Interactive. The release brought the entire trilogy to iOS devices. The iOS version features touch controls and support for external game controllers while not compromising gameplay[39]
IO Interactive has confirmed that whileHitman 3 concludes theWorld of Assassination trilogy, it will not be the final game in the franchise.[40][41][42]
During December 2025, in an interview conducted byVariety, IOI CEO Hakan Abrak confirmed that once IOI have shared additional information about the new co-op mode, that is being introduced to theWorld of Assassination trilogy, they will then begin sharing new information around the next Hitman game.[43]
| Game | Metacritic |
|---|---|
| Hitman: Codename 47 | (PC) 73[44] |
| Hitman 2: Silent Assassin | (GC) 83[45] (PC) 87[46] (PS2) 85[47] (Xbox) 84[48] |
| Hitman: Contracts | (PC) 74[49] (PS2) 80[50] (Xbox) 78[51] |
| Hitman: Blood Money | (PC) 82[52] (PS2) 83[53] (Xbox) 81[54] (X360) 82[55] |
| Hitman: Absolution | (PC) 79[56] (PS3) 83[57] (X360) 79[58] |
| Hitman | (PC) 83[59] (PS4) 84[60] (XONE) 85[61] |
| Hitman 2 | (PC) 82[62] (PS4) 82[63] (XONE) 84[64] |
| Hitman 3 | (PC) 87[65] (PS5) 84[66] (XSX) 87[67] |
The main games in theHitman franchise have received generally positive reviews for their level design and gameplay elements. In particular the level of freedom offered to players and the unique approach to stealth gameplay. The series has received multiple awards and nominations, including severalGame of the Year awards. It has been commercially successful, selling over 15 million copies worldwide as of 2015.[68] TheWorld of Assassination trilogy reached over 50 million players as of November 2021.[69]
Hitman: Codename 47 received "mixed or average" reviews, according toreview aggregatorMetacritic. Jim Preston reviewed the PC version of the game forNext Generation, rating it three stars out of five, and calling it "A deeply flawed masterpiece that will, nonetheless, reward forgiving gamers."[70]Codename 47 received a "Silver" sales award from theEntertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),[71] indicating sales of at least 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[72] In April 2009,Square Enix revealed thatCodename 47 had surpassed half a million sales globally.[73] The game sold over 500,000 copies and received mixed reviews due to its controls and difficulty.[6]
Silent Assassin received generally positive reviews from critics, who considered it to be an improvement over its predecessor in every aspect. The game was also a commercial success, having sold more than 3.7 million copies as of 23 April 2009, which makes it the best-sellingHitman game in the original series.[74]
Contracts was met with generally positive reviews; praise was directed at the improved gameplay elements, graphics, soundtrack, darker tone and atmosphere, while criticism was reserved for the lack of significant improvements and the familiarity with the previous two games. As of April 2009, the game has sold around 2 million copies.[75]
Blood Money was a critical and commercial success, selling more than 2.1 million copies.[76] It has gained acult following and is considered by many publications and critics as one of thegreatest video games ever made.[77][78][79]
Absolution polarised reviewers and players. The game's graphics, environments, locations, and varied gameplay options were widely praised. However, many critics and many long time fans of the series disliked the game for its linear structure, as opposed to the open ended nature of previous installments. As of March 2013, the game had sold over 3.6 million copies, failing to reach predicted sales targets.[80]
2016'sHitman received positive reviews; critics praised the game's episodic release format, locations, level design, and its replayability but criticized the always-online requirement and excessive handholding. The game under-performed commercially and caused publisherSquare Enix to divest from IO Interactive in May 2017. Despite the slow start, IO Interactive announced the game had attracted seven million players as of November 2017 and more than 13 million players had played the game by May 2018.[81]Hitman was nominated for Best Action/Adventure Game atThe Game Awards 2016 and Evolving Game at the13th British Academy Games Awards.[82][83] Video game publicationGiant Bomb namedHitman theirGame of the Year in 2016.[84]
Hitman 2 was met with generally positive reviews, with most critics considering it to be an improvement over its predecessor. It debuted at tenth place in the UK's all-format sales charts.[85] In Japan, the PlayStation 4 version sold 10,162 copies within its debut week, which made it the fifth best-selling retail game of the week in the country.[86] The game was nominated for "Control Design, 3D" and "Game, Franchise Adventure" at the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards.[87]
Hitman 3 received generally favorable reviews, with most critics regarding it as the best entry in theWorld of Assassination trilogy, and some even calling it the bestHitman game to date. The game was nominated for multiple year-end awards, and won several of them, including "PC Game of the Year" at the 2021Golden Joystick Awards.Hitman 3 was also the most commercially successful of the franchise, selling 300% better thanHitman 2 and making back its development costs in only a week.[88][89]
| Game | GameRankings | Metacritic |
|---|---|---|
| Hitman Trilogy | PS2: 88%[91] | - |
| Hitman HD Enhanced Collection | PS4: 75%[94] XONE: 73%[95] | PS4: 69/100[92] XONE: 66/100[93] |
Hitman Trilogy is a boxset that was released in 2007 for PlayStation 2. It includesHitman 2: Silent Assassin,Hitman: Contracts, andHitman: Blood Money. Just like the original releases of the games, the bundle was received positively.
Hitman HD Enhanced Collection was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It includes a port ofHitman: Blood Money and an HD remaster ofHitman: Absolution. Both games were released on 4K with 60fps, has texture and lighting improvements, and introduces updated controls for a "...more fluid experience".[96] It received a mixed-positive review as noted byPlayStation Country, who gave the score a 7/10: "As a remaster,Hitman HD Enhanced Collection does deliver the best looking edition of these games to consoles. If either of these titles are missing from yourHitman collection, it's worth a look".[97]
| Game | Metacritic |
|---|---|
| Hitman Go | (iOS) 81[98] (PC) 72[99] (PS4) 77[100] (Vita) 80[101] |
| Hitman: Sniper | (iOS) 76[102] |
Following its announcement,Hitman Go was met with some skepticism from critics. However, the game received a positive reception with praise for the art, aesthetics, simple gameplay mechanics, and translation ofHitman to a mobile device. It received several nominations and awards from gaming publications and award organizations.
Hitman: Sniper was met with generally favorable reviews. Some reviewers praised the cleverness and minimalism of its puzzle design, but wanted more variety from its activity-dense scenarios.[citation needed]
A film adaptation of the game series was released in 2007. The film, titledHitman, is set in a separate continuity from the game series, directed by Xavier Gens and starringTimothy Olyphant as Agent 47. Executive producerVin Diesel was originally cast to play Agent 47 but was replaced for unknown reasons.[103] The film also starsDougray Scott,Robert Knepper,Ulrich Thomsen andMichael Offei.[104] In the film, the International Contract Agency is replaced by a similar group called the Organization, which, like the ICA, benefits from ties to various government agencies, is neutral in global matters and morality, and performs missions all over the world. Unlike the game wherein the hitmen are contracted from a range of backgrounds, the Organization instead recruits orphans and trains them from an early age.
A sequel was planned but Olyphant stated on the Nerdist podcast that he had no interest in returning for a sequel and only did the original film in order to pay for his new house following the sudden cancellation ofDeadwood.[105]
On 5 February 2013, it was reported that the film series was being rebooted with the titleHitman: Agent 47, directed byAleksander Bach. Screenwriter of the original film, Skip Woods, wrote the screenplay with Mike Finch and starringRupert Friend as 47 afterPaul Walker, who was originally cast,[106] was killed in a car crash on 30 November 2013.[107][108] The film also starsZachary Quinto,[109]Hannah Ware,[110]Thomas Kretschmann,[111]Dan Bakkedahl[112] andCiarán Hinds.[113]
In 2015,Hitman film producer Adrian Askarieh stated that he hoped to oversee a film universe withJust Cause,Hitman,Tomb Raider,Deus Ex, andThief, but admitted that he does not have the rights toTomb Raider.[114] In May 2017, the Game Central reporters atMetro UK suggested that the shared universe was unlikely, pointing out that no progress had been made on anyJust Cause,Deus Ex norThief films.[115]
In November 2017,Hulu andFox 21 Television Studios announced it would produce a television series based on the game.Derek Kolstad, Adrian Askarieh andChuck Gordon would serve as its executive producers. The pilot episode would be written by Kolstad.[116] Kolstad has stated that his adaption of Agent 47 will differ slightly from that of the vision IO has already made. Despite being announced in 2017, he does not know when the TV series will start filming.[117]
William C. Dietz wrote the first novel in theHitman book series, titledHitman: Enemy Within. It was released on August 28, 2007, and published byDel Rey Books. Set between the events ofHitman 2: Silent Assassin andHitman: Blood Money, the novel centers around Puissance Treize, an organisation rival to ICA.[citation needed]
The second novel in theHitman book series,Hitman: Damnation, was written byRaymond Benson and was published on October 30, 2012. It serves as a tie-in and prequel toHitman: Absolution.[citation needed]
IO Interactive partnered withDynamite Entertainment to createAgent 47: Birth of the Hitman, a six-issue comic book miniseries that ran from November 2017 to June 2018, and was later released as a graphic novel in 2019.[118] The series ties-in with theWorld of Assassination trilogy and depicts 47's life before the events of the games, including his upbringing at Dr. Ort-Meyer's asylum and his previous career as a brainwashed assassin for Providence alongside his best friend, Lucas Grey / Subject 6. IO Interactive had complete control over the storyline of the comic.
