Hitman III Surpasses Player Milestone

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 impressive achievement, encompassing players from the free starter pack and Xbox Game Pass (during its two-year availability), solidifies its position as potentially IO Interactive's most successful title to date.

It's important to note that World of Assassination isn't a single game, but a compilation of the latest Hitman trilogy. Following the release of Hitman 3, IO Interactive cleverly bundled the three titles into one package (while maintaining individual purchase options). This combined trilogy relaunched on PC and consoles in January 2023 and expanded to the Meta Quest 3 in September 2024.

On January 10th, IO Interactive celebrated this "monumental" milestone on Twitter, highlighting the studio's robust current business state. While specifics weren't detailed, Hitman 3 likely significantly contributed to the overall player count, given its strong sales performance in key markets like the UK, exceeding its predecessor's success.

Xbox Game Pass and the Free Starter Pack: Key Drivers of Success

The game's two-year presence on Xbox Game Pass (ending January 2024) undoubtedly played a massive role in achieving this 75-million-player milestone. Equally significant is the free starter pack offered since the 2021 release, alongside free demos for the first two trilogy entries, significantly broadening the game's reach.

Hitman Franchise on Hiatus: Future Projects Take Center Stage

While Hitman: World of Assassination continues to receive regular updates (including Elusive Targets), IO Interactive's current focus on the franchise appears limited. The studio is currently dedicated to two new projects: Project 007, a James Bond game in development since 2020, and Project Fantasy, a new IP announced in 2023, aiming to explore a fantastical setting beyond IO Interactive's established expertise.