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 achievement solidifies its position as potentially the studio's most successful title to date. The impressive player count includes those who accessed the game through the free Starter Pack and the Xbox Game Pass subscription (during its two-year availability).
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 strategically bundled the three titles into one package, while maintaining the option for individual purchases. This combined edition launched on PC and consoles in January 2023, and later arrived on 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 standing. While specific contribution breakdowns weren't provided, Hitman 3 is likely a significant factor, given its strong sales performance in key markets like the UK, outpacing its predecessor.
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) significantly boosted player numbers. Equally impactful is the readily available Free Starter Pack, introduced in 2021. Free demos for the first two trilogy entries further expanded the game's reach.
Hitman Franchise on Hiatus, New Projects Underway
While Hitman: World of Assassination continues to receive content updates (including Elusive Targets), IO Interactive's current focus lies elsewhere. The studio is actively developing two new projects: Project 007, a James Bond game in development since 2020, and Project Fantasy, a new IP announced in 2023, venturing into a fantastical setting. This indicates a temporary pause in major Hitman franchise development.
