IO Interactive General Thread - Developers of Project 007, Hitman, Freedom Fighters, Kane & Lynch (and Mini Ninjas)

[BetterFuckChuck]

The old Hitman thread is shit, out of date and is covering just the Hitman games when James Bond will get more activity so this thread we'll discuss Project 007, a new trilogy of Bond games coming out in the coming years as well as any cool new Hitman stuff like Freelancer mode. Maybe some Freedom Fighters stuff because IOI still have the rights and might do a sequel finally

007 First Light / The Bond Trilogy

IOI announced they'd be working on Bond in late to 2020 and it seems it'll be out soon now that they've announced the title

• According to Danish website DR, IO Interactive isn't just pining after a singular entry but they are aiming to build a James Bond universe.
• “We have been allowed to make our own digital Bond, which will not lean on a Bond actor," said Abrak. "We've also come up with a completely original story, and you could easily imagine that a trilogy could come out of it.”
• Several high-level job positions were listed for the game in January, including gameplay programmer, rigger, and more, indicating IOI has more than likely started production.
• "Project 007 is a brand new James Bond video game with a wholly original story," reads a tweet from the official James Bond Twitter account. "Earn your 00 status in the very first James Bond origin story, to be developed and published by IO Interactive."
• The job listing mentions that the game's AI programming will have "maps, enemies and challenges that adapt to player actions". They also mention that the game will have adventure elements and the project will be a strong stealth action-orientated game.
• Apparently Alanah Pearce has already fucked her way into being a voice actress for it

Hitman / The World of Assassination Trilogy

Hitman is a series that's been going on since 2000 with eight main installments, but the recent trilogy is what got IOI this job, with an ability to play every level within the one launcher and it's a whopper of a game. Released piecemeal from 2016-2021, as of Jan 26 2023 it's now been combined into one game known as Hitman: World of Assassination, rebranding Hitman 3 into a more generalized platform for it all

Freedom Fighters / Other

Freedom Fighters was IO's first non-Hitman IP, and is a third person squad-commanding shooter set in an alt history where the commies took over and you have to fight him. Think of it as Wolfenstein for Chuds

The game was re-released digitally on September 21, 2020, by IO Interactive for PC on Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store. They got the rights for this back from Squeenix after they went independent, but their other IPs Mini Ninjas and Kane & Lynch, stayed with Square

 

[Jewthulhu]

I really liked the Hitman Trilogy (well, the first two. Haven't gotten to the third one yet), so I guess I'm cautiously optimistic about a James Bond game from IOI. I'm a bit concerned about it being an origin story though.

I kinda hope they go for an older-style Bond, as the tone of the IO Hitman games fits well with the tone of the Connery/Moore Bond IMO, but I'm sure I'll be disappointed.

 

[xXx: State of the Union]

Yeah I liked the first two Hitman games, but I never got around to the third. The Epic shit pissed me off and by the time it was available elsewhere I figured I'd missed out on too many elusive contracts so I'm just waiting until I notice it's on sale.

Bond game will probably be good though. Just hope they don't do more Epic Games shit with it.

 

[Tom Nook's Gloryhole]

I'm still a little bitter at Hitman 3 only really having 5 maps (given that the train mission was a linear, story driven one that's worthless after a playthrough or two) but they sorta made up for it with the free Ambrose Island DLC. Also the entire 7 Deadly Sins DLC not being apart of the deluxe edition and being almost worthless on its own. Then there's the dogshit always online bullshit that can completely ruin a run if the servers decide to shit themselves and you can't even just save your progress up until there.

But overall, it's ended up a pretty good game that's well rounded and fills the Hitman niche completely. The only thing that could improve the package is more maps and the return of the electrocution phone (that was hideously overpowered but I don't fucking care, it was fun) because most of the maps and targets are pretty fun.

 

[Judge Dredd]

Freedom Fighters was great. I have a lot of nostalgia for that game. Good to see it finally getting recognition after all these years.

Alanah Pearce

Who is she? Her name comes up a lot from Cyberpunk to GamerGate, but I have no idea who she is or what she does.

 

[BetterFuckChuck]

I'm still a little bitter at Hitman 3 only really having 5 maps (given that the train mission was a linear, story driven one that's worthless after a playthrough or two) but they sorta made up for it with the free Ambrose Island DLC. Also the entire 7 Deadly Sins DLC not being apart of the deluxe edition and being almost worthless on its own. Then there's the dogshit always online bullshit that can completely ruin a run if the servers decide to shit themselves and you can't even just save your progress up until there.

But overall, it's ended up a pretty good game that's well rounded and fills the Hitman niche completely. The only thing that could improve the package is more maps and the return of the electrocution phone (that was hideously overpowered but I don't fucking care, it was fun) because most of the maps and targets are pretty fun.

yea all the weird shit with Hitman 3 was worth it because they have taken good care of it and that new mode seems boss
speaking of phone im still unironically sneeding that the molotov was nerfed

Freedom Fighters was great. I have a lot of nostalgia for that game. Good to see it finally getting recognition after all these years.


Who is she? Her name comes up a lot from Cyberpunk to GamerGate, but I have no idea who she is or what she does.

rooster teeth lady who was a former ign reviewer and current shill of everything AAA

Yeah I liked the first two Hitman games, but I never got around to the third. The Epic shit pissed me off and by the time it was available elsewhere I figured I'd missed out on too many elusive contracts so I'm just waiting until I notice it's on sale.

Bond game will probably be good though. Just hope they don't do more Epic Games shit with it.

you werent missing much in terms of elusives, the hitman 3 ones dont reward the location suits only the "complete x amount" suits. most of them were pretty decent, dubai got a good one, dartmoor got two good ones, mendoza got a good one. The other three weren't all that, the chongqing one was okay just like the map is, there was a mediocre mendoza one with a neat premise and the berlin one was the worst even tho it was on the best map. plus you can play all these in Hitman 3 at any time using the arcade mode with better rewards

 

[BetterFuckChuck]

HITMAN 3 to become ‘World of Assassination’ - IO Interactive

HITMAN 3 will become ‘HITMAN World of Assassination’, which will also include access to HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 through our existing Access Pass system. Current HITMAN 3 owners will get a free upgrade to HITMAN World of Assassination on all platforms.

www.ioi.dk

“Ever expanding, ever dangerous. It will never stop challenging you.”

In 2015, we shared our vision for the World of Assassination; an ever-expanding game that would evolve over time and be the foundation for future HITMAN games. Those were the exact words we used and a central promise to how we’ve released the three games in the 7 years that followed.

Today, we’re excited to announce some upcoming changes to how our players (both existing and new) will experience, access and purchase HITMAN 1, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3. These changes will make it easier than ever to enter and enjoy the World of Assassination – and finally allow us to realise the vision we set out to achieve.

As of 26 January 2023, the following changes are planned to come into effect.

• HITMAN 3 will become ‘HITMAN World of Assassination’, which will also include access to HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 through our existing Access Pass system. Current HITMAN 3 owners will get a free upgrade to HITMAN World of Assassination on all platforms
• We’re drastically simplifying the purchase experience for new players. HITMAN World of Assassination will be the single available option to start playing.

Essentially, these two changes will mean that all new players and existing HITMAN 3 owners will have the same base content ownership. There will be no more confusion over which edition to buy, what content you own, how to redeem Legacy packs or import locations, etc. We’re done with that.

---

THE WORLD OF ASSASSINATION​

We’re approaching these changes with a no compromises approach. We want to make absolutely sure that the experience of entering or enjoying the World of Assassination is simple and straightforward.

Let’s break it down. We’re streamlining the (many) offerings currently on the stores down to two products. These will replace existing ways to buy HITMAN 1, HITMAN 2 or HITMAN 3.

HITMAN – World of Assassination (approx. $70 USD or local equivalent)
Includes: HITMAN 3, plus H1 GOTY Access Pass and H2 Standard Access Pass.



HITMAN – World of Assassination Deluxe Pack (approx. $30 USD or local equivalent)
Includes: H3 Deluxe Pack, H3 Seven Deadly Sins Collection and H2 Expansion Access Pass.



That’s it. Those are the only two products that new players need to consider when buying any HITMAN game digitally as of January 26, 2023.

---

PLAYER-FRIENDLY FLEXIBILITY​

We want the experience for new players to be straightforward and concrete. We believe the above changes will achieve that. However, for existing players, who cover a huge matrix of different ownership combinations, we’re being a little bit more flexible – but still with a strong approach for simplicity.

The reason for this flexibility is that we know many of you own certain games or DLCs but not others, and we don’t want to force anyone to (re)buy what they already own. We think that’s a good enough reason to still have a few options – but these options won’t be front and centre for new players. The idea is to keep these details visible to those who might need them.

STEAM COMPLETE THE SET
On Steam, we are going to implement ‘complete the set’ functionality for the three DLC packs included in the HITMAN World of Assassination Deluxe Pack (H3 Deluxe Pack, H3 Seven Deadly Sins Collection and H2 Expansion Access Pass). This will mean you only pay an even split for whatever content you don’t own. For example, if you own 2 of the DLCs, you’ll only pay $10 for the remaining DLC, rather than having to pay full price for the full Deluxe Pack.

IN-GAME STORE
On other platforms, we’ve added each individual DLC from the new WoA Deluxe Pack (H3 Deluxe Pack, H3 Seven Deadly Sins Collection and H2 Expansion Access Pass) to the IN-GAME store, again priced with an even split ($10 USD each). If you own some (but not all) of that content, you’ll be able to buy whatever you’re missing – at a new and reduced price.

STOREFRONT CHANGES
An important detail that we want to be clear about amongst these changes, is that we’re removing the standalone HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 products from sale on all platforms. If you already own these games, you’ll still be able to access them in the exact same way that you do today. Of course, the majority of the content included in these games remains playable through HITMAN World of Assassination, with all of the improvements that were introduced with HITMAN 3.

On that note, and for extra clarity, HITMAN 3 will remain available in its current standalone form through the upcoming ‘HITMAN – World of Assassination’.

---

FINAL THOUGHTS​

We’re absolutely certain that these changes will have a hugely positive effect on existing players and new players alike. It will also make our lives a lot easier too, there’s no doubting that.

For many players, it will mean free content to enjoy. For others, it will mean significantly cheaper DLC prices. For new players, who probably aren’t reading this here, they’ll have a much better experience buying HITMAN games.

The changes have also been made with the Freelancer game mode in mind, where being able to easily access all locations from across the World of Assassination is paramount to maximising your enjoyment.

Between now and when these changes come into effect, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the reactions and questions that arise.

Thanks for reading and supporting us.

 

[xXx: State of the Union]

Guess I'm glad I held out on Hitman 3 as long as I did.

 

[PunishedCostanza]

Bought Hitman on a whim during the start of the pandemic since I didn't have much to do at the time. Loved it.

I would say the 2nd is easily my favorite. Just like the maps better. Third was ok.

If the James Bond game is in the same style, I'm sure it will be good. It would be cool if each level was a different era of Bond. Like the first level is Sean Connery, with the final being a Daniel Craig one.

 

[xXx: State of the Union]

It would be cool if each level was a different era of Bond. Like the first level is Sean Connery, with the final being a Daniel Craig one.

I'm pretty sure they've confirmed it's going to be their own original take on Bond complete with an original design for him.

I'd hope for different character skins for different Bond actors, but I never hold out hope for that since Goldeneye wasn't able to do it and that was in a much more wild west era of gaming.

 

[DeadwastePrime]

As of 26 January 2023, the following changes are planned to come into effect.

• HITMAN 3 will become ‘HITMAN World of Assassination’, which will also include access to HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 through our existing Access Pass system. Current HITMAN 3 owners will get a free upgrade to HITMAN World of Assassination on all platforms
• We’re drastically simplifying the purchase experience for new players. HITMAN World of Assassination will be the single available option to start playing.

Essentially, these two changes will mean that all new players and existing HITMAN 3 owners will have the same base content ownership. There will be no more confusion over which edition to buy, what content you own, how to redeem Legacy packs or import locations, etc. We’re done with that.

as god intended

 

[Miller]

• Apparently Alanah Pearce has already fucked her way into being a voice actress for it

Of course... I guess being a Twitch Thot and working for Sony's Santa Monica Studio weren't enough.

 

[Muu]

Top 3 games I play all the time, the 3rd was weakest but I just love everything about the world and sandbox. I was disappointed that the psvr was broken and missing missions so here's hoping that they remake the vr with everything included when Psvr2 come out next month.

 

[Muu]

I'm pretty sure they've confirmed it's going to be their own original take on Bond complete with an original design for him.

He's going to be black 100%

 

[xXx: State of the Union]

He's going to be black 100%

...

God Dammit

 

[Dom Cruise]

Loved Hitman up to Blood Money, loved Freedom Fighters, even loved the two Kane and Lynch games.

But Hitman Absolution left me cold with it's changes to the gameplay, though it's effort at having a deeper story was admirable and pretty good.

I've been meaning to play the rebooted* Hitman series since the first one in 2016 but have procrastinated on it, sounds like I lucked out though and this World of Assassination will be the perfect way to finally return to the world of 47.

Them even potentially making a Freedom Fighters sequel is exciting, that game didn't get enough love, though I'm disappointed they don't have the Kane and Lynch ip.

*Are these new Hitmans a new continuity or picking up where the old games left off?

 

[BetterFuckChuck]

...

God Dammit

ive thought about that but tbh EON has probably told them not to make a black bond until they do it so they dont steal their thunder

Loved Hitman up to Blood Money, loved Freedom Fighters, even loved the two Kane and Lynch games.

But Hitman Absolution left me cold with it's changes to the gameplay, though it's effort at having a deeper story was admirable and pretty good.

I've been meaning to play the rebooted* Hitman series since the first one in 2016 but have procrastinated on it, sounds like I lucked out though and this World of Assassination will be the perfect way to finally return to the world of 47.

Them even potentially making a Freedom Fighters sequel is exciting, that game didn't get enough love, though I'm disappointed they don't have the Kane and Lynch ip.

*Are these new Hitmans a new continuity or picking up where the old games left off?

its a self contained arc and a soft reboot but yea its still in the old continuity. Abso still happened, Blood Money still happened. Also buy Hitman 3 on steam rn, it's 20 dollars and since youll get the 1&2 levels for free come jan 26 it means you dont have to pay the full 70 for all three games and thus can save that money for the DLC maps which are realy good

 

[Pissmaster]

Loved Hitman up to Blood Money, loved Freedom Fighters, even loved the two Kane and Lynch games.

But Hitman Absolution left me cold with it's changes to the gameplay, though it's effort at having a deeper story was admirable and pretty good.

I've been meaning to play the rebooted* Hitman series since the first one in 2016 but have procrastinated on it, sounds like I lucked out though and this World of Assassination will be the perfect way to finally return to the world of 47.

Them even potentially making a Freedom Fighters sequel is exciting, that game didn't get enough love, though I'm disappointed they don't have the Kane and Lynch ip.

*Are these new Hitmans a new continuity or picking up where the old games left off?

You're in for a treat. Hitman is the only good western AAA series left. The WoA trilogy released from 2016-2021, and somehow managed to avoid being woke. The maps are enormous, and you're about to have 21 of them just dropped right in your lap. Have a great time.

 

[Ser Prize]

I failed the Badboy elusive target and am ashamed.

 

[BetterFuckChuck]

You're in for a treat. Hitman is the only good western AAA series left. The WoA trilogy released from 2016-2021, and somehow managed to avoid being woke. The maps are enormous, and you're about to have 21 of them just dropped right in your lap. Have a great time.

the writers are clearly lefty but theres a bunch of chad centrist stuff in these games. they clearly 'get' it to a certain extent. for example Fabian Mann in the New York level is like a parody of a twitter person. "Wake up squad, you need to be slaying it!"
-
There was also a character they cut from Haven who was like an anti-capitalist blogger who get cancelled and her lines would've been: “But that’s just it! My problem is that people are so holy with their political correctness these days. When i started my internet page, i went after the rich bourgeois idiots, who thought they can get away with murder. I saw myself as Robin Hood, but who turn against me? My own generation. I mean, where’s the punk-rock gone?! Where is the rock’n roll?! I actually remember, when it was us, who could be politically incorrect, because it was a statement, shock value, provocation - you name it!

We knew what we were saying wasn’t right, but we wanted to create a debate. Now, because i did this thing, I’m on this island running like a scarred little kitty cat, simply because i said something in jest, that everyone thought i actually meant! That is disgusting! Ugh, the young people these days are fucking holier than thou, hypocritical fascists!”

I think the character was cut to avoid the game getting cancelled lol
-
Theres also a line where someone says "I heard Ken Morgan was assassinated" and someone says "thats an alt-right conspiracy". The targets for the most part are rich assholes or rightoid leaning but they understand that libs have their flaws too and try to write layered villains. Hitman fans say Don Yates is like Trump and Alexa Carlisle is like Thatcher but they make those characters legitimately charismatic and with sympathetic qualities. Compare that to the shallow evil of a Dishonored villain as an example