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 downloaded the free starter pack and those who accessed the game via Xbox Game Pass 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 retaining the option for individual purchases. 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 exceptional strength of their current business model. While specific sales figures weren't disclosed, it's likely Hitman 3 significantly contributed to the overall player count, given its strong performance in key markets like the UK and its rapid return on investment.
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) played a crucial role in achieving this milestone. Equally significant is the free starter pack offered since the game's 2021 launch, along with free demos for the first two trilogy entries, which broadened the game's reach.
Hitman Franchise on Hiatus, New Projects on the Horizon
While Hitman: World of Assassination continues to receive regular content updates (including elusive targets), IO Interactive is currently focusing on other projects. The studio is actively developing Project 007, a James Bond game in development since 2020, and Project Fantasy, a new IP announced in 2023 that explores a fantastical setting. This signifies IO Interactive's ambition to expand beyond its established franchise.
