By Sagar V. Mankar 
IO Interactive has announced that its flagship stealth game series, Hitman: World of Assassination, has reached an impressive 75 million players worldwide. This milestone likely makes it the most successful game in the franchise’s history.
Technically, Hitman: World of Assassination isn’t a standalone game but a collection of the latest three titles in the Hitman trilogy. IO Interactive combined Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021) into a single package, allowing players to purchase the bundle as a whole or in parts. The trilogy was relaunched in January 2023 for PC and consoles and expanded to VR with a release on Meta Quest 3 in September 2024.
Factors Driving the Player Count
The impressive player count can be attributed to several smart business strategies. The game’s two-year presence on Xbox Game Pass, which concluded in January 2024, played a crucial role in expanding its player base. Additionally, IO Interactive’s decision to offer a Free Starter Pack since the game’s original 2021 release has helped introduce new players to Agent 47’s world of creative assassinations.
Record Player Engagement
According to the developer, in December 2024 alone, the game recorded over one million active players, with fans continuing to explore Agent 47’s missions and challenges. That same month, the game introduced an exciting new elusive target—Jean-Claude Van Damme, adding an extra layer of difficulty. Reports show that only 40% of players managed to complete this mission, with some spending as much as seven hours trying to succeed.
Continued Updates and a Dedicated Community
Despite being over two years since its relaunch, Hitman: World of Assassination continues to receive regular updates. IO Interactive has introduced new content such as locations, contracts, and seasonal events, ensuring the game remains fresh and engaging for its dedicated community.
What’s Next for IO Interactive?
While the Hitman series is receiving minor content updates, IO Interactive is currently focused on other projects. The studio is developing Project 007, a James Bond game, and Project Fantasy, a new IP set in a fantastical world. Both projects reflect the studio’s ambition to diversify beyond the Hitman franchise.