Square Enix has told its investors their intention to sell IO Interactive, the developer behind the Hitman franchise. Square has cited a loss of 4,898 million Yen (or $42 million USD), for the financial year ending in March 31, 2017. Square will instead shift their focus on their own franchises and studios as they look to sell IO Interactive. The statement to its investors reads:
To maximize player satisfaction as well as market potential going forward, we are focusing our
resources and energies on key franchises and studios. As a result, the Company has regrettably
decided to withdraw from the business of IO INTERACTIVE A/S, a wholly‐owned subsidiary and a
Danish corporation, as of March 31, 2017. This decision has resulted in booking of the
extraordinary loss amounting to 4,898 million yen, including disposition of the content
production account related to the business and impairment loss of intangible assets, in the
financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.
As a result of this the Company started discussions with potential new investors and is
currently in negotiations to secure this investment. Whilst there can be no guarantees that the
negotiations will be concluded successfully, they are being explored since this is in the best
interests of our shareholders, the studio and the industry as a whole.
With Square Enix cutting ties with IO Interactive, this leaves the future of Hitman, more notably the second season of the most recent game in the air. However, according to German website Gamestar, IO Interactive will retain the rights to the Hitman franchise and may release the second season of Hitman some time in 2018.
What do you think gamers? What do you think is in store for the developers and the publisher? Let us know in the comment section below and stay right here to New Gamer Nation as your source for all things gaming.