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Publisher and developer Square Enix, known for franchises like Final Fantasy, has today announced it’s cutting ties with IO Interactive. IO is the developer behind the Hitman series.Â
Square Enix Europe acquired IO in 2009, when it bought Eidos Interactive (Eidos itself acquired IO in 2003).
In the notice linked above, Square said ‘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’.
Square Enix is currently looking for new investors, but says ‘there can be no guarantees that the negotiations will be concluded successfully’.Â
If IO isn’t picked up there’s a chance that this is the end of Hitman, which would be a shame. Despite the slightly confusing episodic release schedule, the last Hitman game was something of a critical darling.
This move comes on the same day that Square Enix announced a profitable year.
VideoGamer wishes IO Interactive all the best.
