Hitman Season 2 In Trouble Due To Square Enix Divestment In IO Interactive

There’s no doubt that the most recent iteration of the Hitman series is one of the most well-received installments in the franchise. IO Interactive’s decision to break the game into several episodes and seasons is groundbreaking. Combined with the smooth mechanics and freedom in carrying out assassinations, fans are absolutely enamored with the game. Unfortunately, it’s currently in big trouble.

Season 2 for Hitman is still in development, but it might not come courtesy of the decision by Square Enix to get rid of the studio responsible for the hit game, Gamespot reports. In a recently released statement to its investors, Square noted how it lost $42 million during the previous financial year, which was counted up until March 31, 2017.

As a result of these losses, the publisher decided that it would be best to narrow its approach. This would largely involve changing its focus on which franchises and studios will be receiving support.

"To maximize player satisfaction as well as market potential going forward, we are focusing our resources and energies on key franchises and studios," the statement reads. "As a result, the company has regrettably decided to withdraw from the business of [IO Interactive], 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 for how this would affect the next season for the critically-acclaimed Hitman series, IO said that it will continue to work on the game in the meantime, Gamasutra reports. The studio promised to release an update on any developments at some point down the road.