The adventures of Agent 47, the barcode assassin, have become one of the most recognizable and long-standing series in the gaming world. The IO Interactive team feels a justifiable pride looking back on the past 25 years. While many popular game series, such as Deus Ex or SSX, which launched in 2000, have faded into obscurity, Hitman has not only survived but has also transformed into a constantly evolving and changing world. Speaking at a special event organized by IO Interactive before The Game Awards 2025, the developers expressed their satisfaction with the studio’s current position and the game’s longevity.
Hitman pushes boundaries on its 25th anniversary: Eminem, Milla Jovovich, and Co-op mode
Senior game designer Eskil Mohl describes the studio’s current era as “at the top of the world.” Jen Simpkins from the writing team emphasizes that the studio is still open to new ideas and is in a period where they can be more creative than ever. This creative energy is clearly reflected in the ever-expanding Hitman: World of Assassination platform. This platform hosts massive collaborations and diverse content without losing the game’s identity.
One of the most notable examples of this expansion was the event that brought rap legend Eminem and his alter ego Slim Shady into the Hitman universe. The “Eminem vs. Slim Shady” event surprisingly fit the tone of the series. The developers stated that even they were surprised to hear Eminem’s voice in the game. This collaboration, which included both humor and dark moments, achieved great success thanks to the tonal similarity between the brands and was met with great interest from players.
The series wasn’t limited to Eminem; Bruce Lee and Mads Mikkelsen, in his role as Le Chiffre in Casino Royale, were also included in this universe. The Mads Mikkelsen collaboration, in particular, served as an important bridge between Hitman and IO Interactive’s new James Bond game, 007 First Light. The actor’s immediate immersion in the character during recording sessions impressed the developers, and this content also provided players with special bonuses that could be carried over to the new Bond game.
The latest addition to the list of famous names is action movie star Milla Jovovich. Jovovich will portray the character Lilith Devereux in “Patient Zero: Requiem,” set to be released in February of next year. The development team believes Jovovich will perfectly fit the series’ serious yet fun nature. Such additions constantly add new angles to the game’s mechanics and storytelling, offering players diverse experiences.
One of the most radical changes in the series’ future is the co-op mode, which players have been persistently requesting for years. While all the details haven’t been revealed yet, testing has been surprisingly positive for the team. Eskil Mohl states that the co-op mode offers a much more enjoyable experience than they expected. This new mode aims to allow players to interact not only with AI but also with each other, creating their own chaos and stories.
IO Interactive continues to deepen and expand the world of Agent 47 while simultaneously stepping into the Bond universe. So, what do you think about the Hitman series’ collaborations with these famous names and the upcoming co-op mode?
