Hitman V likely a year into development at IO Interactive

The Hitman series may be in hiding for over three years now, with the 2007 film being the only time the franchise has chose to rear its head recently. However, due to a profile update by a LinkedIn member it seems both IO Interactive and Eidos are still slaving away on the franchise – albeit silently.

According to the update, a staff member at IO has been working as a level designer on Hitman V from “May 2008 — Present.” Going into more detail, it is stated the staff member worked on the following:

• Produce detailed level designs and gameplay descriptions from pitch or high-level design
• Design and create game levels from initial prototype state to final playable state
• Set up gameplay elements (enemies, allies, scripted events, music etc.)
• Test and tweak gameplay, difficulty, balance and pace in levels
• Balance aesthetics and game play elements to create optimum game experiences
• Design core elements of the game as needed

If the listing is to be believed, and has correct, up-to-date info, then IO started work on Hitman V soon after they finished Kane & Lynch: Dead Men in late 2007. Furthermore, they could be working on the game alongside the recently announced Mini Ninjas.

Since Hitman: Blood Money was released in 2006, many veterans at IO who worked on the series have left to form a new studio called Reto-Moto. One of the biggest names to leave was Hitman series director Jacob Andersen.

With such a big shake-up happening, and with many new faces at IO as a result, there is a chance Hitman could be taking a new direction with this effort.