An IO Interactive representative has issued a statement to Develop, confirming that cancellations of studio projects and staff cuts have come as a result of the studio shifting focus entirely to “a new triple-A Hitman project”.
“We are making significant changes at IO Interactive as we align our business against a changing and challenging market,” the statement read, in part. The representative also confirmed that Hannes Seirfert, formerly the studio’s Production Director for 3 years, will take over the position of Studio Head. “The studio will focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise and is in pre-production on a new triple-A Hitman project.”
“However we have taken the difficult decision to cancel other studio projects and initiatives at IO and reduce the workforce in this studio, which will impact almost half of the employees currently at IO, as we make internal adjustments to face the challenges of today’s market”, the statement continued.
“For those affected, we are extremely grateful for the hard work which they have contributed, and where it’s possible and appropriate to relocate staff to open positions at other studios within the group, we will try to do so. We are also reaching out to other companies for outplacement opportunities. We sincerely wish them well in their future careers.”
(via CVG)