IO Interactive Hit With Layoffs

Two weeks ago, we heard down the grapevine that Square Enix intended to find a buyer for Hitman developer IO Interactive. We also heard of their plans to simply drop the developer if a buyer wasn't to be found. At the time, IO Interactive took a very relaxed, chilled approach to the news, simply saying they were aware and still hard at work regardless of their company situation.

But they couldn’t stay that mellow for long, and the first effects of the news have just surfaced via a Twitter post, where IO Interactive announced that they’ve been forced to reduce the size of their team in anticipation for what’s to come.

"Today at IOI, we had to make some changes to our studio, which will allow us to be better equipped for our future adventures. We're sad that great talent and good friends will be leaving the studio. We are doing everything possible to look after everyone affected. Thank you for your support and understanding."

A sad, but optimistic note. Of course, it’s always upsetting when people have to get laid off, but on the bright side, they do suggest that even in the face of these current troubled waters, the company itself isn’t going anywhere. Empty sentiment, or a promise to the fans that they’ll find some way to stay in business? Of course, I’d prefer the latter, but there’s still so much we don’t know about this whole deal or if there are any interested parties, so right now it can only really be a hope.

But I’m sure Hitman will survive in some form or another. It’s too big an IP to simply drop off the face of the earth, after all. Maybe it could become a movie franchise?

…I mean, after how badly the last one did, only one way to go, right?