Square Enix to Sell Hitman Developer IO Interactive

Square Enix is the definition of a company that shoots too high and has no idea what to do when it falls short of its own enormous goals. Over the past few years, it’s expressed nothing but disappointment in their games, even as Deus Ex, Final Fantasy, and Tomb Raider sells record numbers of games and earns heaps of praise from fans and critics alike.

And right now, it seems Square Enix is blaming most of that loss on Io Interactive, the developers behind the (again) critically praised Hitman reboot, and are actually looking to sell the company so they can re-focus their efforts on their upcoming Marvel projects.

The notice reads:

"To maximize player satisfaction as well as market potential going forward, we are focusing our resources and energies on key franchises and studios. As a result, the Company has regrettably decided to withdraw from the business of IO INTERACTIVE A/S, a wholly‐owned subsidiary and a Danish corporation, as of March 31, 2017."

While Square Enix reports it’s currently in talks with investors who might be interested in taking IO Interactive off their hands, they made it clear that they would, if push came to shove, choose to do what was best for the company and its shareholders, meaning that a total shutdown of the studio seems likely if a buyer isn’t found.

As far as IO Interactive is concerned, however, they’re keeping their thoughts to themselves. Over Twitter, they responded to fans by simply stating:

“Thanks for tweeting us. There's a lot going on right now and we'll have more to say at a later point. For now, back to making games.”

Feel the tension rising, right? IO Interactive is a talented studio who deserves better than this, so hopefully, an investor is found. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.