Earlier this month we reported that Square Enix was cutting ties with Hitman developers IO Interactive, with the publisher currently looking to sell the studio. Since that time word has dropped that IO Interactive has laid off staff, you know, to keep the lights on and so forth. A definite blow to the industry, and PC gaming as a whole -- as IO Interactive has been creating great Hitman games since the days we fired them up to take a break from Y2K fallout.

So what does that mean for Hitman? Well, for starters the planned three seasons for last years excellent episodic approach to the series is probably off the table. But in a recent financial report it sounds like Square Enix are looking to keep the series alive. Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda had the following to say,

“Because the firm is engaged in the development of Hitman and other renowned titles, we are negotiating with prospective external investors capable of ensuring that these titles carry on.”

Vague sure, but also telling in that there's a good chance that when the next Hitman project surfaces it could very well come from a different studio entirely.