Today, IO Interactive announced that it is rebranding HITMAN 3 to HITMAN World of Assassination and is bringing together all three recent HITMAN titles into one package. In the official blog post, IO Interactive said “In 2015, we shared our vision for the World of Assassination; an ever-expanding game that would evolve over time and be the foundation for future HITMAN games. Those were the exact words we used and a central promise to how we’ve released the three games in the 7 years that followed. Today, we’re excited to announce some upcoming changes to how our players (both existing and new) will experience, access and purchase HITMAN 1, HITMAN 2, and HITMAN 3. These changes will make it easier than ever to enter and enjoy the World of Assassination – and finally allow us to realize the vision we set out to achieve.” The rebrand and subsequent changes are set to take place later this month on January 26.
HITMAN World of Assassination includes access to HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 3 through the existing Access Pass system. Current HITMAN 3 owners will get a free upgrade to HITMAN World of Assassination on all platforms. Going forward, the purchase experience is also be simplified for new players. HITMAN World of Assassination will be the single available option to start playing.
“Essentially, these two changes will mean that all new players and existing HITMAN 3 owners will have the same base content ownership,” IO Interactive said. “There will be no more confusion over which edition to buy, what content you own, how to redeem Legacy packs or import locations, etc. We’re done with that. We’re approaching these changes with a no compromises approach. We want to make absolutely sure that the experience of entering or enjoying the World of Assassination is simple and straightforward.”
IO Interactive is streamlining the offerings of HITMAN done to two options. HITMAN World of Assassination will cost $70 and includes HITMAN 3, plus HITMAN 1 GOTY Access Pass and HITMAN 2 Standard Access Pass. HITMAN World of Assassination Deluxe Pack will cost $30 and includes HITMAN 3 Deluxe Pack, Hitman 3 Deadly Sins Collection and HITMAN 2 Expansion Access Pass.
“We want the experience for new players to be straightforward and concrete. We believe the above changes will achieve that,” IO Interactive said. “However, for existing players, who cover a huge matrix of different ownership combinations, we’re being a little bit more flexible – but still with a strong approach for simplicity.”
Owners of the game on Steam can ‘complete the set’ for the three DLC packs included in the HITMAN World of Assassination Deluxe Pack. By utilizing the Steam ‘complete the set’ feature, customers will only pay an even split for whatever content you don’t own. On other platforms, individual DLC packs from the World of Assassination Deluxe Pack will be available to purchase for $10 each.
The standalone editions of HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 will no longer be available for purchase on all platforms. Those who already own them will still be able to access them in the exact same way you do today. IO Interactive notes, “Of course, the majority of the content included in these games remains playable through HITMAN World of Assassination, with all of the improvements that were introduced with HITMAN 3.” HITMAN 3 will remain available in its current standalone state through the upcoming HITMAN World of Assassination.