Hitman developer IO Interactive has revealed to Eurogamer that the studio is laying off half of its staff in response to cancellations across many of its titles outside of the Hitman series. The cuts come as IO shift their focus to the "future vision for the Hitman franchise."

Square Enix VP of corporate communications Chris Glover has revealed in a statement obtained by Eurogamer that the "studio will focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise and is in pre-production on a new AAA Hitman project." Internal adjustments to the company has resulted in "almost half of the employees currently at IO" being reduced, however Square Enix are trying to relocate as much staff as possible to other studios inside the publisher.

"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."

AusGamers wishes those that have been affected by the layoffs at IO Interactive the best of luck in finding new employment soon.

I hated hitman absolution. They changed the mechanics too much. The points system was terrible where you lose points for killing. The maps weren't as big and open and the concept of doing a mission your own way was really scaled down.